Wk 1 R 1 and I’m pooped

[bairnbroon]

Can’t believe how pooped I am today and really glad I (coincidentally) have a day off work. I slept like a log and then some. This was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I had however completed an hour’s exercise class 1/2 hour before my run so the answer lies therein .... My lower back is more painful than it usually is (soft tissue damage from a fall 1.5 years ago still burning at times) and I’m 6 stones overweight (having already lost 2.5 stones). As I write this I can see for myself why I’m struggling. I’m 6 stone overweight with an unresolved back pain. I took the advice of others and went slowly slowly which seems to be key. Hoping I can still go for it after reading lots of inspirational stories. Xx

[sean123456]

Hi, keep going you can do it! I am a good three stones over weight and I have completed week 8 it can be done!

[bairnbroon in reply to sean123456]

Thank you Sean. I can understand why there’s rest days!! 🙄

[sallenson Graduate]

Well done, hon!! The first one is the hardest, but that's a HUGE barrier out of the way.

Take it nice and gently. You can never be too slow. Embrace your Inner Snail. Be kind to your back.

Brilliant!! Get ready to astonish yourself xx

[bairnbroon in reply to sallenson]

Thanks Sallenson. Found my inner snail last night but need to find its older slower big sister for tomorrow’s run. Oh my, I take it I’m going to do it again tomorrow now I’ve said it out loud. X

[sallenson Graduate in reply to bairnbroon]

Getting into a routine is really important. But take those "rest days" seriously and add in another if you need to. I always think of them as "repair days"; that's when your poor tired, shattered body heals itself and gets stronger for your next run around.

Try to avoid going gym stuff and a run on the same day (as UnfitNoMore suggests). Balance being keen with being sensible and then err on the side of sensible ok?

We're all rooting for you, hon xx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Running a minute 8 times in half an hour is also not an easy thing to do for a non runner.

I’d certainly try to do gym and runs in different days, or at least split them by a few hours.

Your weight won’t hinder you too much on this plan, it will get you fit regardless of weight, and you can get to 30 minutes and still be overweight. Running combined with healthy eating is a formidable fat burner, but that won’t kick in straight away.

Back pain can be an issue. Do you have a back support? Smaller steps and gentle footfall will help lessen the impact through your legs and into the lower back if you’re antagonising the problem. As will the surface you are running on, and even more the shoes you do this in.

Well done getting to the start of this and then getting through that first run.

[bairnbroon in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for the advice. No back support but conflicting advice on whether I should engage my core when running or not. 🙄 I’m seeing w Physio again within the next few weeks so will ask for advice (should have done that before running but I was keen to get started)

I’m never going to attempt it again following a class. I did drive for 3/4 hour home before stopping at a park to ‘do the deed’ but although the mind was willing, I’m paying for it now. Xx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to bairnbroon]

I find it’s good to at least have something in the car for my dodgy knees. At the very least then when I aggravate them I can strap them up and carry on with life. Recently I injured one and am running in a knee brace, can’t wait for that to go in the cupboard though.

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Well done - first one is the hardest - good luck for run 2 and beyond x

[bairnbroon in reply to Bandit14]

Run 2 in the bag tonight. Well chuffed!!

[Bandit14 Graduate in reply to bairnbroon]

So you should be- brilliant Job !!

- I love the feeling of being able to say I did it - the old me would have spent ages dithering about whether to even try - new running me is fearless 😂

[Hidden]

Hey well done, I felt like I was actually going to die on W1R1, having started at age 42 after, well, 42 years of non-exercise, and now I can run 10k, less than a year after starting, so it is possible. And to do all that after other exercise is truly amazing.

One suggestion - you might find it easier if you do C25K on one day and then your other exercise on the alternate day, as you want to give your poor body the best chance!

All the best Neil

[bairnbroon in reply to Hidden]

Yes I did think I was going to die at one point but at the end a huge dose of smugness set in. Thanks for your support I’m 59 and determined not to be overweight and unfit when I turn 60 next April so there is a goal. X

[Realveggie]

I know the feeling being over weight and I suffer with sciatica...like you say, one step at a time and go at the pace that works for you, having just started this journey it good to know there are others facing similar challenges...good luck and keep going

[Denovo]

More power to your goal!

I guess my goal will have to be set for turning 65 in February. I need to gain back the fitness I lost over the past year and lose the two stone I gained over that period plus another half, because I hadn't managed to get to my target weight previously

Running definitely can be sleep-inducing at times, even the next day as far as I'm concerned! It's my very great fortune that I work from home and can schedule in a power nap if I want.

I've got into a routine of doing two or three gym sessions a week after a run, but these are NOT cardio sessions!

Once a week, I run from and back to the gym and go straight into weights. The running means muscles are warmed up, so I can miss out the boring 15 minutes on the rower/bike/ellipical/treadmill that is supposed to start the session.

I go to Pilates twice a week and run beforehand on one or both of those days, basing my run around my home. Usually I have at an hour or two gap between returning from the run and going to class. I'm finding that really helpful in stopping the stiffness and achiness that I often used to feel in the morning after a run.

[bairnbroon in reply to Denovo]

Oh Pilates, the great lifesaver. The post Pilates feeling is something I wish I could bottle and drink. It’s so helpful knowing that others are in the same or similar boat and the support from this group is amazing. Thanks for sharing your routine; sounds a lot more sensible than my endeavours last night!! X

[Denovo in reply to bairnbroon]

I only just discovered Pilates a couple of weeks ago, but am loving it

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey