Cannot believe how incredibly unfit I am! Week one. Run one. Felt like I was going to keel over. Im ashamed I have let myself get so unfit ๐. I sincerely hope I can keep this up. I felt so self conscious running (if you can call it that) through my village. Was praying Mr Fitness from next door wouldnt see me lol. When I downloaded the app, I thought, it would be a piece of cake. (Cake is my downfall incidentally) but how wrong was I! I really need to keep this going. Im nearly 50. Im overweight and I cant bear this middle aged me. Last time I looked, I'm sure I was size 10! Haha. Been told to watch my blood pressure. That was a shock and a reminder that Im not as young or healthy as I thought. Anyway, good luck to everyone else going through the same pain.
Im half dead!: Cannot believe how incredibly... - Couch to 5K
Im half dead!
At least you got out there and did it! Remember from now on the only way is up! 
I'm 50 and what better age to do this!
I downloaded the app before Christmas and then deleted it. But this year, I have steadiy increased my weight. Just dont lose it the way I used too. Thanks for the encouragement ๐hope it is working for you too.
Well I'm on week 5 now and still plodding on! 
Don't give up, it's not easy but then nothing worth doing ever is is it!
Week 5! Thats amazing. I hope to post that one day! โบim determined to keep going. Having a forum like this will definately help I think.
You will post that Sam and you are amazing for getting out there and doing this ๐
Thankyou!
Well done. I am stuck on week 5, run 2 or 3 can't remember but last run I ran for 13 mins! My first week run 1 killed me, running for a minute now is a doddle...never thought Id say that! And you will to. All the best
I was so surprised i struggled for those minutes. Big wake up call I must say. I was so fit as a youngster. Used to dance. Thanks for words of encouragement โบgood luck with becoming unstuck on week 5.
Ans Samcam don't let age or weight get in the way. Im coming up for 54 and over weight, but I will still keep on running...im on 2 weeks holidays so no excuse for me now ha ha.
Yes. Good advice about age/weight. Enjoy your holidays .
A very big WELL DONE! Doing that first run is the biggest hurdle to overcome, I've been meaning to do it for years and it's always just so much easier to do something else. The fact you've made the effort is really something to be proud of.
And you'll continue to be amazed in the coming weeks how much your stamina will improve and how much more you'll be able to do.
Ah thankyou! Its taken months to get on with it! I feel a blog coming on with this! Haha.
Good luck.
I started day one today as well
Very well done to you! Did you end up looking like someone from 'shaun of the dead'film. Because I did . Haha. I was zombie like. Seriously though, well done. Its hard taking that first step. I actually feel proud i got off the couch.
Thanks. I also felt good that I have now started. Now got to keep going! Run two on bank holiday Monday so should be okay for that one.
I always used to hide in the woods running and then thought โI will hide no moreโ and came out of the woods plodding and saw some mums I knew from school and wanted to turn and plod back into the woods but I gave a cheery wave and plodded on ๐ Iโm on the second time round because of various things and even this time round found week one run one the hardest! You will get there just plod on .... however slow you go itโs still faster than sitting on the couch! Good luck ๐
Well done you! Yes, I think being self conscious has been an issue. Good you are doing it again. And I like your statement of, its still faster then sitting on the couch. ๐
Don't worry. Take a day or two off and do run 2. Three weeks from now you'll look back and laugh! ๐
I hope I do! I will report back in! Thanks for the encouragement โบ
Age is a number and fitness can be earned. You're on your way to earning it. I'm 57 and a little (!) overweight and on week 7. I feel more alive than I did at 47!! Just Do It!
That is amazing! Ive got a real issue about reaching 50 for some reason. Sure I will get over it, especially if I take control now and improve my overall health. You look amazing by the way, if that is you in profile picture. โบ
It is. My partner took a load of pictures last summer while I sang for my website. I look better above the neck than below it but I'm working on it!
