Newbie - Hello

[sjsi]

Hello, I've just joined the forum. I'm 58yo out of shape bloke. I have completed weeks 1 & 2 although they were spread over 4 weeks. Completed W3R1 yesterday, enjoying the challenge but finding it tough. Running non-stop for 3 mins is hard! Liking all the positive encouragement on here and hoping it will help me. W3R2 tomorrow, debating whether to get up early and run before work or wait until after work?

[carmour1983 Graduate]

Well done, it is challenging but if you managed the 3min runs you will just keep getting stronger as you know you can do it. I done W3R2 first thing this morning, I feel if i dont get up and head out first thing i will feel too tired in the evening and make excuses not to go. Just go with what your body tells you.

[sjsi in reply to carmour1983]

Thanks, yeah think getting up early is probably the best plan. Less chance of me finding an excuse not to do it!

[Debsy2008 Graduate]

Well done sjsi, yes it’s hard but I promise you if you trust the programme it really doesn’t ask anything that you can’t achieve however hard it feels.

I know because I’ve just done Week 5 Run 1 which is 3 x 5 min runs and I never thought I could complete 1 of the 5 min runs and actually it felt great.

Your body strengthens throughout the programme to allow for more than you think you can achieve, it really is fab.

Keep going and keep surprising yourself 💪🏼

[Debsy2008 Graduate in reply to Debsy2008]

Also I’m a morning run fan, however only get that luxury at the weekend as have a full time job and son to get ready before I leave for work. Evenings are ok but I go before dinner as running on a full tummy is a no no 😊

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Welcome and well done making such a great start. 😃

Going slow, slow and slower will make those 3mins feel more doable! (There is time, in the future, to think about pace should you want to).

On the morning/ after work debate- it’s just what suits you. I am not a morning person at all so I enjoy running after work. Having said that, at the weekend I enjoy a later morning run. Your choice for you to enjoy. 😀

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Hi. What they’ve all said. I’m a slightly younger unfit bloke and I’ve reached W8. It really is possible. It isn’t always easy - a loud voice in your head will tell you you can’t do this. But you can. Good luck and keep going!

[Running-Ro]

I am a 62yo and just reached W6. Each week I have thought next week is "impossible" but the programme takes you there. I am a morning person so get up and go before doing anything else, also very few people see me struggling to breathe let alone run at 6am

[mrrun Graduate]

One of the things l've learned about this whole thing is never to debate/over-analyse. Simply get up and go! One week before work and another after work. See what works better.

I'd lie if l said that getting up before dawn in January and running was a nostalgic and beautiful experience. At times it was terrible. The shock of cold air, the wind, the package. But then, the benefits of stronger body, cardio and stamina outweighed the minor inconvenience. Just get up, drink a sip of water, eat a banana or a boiled egg, and run, run, run!