There were lots of things I was worried about before the run began, not least how they'd identify my body when it was found collapsed at the side of the road. Still, I'm always the optimist!
It started well, the "run, walk, run" format seemed to be a nice way to ease into the programme and my music playlist was a useful distraction from how self-conscious I felt to be a fat lad wearing running gear in public (think of the scene with Del-Boy dressed as Batman).
The jog was actually ok, I managed to complete the 30 minutes with breath to spare which was a pleasant surprise, and I skillfully avoided a dog turd in a way that most Olympian hurdlers would be proud of, so some positives to take into run 2 on Sunday.
On the negative side my man boobs bouncing up and down was something I hadn't really thought about beforehand, and I had a moderate pain in my right ankle after the third repeat which persisted until I got home.
I'm guessing I need to invest in a decent pair of cushioned running shoes to help prevent the jarring impact - a consistent piece of advise I've read throughout the forums - so with that duly noted I'll be down sports direct first thing in the morning.
But thanks for the support those that commented on my first post, and thanks to all those people that write up their own experiences, both good and bad - it's encouraging to know that I'm not alone on this journey and to take advise from others have overcome/are overcoming their own demons.
I have bought shoes from Sports Direct and have never been served by an assistant who knew anything about running. Far better to go to a specialist running shop and get gait analysis before spending money on shoes that may not be appropriate for your running style.
Also SD are very good at offering you tailored insoles at around an extra £40ish which you don't need to buy. If your MBs😊 Get a bit painful/chafed put some Vaseline on them or a plaster to stop the chafing (or you could buy a bra😄).
You're definitely not alone in this and it's one of the best things to be involved in/do for yourself.
Don't forget to post a picture of you're new shoes when you get them - it's one of the laws around here. Best wishes for the rest of the programme, it really is fantastic.
I love the idea of Delboy dressed as batman. But Delboy eventually got his fortune and so will you. You did the first one, the worst one, the one that you have no idea how its going to turn out, the one that taunts you until you do it.
Hereonin it gets just a bit easier, because you took the first step
I am so impressed that you are doing the Couch to Hurdler programme so quickly (that would have been a major downer on your first outing to land in dog mess)
You can cushion your own feet by moving the point of impact forward from your heel (didn't someone mention 'kissing' the ground?), and, if possible, running on kinder surfaces than tarmac and paving slabs. I was obese when I bought my first pair of running shoes. I didn't intend to buy minimalist shoes but that's what I got and that's the style I love as it helps you run in a 'light' way. In fact when I was expertly fitted with a different sort, I couldn't feel the ground well enough and they were a disaster (and went back)
A properly snug compression top might help with the jiggles without looking more distinctive than you can stand.
BTW there's a whole cycle wear company called Fat Lad at the Back. Sadly they don't really (yet?) do running stuff but I love the concept and the clothes look great!
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The Aussie and his journey to 26.2... 
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