But you did it! For me itโs not pretty ...I go one way for 15 mins, then turn around and go back. I dread running into people on the way back...but Iโve kept going, gasping for breath and red faced, but still going! Weโll do it!! ๐๐๐
Haha. You described me perfectly. Gasping, red face! Yes, we will do it. Thanks for encouragement โบand good luck with your goals too.
Sucks boo to Mr Fitness.....!!! You.... yes, you were out there and you did wonderfully!!!!
Read this....
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Lots of great advice and sensible tips....
Many many folk felt like you... some even running near hospitals to make sure there was help if they collapsed... I thought I would never ever do it. Three years later..here I am, still
Keep this slow and steady...keep posting and listen to your body... you are going to be fine
You are here now... we are right here with you...every step of the way !
โStart by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.โ
Thank you. A great reply. Good to hear I am not alone with feeling like this. What a great idea this app and forum are! Thankyouโบโบ
We all rock on here...
I remember week one, how I dragged myself up and out to do run 2 I will never know (55 in a few weeks, and week 8 run 2 tomorrow)
It gets better. You will do it.
What an achievement! Week 8! I almost wanted to go again in the morning but it seems I need to leave it a day.
Iโm on wk8 run2 went for my run yesterday really didnโt think I could cope with running for 28 mins but I did and Iโm 61 keep it up I used to run years ago but could never run this long you will get there well done x
Fantastic. What a role model! Thank you for reply๐
The rest day is a big part of the plan, as I'm sure the graduates will tell you. I dare say your muscles may tell you the same tomorrow ๐คฃ๐ ๐คฉ
The horrid thing is... they don't always tell you until it is too late !
Walked down the stairs like a robot this morning ๐
Just completed week 1
Start week 2 tomorrow
Like you I thought I was gonna keel over
Well done. Think i might be on week one for a little while!
Hi Sam
just done first run of week 2, it is hard but it does make you feel good after (once you have you're breath back lol )
keep the updates coming , it's nice to share
Noooo!
Only repeat if absolutely necessary, take a 2 day break if you have to, then do SLOW run 2.
๐ค
Middle age rocks! Well done you getting out there & doing something +ve about your health. I said I'd start getting fit at 40 and then procrastinated for 6 more years ๐ณ๐.
Good luck with the programme - we can do this!
Ah thank you. Im feeling determined. โบ
We were all pretty much the same. Keep at it and go SLOW. I struggled for one minute but did 25 today ๐๐ฝ
Yes. It seems I am not alone, which is a comfort..keeping it slow is a message thats coming through. Thank you .โบ
Good on you keep going, I'm just starting week 8 and can do 25 minutes now. You will be the same... slow and steady and you will just do it. Concentrate on 1 run at a time. Get a gait analysis and good shoes and you will be laughing xx Oh and get ready, I mean really READY to start shopping for lycra, your new body will CRAVE it! X
Haha the lycra! I dont own any lycra... yet. I must admit, my shoes /trainers are not the best. Unless im completely flat footed.
Really the gait analysis helps to prevent injury, its also a great commitment and most shops are really helpful, i wear lycra on my non run days.... oh dear X
Well done๐I am on week 3 run 3 next, not always easy, I go really slowly to ensure I finish ๐
Well done you! Thanks for comment โบ
Youโre looking after yourself and youโre doing it now, thatโs a fab thing. I think loads of us can empathise with the โhow hard can 60 seconds be?โ feeling. If itโs any help, thereโs loads of us on here at a similar age and certainly whoโve shared the fitness issues.
Stick to the plan, avoid the cake - I got addicted to downloading music as treats to run instead - no less expensive bu far fewer calories!
Good luck with your endeavours, W1 R1 is by far the hardest, the others stretch you, but this is the one when you had to commit to do it, without really knowing how it would be. Now youโre better armed to face the rest of the programme.
Blooming well done for getting out there
Thank you so much! The cake will definately go. This morning though, there are easter eggs in the house! But I will not give in haha. Am going for a walk by the river today just to get used to getting out. Will follow the plan though and not overdo it. Thanks for replying. โบ
I was exactly the same I did my first few runs with a friend and she was trotting on whilst I was dying within the first 30 secs.... but this programme works! Trust it ... yesterday I ran for a full 25 mins non stop. I know unthinkable eh? My breathing has got so much better I still puff and pant and go brght red ( itโs not pretty) but I do g feel like Iโm about to have a heart attack! Silence your inner negative demons and start telling yourself you can do it.. because you can . Trust me, trust the plan! Go get em girl!
Brilliant! Yes the breathing was an issue. I did not look pretty. Oh my, i got a burning feeling when breathing! That did ease a bit though. Glad its working for you. โบ
Well done on getting out there and starting.
I started this on 8-10-17 and was panting like a dog after the first day and though Iโm not sure I can do this. The hardest part is to keep going when you want to,stop.
U can do this even if the voice in your head says u canโt.
I was also over 50 and overweight - and still am and while at the start I dreaded being seen I donโt care now.
Iโm not advocating this for everyone as itโs been very hard over the last 4 months since I completed C25K but in 3 weeks time I will be in The London Marathon.
If I can anyone can - keep going itโs worth it
Truly inspiring. What an achievement! The London Marathon!. Thanks for sharing and words of encouragement โบ
Thank you for your kind words. I have started following you and make sure you keep us up to date with your progress as most of us can relate to your story .
It doesnโt matter how many weeks it takes to get you to 5k but when you do the feeling is amazing x
You've done really well just to get started! I'm sure you'll be fine and gain fitness quickly. BUT BE SURE TO RUN SLOWLY, it's the key, as many on here will tell you. Especially Oldfloss, and she knows a thing or two.
Good luck, happy running.
Hi. Yes there is a theme here....slow. thanks for encouragement โบ
Well done you! The first one in the bag. Just stick to the programme - it really does work. Iโm 52, couldnโt run if my life depended on it but all of a sudden Iโm here, today just about to complete week 8! It kind of creeps up on you and then BOOM! youโll find yourself almost there. Not only do I feel fitter - the sense of achievement Iโm feeling is second to none and I often find myself smiling to myself - โyeah the chubby kid CAN run after all!โ (just wish my old PE teacher was around to witness it!). Keep going, you can do this and remember donโt worry about the speed/pace. As I keep reminding myself twas the tortoise not the hare that won the race ๐
Brilliant reply. Thankyou. Those pe days running round a field...how I hated them. ๐. Im determined and with all the amazing replies I have received, I feel accountable now! So I will keep going. ๐
Those blooming nearly 50 wake up calls! Mine came in a lift with mirrored walls where I suddenly realilised there wasnโt an overweight old woman standing behind me it was ME .i did something about it and my fifties were great, still young enough to look fabulous, old enough not to care a jot what others think and fit enough to try scores of new things. Reduced blood pressure an added bonus.
However a slippery slope awaited me mid 60s and at 67 I took up couch to 5k and wow here comes that fit, slim woman again . Well done for starting this journey that size 10 you is hiding inside just waiting to pop out and say remember me?
Iโd love to go back in time and whisper in my 25 year old selfs ear, run Jayne run youโll never regret it.
I look forward to seeing more posts about your journey, good luck
Ah. Thankyou. A lovely reply. God, arent mirrored lifts the worse! Glad you are doing so well. โบ
if you look back at most peoples first post it pretty much is the same as yours , stick with it ... It definatly works x I've just completed my first half marathon and I was awful on week 1 so don't be disheartened , also if mr healthy does see you in sure he would be impressed x ๐
Hi. Thankyou. I have read some and you are right! I am not alone. Amazing about your half marathon. โบโบ
Well done. You're on the right path. Remember... what anyone else thinks is their problem!!
Increasing your activity I have found to be the best way to lose weight and feel good.
Good luck with it!!
