The good and the bad

[Ianson]

The good news? Well, I've dropped a dress (and bra) size since I started doing this programme without doing anything else - and I had it to lose! No significant change in diet although I do feel less inclined to gorge on snacks - a psychological thing, I think, after the effort I put into running. My body looks more toned and slimmer. I don't weigh myself - just know what I look like. I didn't set out to lose weight - I just want to be healthier and fitter as I approach my 60s so that I can be confident that I can look after my young one for many years to come. Still, not gonna lie, the weight loss is a lovely boost. I feel better in myself generally. I graduated about 3 weeks ago and have stuck to a regime of running every other day, trying to consolidate the 30 mins. In fact, I push it to 32 mins as my own post-graduation challenge.

The bad news? Blimey, it's hard! 2 mins in every time and it's "I can't do this". Then I remember advice here - first 10 minutes is tough and the time it takes to remind my body "Oh, we're doing that are we?" - then I get through it. Hoping it gets easier, though......

[misswobble Graduate]

Sounds like you're doing fine

Well worth carrying on. As you run gradually further you'll get stronger and it does get easier. Must go steady 😃

[Ianson Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Hope so! I've been taking 'rest day' a bit too literally so back to Strength and Flexibility for me.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

You are doing great! Yes those first ten minutes are a blooming pain but its good to recognise and plough through it.

Keep going, anytime now you will suddenly find a stamina increase...... you can do this!

[Ianson Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Stamina increase..... Really like the sound of that! Thank you - onwards and upwards!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Steady and slow.. you are doing fine...you get stronger with every single run:}

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Well yes, it does get easier with practice. But then again, as it gets easier, you run a little faster. So then it feels hard again

Happy running.

[Irish-John Graduate]

It definitely gets to the catagory of "Hurts so good"

The first twelve minutes for me is always an exercise in sheer disbelief that I am actually not only running but probably going to do so continuously for 5-10 K!!!

I've never enjoyed anything like I am this running lark but OMG those first 12 minutes every time literally feel like I am entering the Twilight Zone

[Ianson Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Twilight Zone - good description!

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Ianson]

Thank you

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Yay you have this one covered well done l love a plan🏃‍♀️👍

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

You sound like you are doing great to me! But patience is the key with running. Some great thoughts on this from others already, but, it does take time to build up fitness and we have to always be kind and patient with ourselves. I just completed C25K too, and going to keep it slow and steady - and consolidate with regular runs. Just think, it wasn't that long ago we were on the couch and not running at all! We have transformed our lives! 😘

[Ianson Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

'Kind and patient' - a good rule for life!