First run in 18 years, I start C25K. I hadn’t yet found this lovely forum, just downloaded the podcast. In my mid-forties, no longer able to rely on my youth to stay fit, fed up with a lack of energy and battling mild depression.
Outfit: yoga pants, inherited running shoes from sister, ordinary socks, not-very-supportive crop top bra, old Star Wars t-shirt. What a get up! Yoga pants kept falling down, shoes a bit pinchy and ouch! Are those blisters developing on my heels from not wearing proper socks?! Yes, yes they are. 🙁
The run: week 1, Run 1. Out of breath within 20 seconds, longest 1 minute of my life, will it ever bloody end?! Gasping for breath throughout walk break, then it’s run again eeeeeek. Having to run with one hand holding up yoga pants is not fun.
Outcome: well, I finished the first run but it wasn’t pretty. Bleeding blisters on heels. The next day, aching in legs like I had run a marathon. Dreading my next run...
6 months later...
10th March 2018, 7:30am
Woke up with a spring in my step as I had planned to test myself on some gentle inclines into the woods today. Planning a 5k, maybe more. Put on my trusty ASICS, bought as a pre-graduation present after gait analysis, strapped myself into a very technical looking sports bra, lovely new running socks and my favourite Nike Just Do It! T-shirt. (Other t-shirts are available). Ready to run!
The run: across fields, through woods, splashing through muddy puddles with music blasting in my ears. Kept a good steady pace of 1km every 6.35 minutes, breathing was fine, legs strong. Felt good running through the woods, with startled squirrels leaping across my path and the sounds of woodpeckers. Felt energetic, so kept it up until I got to 6k - the longest I’ve run to date! Brisk 5 min cool down walk was welcome.
The outcome: glowing. I have lost 4Ib in weight and my waist is much tighter (I wasn’t out to lose weight, but that 4Ib was nice to lose). Generally cheerier, more energy and far less prone to the blues. Looking forward to my next run!
See the difference in 6 months? That’s pretty quick payback, eh? You all stick with it, okay?! You are doing something very special for yourself.
Sadie-runs x
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😂😂😂 I just didn’t want to commit to proper clothes until I knew the running would stick. Now I am dribbling over websites looking for my spring/summer running gear. But most of all, excited about running in warmer, sunnier weather and upping my distance...Happy running to you too, Deb. 😘
What a great story! Loved it! My first run was at 70. 70! Yes, you all can do it! I'm starting up again after shoveling snow all winter. Happy running, Everyone!
What an inspiration you are - I thought I was late starting at 58 & but have realised there are many of us here a little beyond the springtime of youth! 😃
Hi Sadie, great post thanks. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at your account of your first run - both I think, - oh ouchy re the blisters and laughed about the rest.
Thank you for taking me on yesterday's run with you, I thoroughly enjoyed it! What a wonderful life transformation running offers us! I will be back out there as soon as I sensibly can. 😄
Looking back I cannot believe how stupid I was running without proper socks. My heels were pulvarized and I had to wait three days to do the 2nd run!
Elfe, I do hope you are up and at ‘em soon. But good to be sensible. You will soon get back into it - I had 6 weeks off after Xmas cos of hamstring disaster, and I had to learn patience!
Aw, thank you dear Tbae. I am just hoping to be able to give something back. I had SO much support from this forum this last 6 months, and I know how vital that is when you start running.
We all have techie fails! I use an app to track my distances and times, but on my graduation run failed to turn it on, so had no idea of how far I had managed! Ah well.
What a great post! So encouraging! Well done you! And in losing weight. I graduated 🎓 today. Didn't lose any weight, but wasn't trying to, but thought I might have. Anyway, here's to an exciting running 🏃 future.
4Ib in 6 months is not a lot to shout about, but I must say everything has got firmer! The 4Ib actually came off after graduation..
Congratulations again on your graduation! Now you can truly settle in to running, consolidate by running 30 minutes 3 x a week and see your fitness continue to grow! Happy running. xxx
Your description of the first ever run is totally, totally correct. I thought I was dying, only 60 seconds, but oh my god what a tiresome 1 minute that was, haha.
You've done so well and your recent run just goes to show it. I would like to thank you for your comments on my runs and send you a virtual {{ hug }} 😘 and to others too, thank god I found you all it was meant to be for all of us. Great stuff lovely xxx
Thank you, dearest Beth! It has been a slow and steady journey (with a few injuries on the way), but so rewarding. 😀 Hope that all is well with you and your running. xxx
Oh myovely, I have not run for 3 weeks, well since my last post, lol, I can't remember much these days since being a new mum to 2 lively pups 🤣🤣 Seriously, I don't know if I'm coming or going. Hard work when they're together and because of size difference too, it's relentless mouthing and then one gets bitten. But we had a trainer here last week, had him when my last dog ozzy was little. So it's a case of consistency and being firm. He is a marvellous trainer though, so we will see how we get on. I was nearly suicidal, crying etc, silly really though.
Planned to run today, but cooked dinner and caught up on washing, walked the dogs and just showered and sitting down lol, so next weekend will be my next chance. 🙄
Look forward to seeing more of your running, you have given me inspiration today after reading your post xxx
Thank you I think I hit the lowest day today, so it can be only better Although it means no run tomorrow as well, but I am happy to read about all your runs
What a great helpful post. We all struggled immensely in those first few runs but it is amazing how quickly our legs become stronger, our lungs open up as we take deeper breaths instead of panting and realize we CAN do this! It is nice for our new members to know they are not alone in their struggles.
Brilliant stuff my dear! It all sounds very similar to me!! Except that I do still need to shift some weight and you are a speedy gonzales compared to me But it's been such a life changing thing that me and my daughter are going to sign up to the gym to a) support my running and b) lose weight. I NEVER would have done that either (well, still haven't..... but I will... gulp) if it wasn't for running.
Such a great post for new starters to take comfort that it does get easier, it is manageable and we can all do it! xx P.s. got your bling yet? It's very flash!
Darling FPF! Thank you. I cannot quite believe the difference between week 1 and how I run now. Baffled. But happy. Wish I had taken control of my fitness sooner, but better late than never, eh?
I think the gym is a grand idea. Strength training is all the rage these days, you are going to get super buff! 🏋️♂️
Yes, my first piece of bling arrived yesterday! Super shiny tarsus-tastic!
Haha! I don't think I'll ever be super buff! But it feels great to be doing something for ourselves doesn't it? Keep up the excellent work young Sadie lass xx
Brilliant post and can relate so well! Also the penny has dropped after you said you ran at a pace of 1km every 6.35 mins... so that’s what the pace number means ...my pace is currently around 8:04 so it would take me 8.04 mins to run 1km. Thank you for that 😁 I had no idea what that number meant 🙄
My pace has increased very gradually over the last two months...and I do run slower some days, just depends how I feel. It’s all about finding your happy pace, one you can sustain! (Took me ages to work out the pace thing, maths never my strong point!)
I do so hope there is youtube footage of that first run!
I have a similar story . However my weight hasnt changed much but my waist is 3 inches smaller, and I’ve stopped snoring. I assume I’ve increased muscle mass for fat.
I do so hope not! I was a hot mess with a pained expression on my face!
Defo increased muscle mass! I now have very firm legs and butt! Happy to just be toning up my previously wobbly bits and bobs. 😀 Sod the scales! It’s all about being strong and fit, right? 💪
Thank you, Iagatachocolate. (Intriguing name!) If it gives just one person hope and encouragement at a time of need I will be pleased. I remember how posts like this from post-grads used to really spur me on!
What a motivational post Sadie and I really hope I can report back so positively in 6mths time 😁
I was smilingly reading your run 1 wk1 as I can remember feeling exactly the same, although not holding up my yoga pants 😂 tomorrow will be Wk7 R2 for me and although I still have those demons whispering in my ear “you can’t do this” “ you need to stop now” I’m finding 5mins in I’m starting to shaking them off.
I’m in for the long haul and taking each new run in my stride, trying to relax more and just enjoy the freedom of running. I loved when you said about startling the squirrels as you ran through the woods, what a fab experience ☺️ x
Oh thank you, Melo! Glad you enjoyed. 😀 You have exactly the same attitude as me - being in it for the haul. It’s a good attitude to have when doing C25K I think. We continue to grow, improve and learn after graduation, and it is so rewarding! Well done on keeping those demons at bay! They still trying it on with me, but they mostly don’t stand a chance. You certainly learn how to deal with them over time. I just don’t enter into debate with my demons. 😈
You sound like you are really enjoying your running - brilliant! Keep up the good work, not long until you graduate now! 😀👏😘
I had a great run this morning Sadie and I couldn't help think of you during my first 5 minutes of running.
Today I was running in my new running gear from my husband and son for mothers day. The first 5 minutes of running was a nightmare as my trousers kept falling down 😲 who knew they had a drawstring that I needed to tie 😂so once I tied my trousers up securely I was able to enjoy the rest of my run 🙈 I won't make that mistake again 😁
Fantastic Sadie...you are inspiring to us all, you have definitely inspired me...all the way through...well done on the weight loss too, I have lost nearly 2 stones!! And I feel great...I love the feeling I get after every run & love this forum..I, like you, just downloaded the C25k app & I was part way in, repeating week 4 I think, over & over & then I discovered my lovely running family...& that was it, I was hooked...I have been encouraged, inspired, picked up, cheered on, high fived..you name it & I wouldn’t change it for the world so I too want the current C25kers to keep going because it’s a wonderful journey xxx
Oh MummyC! You have been with me the entire journey from week 4 on, and for that I am truly grateful. 😘 You have lost two stone?! Wow! Just wow! (And is there any of you left?!) Feeling great is the best side affect - if I ditch a pound here and there it’s an added bonus. 😀 Keep on running my dear! xxx
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