Encouragement to those starting out

[Ljb71]

Just wanted to encourage those just starting out on C25K to keep going and trust the programme. It really does work. All through my childhood and youth I was never a runner. I was the one who always came last on Sports' Day or was picked last for teams. As an adult I have done exercise classes and walked but still haven't run.

At 47, I decided one day to download the C25K app as I wanted to exercise more and try to stop the advancing middle aged spread! I didn't tell my family I was doing it for a fortnight until I saw how it would go. The first couple of runs I thought I was going to die and I wasn't able to run one of the sections in that first run but walked it instead.

The programme was structured and a challenge , at the start I couldn't imagine running for 5 minutes, let alone 30! Some runs, like Week 6 R 1 were so tough but I kept going.

At the start of July on holiday I did my graduation run on holiday and have been running 3 times a week since then. I still haven't run for 5km yet but the heat hasn't helped and I am so close now. I have done 2 Parkruns with my 12 and 13 year old sons which was my goal throughout.

I am away for a week at this beautiful place and 2 mornings have run round this lake in the early morning - something I had never imagined I could ever do. This morning I ran for 36 minutes! While I still struggle sometimes or have a mental battle with myself to keep going, I am actually starting to enjoy running and it is starting to feel much more natural.

So if you are struggling or thinking about giving up, my advice is to just stick with it. You will have such a sense of achievement, it will improve your health and your emotional well-being. Also this forum is a great place to come for support, advice and encouragement, so I just thought I would encourage you to keep on running! 👟👟

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Wow Ljb, beautiful post. Thank you!

You’ve achieved something amazing and I hope you feel proud of yourself every day! ❤️

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks so much. Keep up your running too! We are all doing so well and a little encouragement goes a long way 😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Ljb71]

Agree 100%! 🏃‍♀️❤️

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤗

[Kerrylh Graduate]

This is a brilliant post very encouraging to all . I too started at 47 I do other exercises but struggle to fit them in due to work and kids so took on the challenge and loci g it on week 5 now and love an early morning run to give the energy and boost to take on the day

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Kerrylh]

Well done Kerry. The sense of achievement and energy is great. I know what you mean about trying to find time to fit exercise in, life is just so busy and we can be constantly giving to others but as I get older I realise we need to take time for ourselves and to make sure we give ourselves the opportunity to keep our bodies and minds healthy too.

[telford_mike Graduate]

Great post! And well done to you for your progress so far, I'm sure you'll smash that 5k before long 😀👏🏃‍♀️

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Well done to you too Mike. I have been reading your posts too and been encouraged by them. Keep it up 🙂

[Scarlettbunnykins Graduate]

Having literally just completed Week 1 Run 1 this is exactly what I needed to read. It was hard work but I don't do any regular exercise and could do with losing couple of stone, but it didn't kill me and I didn't hate it! I'm so pleased that I've done it and now need to make sure I stick to my plan and get into a routine.

Running Junior Park Run with my youngest is my first goal, then maybe a proper Park Run.

It is reading about other people's experiences doing this that made me sign up. Thank you so much for the encouragement and keep going.

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Scarlettbunnykins]

Brilliant Scarlett - I think the first big hurdle is getting out there and once you do that and establish a routine it starts to become part of your life. Just be aware, there will be days with lead legs when you feel you can't do it but the next run could be great. The Parkrun goal with your son is definitely a great incentive and he will be proud of his mum for doing it. Keep it up 🤗

[Little-runner Graduate]

Lovely lovely post Ljb71...I too started at 47, having thought I would never be a runner, and it's the only exercise regime that I've stuck with for more than 4 weeks! I've now fallen in love with running and would quite happy run everyday if rest days weren't so important!

This is such a great place for support and encouragement and I've never come across such a lovely bunch in the online world. 😘

Keep going and you'll get that 5k sooner or later, but the most important thing is that you are showing up, running and enjoying it! 👍

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

Thanks Little Runner - I am surprised I am starting to look forward to my run days and am not hung up on distance or speed as I know that every run I am getting a bit stronger. I also want to do everything I can to try and stay as fit and active as possible as I get older. This forum is great for support - thanks everyone. 👍❤️

[Choufleurie]

Great post thank you - keep going!

There must be something about being 47- that’s when I decided I needed to do c25k as well.

W5r3 to do but shocking head cold is stopping me venturing out as I can’t breathe. It’s not an excuse honest!

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Choufleurie]

They should do a poll to see what age people started at! Better not to push yourself when you're not well as you won't be at your best and will get discouraged. Hopefully you'll be feeling well and back running in no time. 👟

[owmeknees]

What a brilliant and supportive post and not just for those starting out. I have struggled for one reason and another since graduation, spirit willing but body finding it hard. I’ve felt really frustrated at points and during my most recent run really started wondering if I’ve got a running future, (gremlins, I know!) Posts like this remind me how far I have come and make me feel even more determined to not give up. Thank you 😊

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

You are doing great- we are all still new runners so our legs and bodies are still getting used to this new activity. When it was so hot, I thought I wasn't really improving and some days were a real struggle. Now it's a bit cooler I definitely seem to be managing better. Don't be hard on yourself - you're getting out there, that's the important thing. 😀

[Anggrrr Graduate]

What a great post. Just like you I started in April. I joined a council group session that kept me on track but at week 9 + 7 I’m still running. I’m still building my speed, and a couple of weeks I’ve had to miss, but I’ve surprised myself by getting back to it.

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Anggrrr]

Well done to you too. We need to be encouraged that we are improving, however slowly it might be but have come such a long way!

[SarahOReilly Graduate]

Great post.... really inspiring to all of us. I am also 47 on W7R2 and loving the program and this forum. It's not easy but I look forward to my runs and feel great when I complete each one. I am.now starting look at Parkruns locally and looking forward to each step.

I have struggled with Achilles heel.pain... but it is better and ordered some heel raisers which should help see me through to graduation.

I've never measured my distance so far... I just want build my stamina... distance and speed cam all come later.... although now I'm in week 7 I was thinking of downloading an app to measure my distance so I have an idea of how far I run.

I too go away tomorrow and am taking my running gear... I have no idea where I will run and am little nervous as very very hilly where we go. I will have try find somewhere and just get my head down.

Good luck to you...

Sarah 😁😁😁😁

[Ljb71 Graduate]

Hi Sarah, even bringing running gear on holiday shows a change in attitude which is great. Hopefully you find a flattish run on your holiday. Keep going! 🤗