Effort, a plan and this forum can help you go a long way!!

[bertiesugar]

I am 44 years old, 5 feet 2inches, hefty round the middle, 12 stone 12lb (was 13st 7lb when i started). I had no hobbies and other than work eat sleep repeat that was it. A friend suggested running as a past time activity due to the benefits of exercise, fresh air, socialising etc . He suggested NHS couch to 5k as a starting base

To be honest i thought i would do a couple of weeks and the novelty would soon wear off., But no it did not. I started on the 29th January 2018 I enjoyed recording my runs and keeping you guys on here updated on my progress. Yes it may annoy some people but you knid hearted people liked my posts and gave me encouragement and that has meant a lot to me. I have set goals along the way and one by one having to set new goals.

Run for 30 mins - check

Run for 5k check

Do a park run check

Run for 10k check

Run 10 k in under an hour *never thought I would do that) check

Run over 10K - today ran 11k

This post isnt a boast. This is me telling all you lot just starting out or about to start out or too scared to start out. Give it a go, you will be surprised (or may be not) that the running community will embrace you whatever shape or size you are. You just need that inner deisre to do it and then the rest is easy, down load the podcasts and post on here. Yes there will be bad days but your running buddies will be there for you.

I have now been running 15 weeks - have done 6 park runs, entered the Knowle 10k fun run in 2 weeks and about to register for a half marathon in September (eeeek) Scary but worth every agonising minute. Keep up all your hard work guys, no guts no gl;ory

[trogdelight Graduate]

What an inspiring post. It's incredible what can be achieved using c25K as a start.

[Gilliano666 Graduate]

Well done you, I do hope to follow in your footsteps. feeling inspired

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Wow well done! I did my first 10k last night and was 1 hour 18 mins. I can’t get close to sub 30 5k let alone sub 1 hour 10k! Congratulations!

[bertiesugar Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Well done you. Yes I am competitive and want to run faster, further. But for me its having a goal and giving it your best shot, you will get ther, you just got to believe. Keep up the good work

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to bertiesugar]

I hope so! My main aim is sub 30 5k. Hoping the distance will help!

[bertiesugar Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

I think the miles in your legs and the speed of intervals will def help over time, it will come

[Bobthedog]

Impressive, to say the least.

[Hidden]

You know what, that was just what I needed to read. Feeling rather worried how hard I am finding week 4. How will I ever do it etc? So thanks for sharing. Did you ever feel like giving up? Any top tips? 😃

[bertiesugar Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Although I found it tough throughout the programme I did not want bto give up. I just wanted to achieve the mini guals - run for a minute, run for 3 minutes etc. I am a man that needs a plan. So i set myself goals. Biggest tip is to take advantage of the tips given on here - a lot of experience to draw from. Slow down is a regular tip and does work

[ClarriePan Graduate]

Well done bertiesugar. I graduated 3 weeks ago and with inspiration from posts like yours I believe I can get to 10k. Good luck with the Knowle 10k. I grew up in Dorridge so remember the early days of the fun run, but would never have contemplated doing it. In those days just the thought of exercise made me tired😄. I might even consider doing it next year, you never know 😉.

[MVBrown Graduate]

Thanks for your inspiring post. No you are not boasting your sharing how you did it. I like you set goals - I have set two to complete the programme and do a 5k fun run. Both are SMART and achievable! Thanks once again for sharing this.