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
Written by
Jay66UK
Graduate
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Love the post, how are you finding the Huel ? Heard mixed reviews on it. Great that you have another goal set for the 10k. In regards to the strap I bought a sports loop (Velcro one) for my Apple Watch and love it - I think it’s lighter and comfier than the rubber one that comes with the watch - might be worth looking at one of those I use it and then wash it after run leave to dry on rest days.
Huel - I like the flavour of the (“new and improved”) sweetened, vanilla version. I am only having it for my lunch as that is when I am at my weakest willed - stressful work, nearby shops, calories galore. It really fills me up. I’ve blended overripe bananas in the past two days and I have a sample pack of the flavours you can add. But you can add anything - cinnamon, coffee, coffee syrups, whatever. No stomach effects I’ve noticed. I will def stick to it for lunches.
Amazing story. Well done and keep it up. If you are a gymphobe why not try swimming. No one can see you in the water and no one really cares what you can or can't do. Not only are you working against the water the water supports your body.
I hurt my hip a bit back and my physio just got me walking up and down and sideways and I wasn't the only one!
Brilliant post! Very inspiring. I haven't run since Tuesday & I'm worried I'm going to struggle on Sunday due to the break but I'm sure it'll be fine. Just that I'm on the horrid W6. Keep up the good work Jay. You've done so well. I'm struggling to lose weight - I've only put on half a stone but it just won't shift.
Thanks. Good luck with the run - W6 just needs respect (my new phrase for “slow down”)! As for the weight, once you have the running sorted it will happen. Just don’t make my mistake and confuse thirst for hunger and eat even more!!
Jay, what an experience to share. Occasionally ( hardly ever, as I told mummycav) a post makes me a bit teary. You have now joined that very small group.
This programme and I might add this forum are so amazing aren't they - so much positivity! Great that it's inspired you to take a look at your diet - I'm sure the weight will start to drop now you've addressed that.
Now you've lost a Week to the IC we should Graduate at around the same time - see you on the podium
Thank you for sharing such an emotional journey with us. Break ups are hard and can paralyse your life. By the way I’m a relationship counsellor so know all too well! We all have our inner demons we keep close to our chests. But by sharing with others it helps us heal and see that there is life after.
In a sick sort of way your breakup has helped you to improve your own health and throw out the bad and bring in the good. (We all still need cheese and chocolate in our lives though!).
I’ve never met you but get your warmth and kindness from each post you right. I thank you for being honest and open. And for the support you have given me. X
Thanks! You are one of the handful of us on THAT week and you have been a really supportive part of my journey so far.
Not surprised you are a relationship counsellor, something I’d love to do if I could actually make a living at it! It must be challenging and rewarding work.
And I will never forget you for the length of your legs!! x
Super post Jay, thank you for sharing why you started this program, and so pleased how much happier you have become. I have no doubt you will graduate and go on to do 10k and beyond if you want to. You will also be fitter, slimmer more toned and have a fulfilling hobby that you really enjoy!
Hope your back is better soon and look forward to reading your run reports 😊x
What a fabulous post! I really enjoyed reading it and kept saying throughout, "go you!". Very honest and personal. You've done amazingly well and taken control of your life at a time when it's easy for life to control you.
Many, many congratulations and well done to you. I'll watch out for your graduation post 🙂
Thanks! I figured early on I had 3 choices - let the situation destroy me, let it define me, or let it help me change my life. I did the cliched “Trainspotting” one.
Great post! Well done for finding that motivation. I’m also looking beyond W9R3...wondering how to move forward and keep going... and worrying how i’ll manage without Laura! All tips and ideas gratefully received!
Thank you. Others are more qualified to give advice but here’s what I am planning...
I use Jo Whiley on the app. My initial plan is to keep doing the W9 run on the app 2x a week to try to extend my distance over 30 mins to aim to reach 5k and then make my 3rd run each week a 5k Parkrun, taking as long as it takes. When I get bored of that I’ll use my watch timer and just run to music or a podcast.
People always say when you're down remember you are not alone. Your post is the proof of that for me..... Like you I am around 50, I experienced a rather sudden separation, had poor eating habits (like you, starting before the separation) and needed to be careful about spending money. I've never really had a weight issue, but this programme made me quickly realise that not being over weight did not mean I was at all fit and healthy.
I have just completed W6R1, it was a hard slog after the high of running 20 mins in W5 and I was feeling like I'd hit a wall. Your post has given me the push I needed to get back out there, so thank you for that.
Congratulations on your achievements so far I hope you find happiness in your personal life too, it will get better.
W6 really is the hardest week (apart from all the ones before!) - it is a mindf*** because you come from that 20 mins and struggle with 10 mins. Respect it by going slow and enjoy run 3 - it all comes together and is worth it.
Keep going and hopefully we’ll both come out the other side of this happier.
Thank you Jay for your encouraging, thoughtful post. I didn't go and make a cup of tea as that would have stopped me reading it! Do hope that the remaining 5 runs go well and seriously impressed that you have so much thought out for, "Life after C25K"! Well done you! Keep it up! 🙂
Wow! Brilliant Jay thank you, another great reminder why we are on this forum we are all real people here with busy lives, suffering sadness, loss of loved ones, angst etc, there are thousands of people just like us, relationship breakdowns, bereavements etc, but put on a pair of trainers, swimming/running shorts/capris/leggings its a common language, we’re all now a bit special, there are old ladies/men/wobblies/jellies/ all sorts here, (I could have said Bassetts Allsorts, but think they’ve gone off of late) gasping for breath, some craving wine/chocolate/cupcakes/walkers crisps/Heinz piccallili/Terrys chocolate orange/Jaffa cakes//Birds custard/oops no thats just me) ha ha silly. Healthunlocked is just family, C25 gets us, all of us. Onwards Jay, I can’t wait to hear more. Go you.🥟🍰🥨
Ps the last emoji looks like the hat I will be wearing for the wedding on Saturday. What - What dya mean its been done before?
You’re welcome, second thoughts I think the hat maybe a little over the top, maybe go for something more restrained. What do you think?🗽well done one foot in front of the other, keep going buddy.
Jay, that’s brought a little tear to me eye...and i’m a tough Essex girl. We’ve all loved hearing about your experiences and I wish you well both with your personal goals and with your running. Your positivity is infectious. Happy week 8 (btw i’ve caught you up!!) 👍👍👍
“Tough Essex girl”? I’m an ex-southerner now living ap norff, and an erstwhile Hammers fan, lapsed due to lost interest in football. I’ve met tougher 🤣🤣
I’ll let you into a secret, I only slowed down to make a bunch of new friends. Enjoy week 8!
Good man. You'll be back in the saddle soon enough. I'm nicking bunting from The Wedding tomorrow for your Graduation Run!!
This is the 1st time I've read any of your posts. (Didn't see you before), but what a post to read. I absolutely love it.
You tried and conquered. Explained how we don't need all the expensive clothing and gadgets. A bit at a time is sufficient. Don't always have to diet but making little changes add up and then the big picture starts to emerge in to a beautiful one.
I wish you all the very best in the future. If nothing else this programme has certainly made alot of our futures a brighter one.x
Jay- you brought a year to my eye. Such a brutally frank post. You are such an amazing bloke - so supportive of us,a wicked sense of humour too. I wish you only the best. Keep on keeping on. The future is bright!!!!x
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This programme is a magician!
Learning about how I run 
Thoughts please
W6r3 tomorrow - shoulder pain causing some concern
