Just getting started

[Illyria]

I have just started c25k for the umpteenth time this year. I am doing it for several reasons: I have mental health issues including severe insomnis, over the past year i have put on weight and lost my fitness and, finally, I am turning 40 soon...

I really want to complete the programme this time so any support would be very welcome.

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Hi Illyria!

I started C25K about this time last year. I've got 10 years on you, but I too was looking for a way to improve my mental health (I have a really stressful job and can get anxious at the drop of a hat), lose weight and get fitter.... And have achieved all of that. I can now run 10k quite happily, I've lost about 15lbs without dieting (though I do actually eat much more healthily since starting running) and I feel so much more positive and less stressed all thanks to this programme!

You say you've started it before - what caused you to stop previously. I'm sure all the lovely folk on this forum can help you through this time.

[Illyria in reply to DebJogsOn]

Hello. You have done amazingly and give me hope!

I think I stopped in the past because I lacked motivation. I never got beyond week 1. But i feel much more determined this time!

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Illyria]

Week 1 is the worst - if you grit your teeth and get to the end of Wk3 I promise you Wks 4 5 & 6 are the wonder weeks - you'll be so amazed at the progress you'll make. Keep posting too and everyone will send you positive vibes whenever it's tough!

[Illyria in reply to DebJogsOn]

Good advice. Thank you.

[Mjay140276]

You can do this! I am starting week 7 but didn't think I would finish week 1, I was looking for me time as I have a 2 year old and 7 month old so being able to get out of the house alone is a miracle, it's doing wonders for my mood and stress levels just take it easy and enjoy x

[Hidden]

Well done for giving it another go. Are you possibly going off too fast? Just remember slow and steady the title C25k is misleading as the main aim of the programme is to build up to running for 30 mins not actually 5k. I’m just starting week 8 and no where near 5k. They’re a good bunch on here full of brilliant tips, advice and encouragement. X

[Illyria in reply to Hidden]

I don't think I was in the right state of mind before - my motivation was rock bottom and I let the slightest thing prevent me from doing it.

[Hidden in reply to Illyria]

Snap this is my second go at it, you will be amazed after a couple of weeks what a difference the plan can make. I always used to struggle when in town going back to our car as it was on an incline and I always was bringing up the rear and would have to stop half way for a rest after 3 weeks on the plan I was doing it in one go and upfront. X

[Beccym Graduate]

I know on days your struggling doing anything is hard.

Exercise will make you feel better.

Remember 9 weeks is a guide, so one week if you only do 1 or 2 runs in week it's not the end of the world.

Several people in my running club struggle with mental health issues and find running helps.

Good luck x

[Illyria in reply to Beccym]

Thank you. I used to find walking helped but it no longer does. I hope running does the trick. I have been on antidepressants for 3 years now and would love to wean myself off them.

Thank you for your encouragement. X

[Dg_w Graduate]

Obviously you want to do it . So that’s the hard bit done! Now just take your time, enjoy it and go slow. There is no race to win with C25K its all about you and everyone is different. Please post and let us all know how you are getting on. In fact IIIyria I am now following you. You can do this. ... wish I was coming up to 40 again