I usually only write here straight after a run, usually high on whatever it is running does to my system, sometimes feeling like I’ve struggled and seeking support. Here’s some slightly more reflective thoughts about the programme. Sorry it’s long. Best enjoyed with tea and a biscuit.
I’m a bloke who is still nearly 52. Still about 5st overweight (but I can feel I am losing inches). I came into this on the back of an unexpected separation after 20 years marriage, wanting to get fit and find my confidence again.
My diet before running was okay-ish. Before separation we had slipped into some bad eating and drinking habits, hence being overweight. I have a sweet and a savoury tooth, drawing me to really healthy foods like cheese, chocolate, pies, curries etc. A bit lazy so a bit too regularly getting takeouts or ready meals and slobbing in front of the telly.
In the aftermath of separation my diet got a bit worse initially - drinking a bit more alcohol, comfort eating, hitting the chocolate or ice cream.
As I don’t want to be alone the rest of my life I started to think about what I need to do to turn my life around. Looking at myself honestly, I would not attract the kind of person I am attracted to. I am in no rush to “fill a gap” in my life so I knew I had plenty of time to do something about how I look and feel, but what?
Then I thought about doing this programme. This was mid February. I mentally committed to doing this way back then. I went to nearest Decathlon and bought the best, cheap running shoes I thought I could run for 30 minutes in. (I was dead worried about affording living alone so I was penny pinching back then big time.) I bought some shorts (turned out way too small, but I may shrink into them) and a running top. Plus a 500ml water bottle and a rubber thing to stop me dropping it. All in, less than £30. (I already had some Decathlon running socks which I’d bought to wear with “pub shoe” trainers on holiday.)
My son, a graduate of this from a few years ago, suggested getting some Lycra undershorts rather than running in regular underpants, so I ordered some from Amazon. Another £5.
I just waited for the weather to pick up enough for me to not freeze. Yeah, this winter/spring!
My first run was when my impatience overflowed, the day the clocks went forward (late March, a week before Easter). I ran in old cotton jogging pants and a fleece.
In the early weeks I realised the gear I had would be useless until the weather improved (and the stuff I was running in wouldn’t work in the rain or for the longer runs) so I slowly added to my gear. Some better long pants. Another pair of Lycra undershorts in case I didn’t get the first ones washed and dried. A long sleeve (but very breathable mesh) top. New shorts with zippy pockets. A high-vis shirt from my favourite F1 team in their sale (cos it’s last year’s sponsors).
I got into a pattern of running early and it worked for me. Pretty much 7am Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday.
I noticed my appetite increase massively (probably dehydration, actually) and I wasn’t snacking on good things. Each run ended with lots of water and a banana, then my morning cup of tea after getting ready for work/the day. But then I was wolfing down everything. Lots of it not healthy.
I then started thinking a bit more about my diet - how much easier this would be if I wasn’t lugging this lump of fat around my waist on the runs. I’ve started making lots more homemade food from scratch (on top of bread and slow-cooker stews for the freezer which have been my budget staple all along) and cutting out the snacks.
I’ve cut down on the cheese and chocolate (but not entirely). No biscuits or cake. Avoid pastry. Avoid ready meals. Stop buying luxury ice cream. With one exception due to working through the local elections, no fast food.
This week I’ve started eating Huel for my lunch rather than make or buy sandwiches. (Google it if you aren’t sure what it is. It tastes better than it sounds, especially with a banana blended in.) I’ve got into a routine of cleaning out the bottle and making it up for the next day in the blender which makes it fairly effortless. I am already thinner despite being a week on the IC.
I had to take a week off having hurt my back - just a pulled muscle, but enough to stop me running - and I was a bit bereft. I hadn’t stopped to think about how addicted I’ve become to running.
I did notice my confidence and mood had improved massively but I hadn’t expected not running to be so hard. Over 51 years not running, why is 1 week off so hard?
So I’m now heading towards the end of this programme - 5 runs to go. I know it is just a matter of turning up and putting one foot in front of the other. I have confidence my demons can be quietened and my legs can do what they are told.
I know I’m going to keep running whilst I have the good health to. I know I am losing inches and feeling fitter than before and I think my weight loss will start pretty soon. I am happier and more confident than I can remember being.
Thanks to lots of you for your support and encouragement, or even just for being honest and sharing your own highs and lows. Shared journeys make close friends and I feel very close to a bunch of people who I’ve never met.
Those of us who were on the same week (until I “backed out” for a week) have all been there for each other and I appreciate your support and you sharing your runs on here. I don’t really know you, but I feel I do. You got me here.
Everyone else, well done if you have completed and have stuck around - we new runners need your guidance. Those on earlier weeks, stick with it. You really can do this, even though at times you will struggle and curse and doubt yourself.
I am already making my plans for post-graduation. I have my eye on 2nd June to do my first Parkrun. I have my eye on this weekend’s Great Manchester Run and I aim to do the 10k this time next year (unless it clashes with the Monaco Grand Prix like this year, in which case I’ll go further afield next May).
I am going to treat myself to gait analysis and some decent running shoes as a joint graduation/birthday present to myself. I’m already looking at all the shiny gadgets I could get - like the Parkrun barcode wristband I’ve bought. My first generation Apple Watch is doing just fine but I’d love to upgrade it to the latest one with a Breathable Nike strap (rather than the £5 replica my watch is sporting now). Perhaps that’s Christmas sorted.
I am going to find a class like Pilates to get my core strength up - I am a bit of a gym-phobe and I am just running, literally nothing else. I may have to join a gym 😳
As ever, enjoy your next run. You are doing something amazing for your physical and mental health. And listen to your body if it needs rest x
Going off programme? 
This programme is a magician!
Learning about how I run 
Thoughts please
W6r3 tomorrow - shoulder pain causing some concern
