Finally getting back to it.

[Crandale]

So I had the C25k app on my phone for a good year. I set it up when I first dowloaded the app. Michael Johnson was going to be my coach. I like his voice you see and I can realistically imagine him right there next to me. Then I talked myself out of it; my son is too young; work is too busy - especially with my new promotion; it doesn't fit in with my son's after school activities etc. My only saving grace at this point was I kept the app on my phone. Fast foward to new years day and I was watching the christmas day video I made of my son opening his christmas presents and in the midst of all his excitement I can hear heavy breathing - almost like a pant. I realised then that the heavy breathing was me! I was out of breath and the only thing I've done thus far ( this is early morning) was taking the stairs down to the Kitchen and walked to the living room. I couldn't ignore it anymore so I decide that my new year resolution was to lose at least 2stone before my 28th - oops sorry, I meant my 38th birthday. No sooner had I made that resolution all the excuses started swirling around in my head and they all said in unison "that's an unrealistic goal! ...and here's why". To drown them out I watched the video again. The heavy breathing was worse than before. I then downloaded the beachbody app to my amazon firestick TV and tried to sign up only to find out I already had an account (another of my many attempts to get fit). Again I can hear that voice saying "why you wasting money you don't have woman" - fine! I thought I'll just do the 14days trial period to begin with. now I'm having a full blown conversation with myself. I went out and got myself a Yoga mat and new running shoes (yeah I thought that was odd as well. why would I need running shoes?!). 0n the 4th January I told my friend I was going to do the C25k programme. It was my excuse for declining her gym buddy idea again - she's so extreme! I was scrolling through my phone when i saw the app. But this was a well thought through 'no thank you'. I was going to start it on Saturday 7th and going forward I'ld go it every saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. This actually fitted in with my daily schedule perfectly! of course Saturday afternoon she asked if I started running but I was waiting for her, I proudly declared that I did at 6:45am. I'm also happy to report that I've done it again this morning (7th Jan '18) and looking forward to Wednesday. Hmmmm I can't do Wednesday just remembered I'm at work that day! Thursday it is then.😁

[ClarkeyCat Graduate]

Good on you!! Taking that first step is the hardest bit, this programme is brilliant and you'll be amazed what you can achieve if you trust it. Enjoy the new you!

[Crandale in reply to ClarkeyCat]

I think I've already amazed myself by not giving up. the first run was pretty tough. the roads were a bit icy from the frost but I didn't let the weather discourage me yesterday or this morning. Thank you. 😊

[ClarkeyCat Graduate in reply to Crandale]

I hated week 1. It was HARD. I was convinced I would never, ever be able to run for longer than 60 seconds. I was oh so wrong.

Get this week over with and you'll start to realise a lot of it is about fighting the doubt in your head and pushing on when you feel like you can't - that's when you learn that you actually CAN.

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Congratulations on starting!👍 the gremlins in your head... you MUSTN’T let them win!

I bet if you keep coming back here and feeding off everyone else’s positivity, you’ll soon have a different mindset!

One of the lovely mentors on here will give you links to some invaluable info... do read it.

But one thing I would say:.... all the advice is that you must not run on consecutive days... these are the days that your muscles heal and get stronger so that you can continue on this amazing journey you’ve started.... otherwise, you could get injured and not be able to run, and then the gremlins will have won... because you’ll feel you’ve failed?!

Others on here will be able to word it better than I, but just a huge well done from me! I really do believe that (mentally, if you’re not used to exercise) that first run is the most challenging... run slow, and happy running 🏃‍♀️

Liz x

[Crandale in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

Thank you Liz! I think vanity played a big part in my routine. I didn't want a lot of people seeing me struggling to run 🙈and saturday sunday and Wednesday are my free mornings. I will change it as i get better at it ☺

[GingerBohemian Graduate]

Never mind the other people. Are you doing this for you or for them?

And those people will be looking at you and either thinking 'good for you girl!' or may even be looking at you as an inspiration for them to get out there and do it.

But....and there is always a but....it is EXTREMELY important that you are not doing consecutive days. Your legs are not used to the running and this needs to build up over time. By doing Saturday AND Sunday this can do more damage than good in the long run.

If these are the only days you have free then run Sunday and Wednesday and on Saturday go for a long walk or swimming or something but do not go running.

Keep at it. And keep coming in here to let us know how you are getting on. We have all been where you are now.

[Crandale in reply to GingerBohemian]

Thank you. It started with vanity but the early mornings are the best time for me and those are the only days I can do it on. I like the early morning as there are less people on the road, less cars on the road and I'm more energised at the end of it. It actually boost my day- my son woke up to the smell of homemade pancakes this morning! I made them. I will take your advise a probably just do a brisk walk on the Saturday. ☺

[TJMazz Graduate]

Well done for getting out there. In September when I started I was going out at 5.30am in the dark so nobody could see me run. Now, I’m running in daylight and taking lots of new routes which I couldn’t do in the dark. My confidence has grown and I love to run. Keep on following the programme and you will increase in confidence and ability. Go for it. Enjoy the rest of the programme 🙌🏻🙋🏻😀

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Well done on starting - for many that is the biggest step! Lillybeth30mins is right about running on consecutive days though - you don't want to risk injury so soon. Rest days are important for recovery and muscle repair. Keep posting and sharing your journey here - a great place for advice and encouragement! Happy running!🙂