W1R1 finally done!!

[HelenAR]

Well after 2 weeks of putting it off I did the first one thus morning. Not sure it's my thing and didn't enjoy it. Think my trainers are pants as the balls of my feet hurt. I will give it time but might have to find another way as rely didn't enjoy running x

[Fimoo Graduate]

I don't think anyone enjoys the first run as such, the joy for me was in actually doing it when I thought I never could, as horrible as it felt at the time! Well done for getting up and trying. It just grows on you week by week and you'll be looking back in a couple of weeks time, amazed at what you are physically capable of! Hang in there and I promise you'll surprise yourself

[Mashedpotato]

Well done for starting the programme. Maybe slow down if you didn’t enjoy it or maybe look into investing into some new trainers.

I found the first run to be hard and I didn’t enjoy it at all but once I had done it again I felt much more positive because I knew what to expect.

Then by the third run you feel fitter and like you are seeing an improvement

It takes time - I used to hate running but now by week four I’m really enjoying it

[Hidden]

You can do it, we can help. Anytime you need, we'll be here to give you encouragement and help to get you going. So every time you finish a run, smile and look forward to the next run. 👍.

[Julian1970 Graduate]

Hi HelenAR,

Two weeks to ponder whether or not to make a start and then gettin' up and giving it a go, kinda says to me that the mind has been won over, just got to convince the body now.

For some, the first run is the ice breaker, for some, it is completing the first week. Give it time. I would concur on your thoughts towards your shoes. Bad shoes = difficult running and maybe pain. But don't go investing loads of money in some elite pair of running shoes if you're not convinced. There are some very reasonable priced shoes out there that will get you through this program.

Good runs, bad runs, even abandoned runs are all par for the course Helen and running, like a lot of things, has a habit of growing on you.

[Sybilw Graduate]

I’m not sure anyone straight off the couch enjoys it to begin with! At least it was cooler when I started. I had never run - ever - and decided to start at age 63. A very senior moment, but I ran for 25 min yesterday. If you follow the program and go slow (admire the snails) you’ll be amazed at your progress. After one minute running in week one I sounded as if it would be kind to put me down! I would get new trainers though - I had to rest for a week because I used old ones and developed a sore foot but got proper running ones (not expensive) and I’ve not looked back. I might have been tempted to stop but at the start I told everyone I was doing it and it meant I was committed (thank you all my friends for not laughing!). Keep going - it’s a great sense of achievement and you’ll feel great.

Can you tell I’m a fan?!

[Hidden]

You can sometimes find last year's or older models of trainers going very cheaply. Perhaps having some very cushioned ones might help. Running on softer surfaces such as grass, or sand may be more comfortable than the road, but will also take more energy.