Thank you for your reply. I going to start getting in the habit of just going out for a walk more. โบ
You CAN do it. You WILL do it. Trust the program, take your rest days, and run really, really slowly. Speed will come later if you want it too ๐
Stick with it and donโt give up.Iโm 50 and overweight and started this in January as a personal challenge- Iโm now on week 8 and slightly addicted to running. Be kind to yourself and follow the program and youโll get there ๐
Well done. Id rather be slightly addicted to running rather than sugar ๐ฐ I will keep at it.
Thismade me laugh so much. I have lived in our village for 25 years and totally relate to self consciousness particularly as I go out first thing with no make up and hair like Medusa. If anAdonis runs past I keep my head down and avoid eye contact! Well done you for not giving up. I am 56 and struggling, yes it gets harder but the achievement seems greater - says me on only run 2! Happy Easter!
Absolutely brilliant! ๐Thanks. You are one run ahead of me! ๐thanks for message.
Blimey I could have written that post! In fact it's almost identical to my first week post if you take a look. It's taking me ages to do this as I'm stuck on week 6 but one min is very easy now and I'd never have thought that a few months ago!! I still prefer running in the dark. Keep going! ๐๐๐๐
Its good to know I am not alone! Week 6 seems way into the future right now. But I am determined! Well done on your achievements! โบ
well done, it is believably tough for couch potatoes like me but have managed day 2 week 1 today after I had to take 3 days out due to leg pains.so far today so far only a blister so am now spurred on to day 3 !
Well done! I have two blisters this morning and am walking like a robot
Samcam I hear you! I'm 50 in June overweight and still think I'm 25 in my head! Week 1 proved to me that I'm not and it was a huge wake up call as to how I've abused my body and let myself go over the years!!i was struggling at 20seconds in to week 1 run 1 - I promise you, stick with this and you will smash this! I start week 5 tomorrow, one of the few things I've done in my life that I've stuck to and I'm proud of! Believe in yourself, go you! Well done for starting! X
You sound like a kindred spirit! Thanks for words of encouragement. Mentally I feel in my twenties. Far more immature than my kids! ๐. Its such a shock . But I am determined.
Hi Sam, youโve done the hardest bit...getting out there to do W1, the hardest week of them all, well done ๐
I wonโt say it gets easier, itโll be you getting fitter as you progress through the programme. The important thing to remember at this stage is if you find yourself gasping for breath....slow down and take it steady!
I started this programme in Oct aged 68 and like you, totally unfit. Iโve now graduated to 10k and am totally addicted ๐๐๐
This forum will help you no end, weโre all here to support you ๐
Happy running ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
What an absolute inspiration you are! Thanks for lovely encouraging message. ๐
๐
Youโve started it ... thatโs a positive and probably the hardest bit ... Iโd like me you had been getting up the courage to start for a while !
I used to run in the early morning just incase I met a โproper runner โ !
You are a โproper runnerโ Doris!
Remember, youโre lapping everyone on their sofas ๐๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
Haha! A proper runner! Yes I been scared of meeting them. But actually all I saw was a swan in the river, (going faster than me) ๐well done.
Well done, fabulous start ๐ and reading your post made me think I could've written the same thing if I had your entertaining way with words (just 50, most unfit I've ever been)- if you don't already blog you would be fab at it ๐ I also thought for the first time how I am hard on myself but read posts like yours with (usually introverted quiet) admiration but don't give myself the same credit! I did 5 week 1 'runs' which in the end were on my exercise bike at home (anxiety ridden introvert!) and then a day off turned into a week, you may have inspired me to give it another go...
Oh wow. If I have inspired you to have another go, I am absolutely delighted! Maybe we should follow each other to keep morale going? A blog? I actually wouldn't know where to begin. I'm impressed I am managing all these replies! But thank you for the compliment.
Brilliant post title. The number of replies shows how many have been there and back again. It feels incredibly difficult at first and you don't believe you'll ever get there. But you will, even if you take long breaks like I have had to do and redo some of it. This forum really helps too even if I just have time to read a couple of posts it is inspiring. And a bit of comedy never goes amiss. All the best.
I was EXACTLY the same when I started and never thought I would do it. I have persevered and have just completed week 9 run 1- ran for 30 minutes, non stop! I am 56, overweight and started the programme to help with my stress levels. It has really helped. Keep going, you can do it!
Yay! Good for you! You are up and moving. I remember that first week. I was just hoping to make it through week 4. Well, I turned 59 in January, and I just graduated the program this last week, so please be encouraged. Be kind to yourself, and take it a run at a time. Everyone on this board is so encouraging, so keep coming back!
You are definitely not alone! I haven't even started yet. Away for a family Easter break but I'm on it as soon as we get back. I had to stop exercising abt a year ago for health reasons but I've now got the all clear. I have put on half a stone in that time & can't believe how unfit I've got. I think you r over the first hurdle now - the only way is up! X
Well done! That's amazing and good for you. The first step is the hardest. I did the programme last year after breaking my foot during the programme the year before. I loved the challenge and really got the bug. Then on the very last run second time around I got knee pain. My advice? Make sure you have a really good stretching routine after every run. Even the very first ones, as tightness builds up over time. It stopped me running and after 8 months out I'm just ready to start all over again. I'm 52. Onwards and upwards! ๐
Don't worry, just get out and do it. When I started it took me 4 weeks to complete Week 1 and later weeks also took me more than a week to do. I'm not young 65 when I started 67 now, I'm overweight and definitely a plodder. I enjoy the sense of achievement and hopefully you will too, take your time and enjoy the process.
One day..... or day one.
Looks like you've chosen day one! Well done. Don't ever forget.... you're doing so much more than those still thinking ..,,,one day...,,
Felt the same way on my first run. But completed the course on my 83rd birthday.You can do it.My thoughts are with you.I look forward to your graduation and will continue to monitor your progress.Best of luck Terry.
Inspiration! ๐
You took the first step so well done you. Feel proud of what youโve already achieved and imagine where youโre going to be in just a few weeks! x
Thank you! โบ
Don't give up. I'm 56 and started running again last July. I was running on my own and then I found the C25K program. Since I had been running for a while, I decided to skip the first few weeks of the program. I damn near died when I started but kept it up. I have graduated the program and still do independent runs along with the stepping stone podcasts. I have lost about 40 pounds and am keeping it off, I have also added a free crossfit class every Saturday. I am amazed at how well this works and will and have recommended it to whoever asks how I was able to transform. Happy Jogging
Thanks for reply. What a success for you. Very encouraging. โบ
Well done you for getting started! I did it last year at the ripe old age of 60. And yes it was a bit of a shock hardly being able to run for one minute. Just keep going and repeat weeks whenever you like -I did! You will feel SO much better physically, mentally and emotionally. I now have my 93yr old dad with dementia living with us and my runs are a life saver. So go girl!!!
Thats amazing. Im pleased it is doing more for you than just pbysically . ๐
Yes my whole well being has been improved. On a run day I still feel so proud/pleased with myself and much more resourced to meet whatever comes my way. But be warned - it is addictive! Keep posting and letting us know how you are getting on - everyone is supporting you.
Ok Samcam. I have ten years on you. Was overweight and so lazy I would call a cab rather than walk home from the pub! Went on a low carb diet, lost stone and a half in 8 months then started C25k.
So happy I turned that corner. Do not give up. Itโs bound to feel hard to begin with but keep going and take it one day at a time. By the time you get to week three you will feel so proud of yourself and those endorphins will be kicking in.
YOU CAN DO IT
And just remember, you are amazing for getting this far!
Just starting on week 1, hoping Sarah Milican on the app can keep me going.
We can do it Sam, same age, same overweight, same goal....
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heeeellloooo peeps!! im back!! :-)
i felt like throwing up when I started week 1, I think itโs too hard but I want to get fit, what should I do?
Week 4, Run 2
Back again!
C25k to ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ Half Marathon
Back from the dead!
week 6 run 3 im a runner apparently:)
The start! Very apprehensive but hopeful! Not sure how to feel if I'm honest! =S
W1R1
