Dug out my trainers. Here we go...

[SOULY47]

Hi folks. I've enjoyed reading such inspirational posts since signing up on Monday and completing W1R1. I used to be a runner of sorts a few years ago but basically I didn't enjoy it and felt pressured by my friends and myself even to enter this race, do that run, beat my last time etc. So i gave up. In 2/3 years I've obviously got older and heavier (2 Stone.) So this week. I've made the decision to try again, secretly. None of my friends will know and I'm not recording my runs on Strava or Garmin. I hope by reading all of these lovely posts I'll get to the end as a happy graduated couch to 5k runner. Thanks for reading my post.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Welcome Souly!! Now you have dug out the trainers, you’re in for a brilliant experience this time!! You’ve already got run 1 in the bag!! 😁

We are all here to support you, without the pressure, so go out, go slow and I’m sure that you will have fun!! You’ve also got your secret running reveal to look forward to! 🤫 That will be pretty amazing!! 😁❤️

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you x

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to SOULY47]

Remember no pressure! Relax and enjoy!! You can do this!! 💪🏽❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Welcome! 👋 And yes you WILL complete this programme, and you’ll almost certainly love the journey! 😀🏃‍♀️

The lovely folk on here will be cheering you on all the way, and are always available if you have any concerns, or just want to tell us how you’re doing (and we love pics, so thanks for your lovely ones already!) 😀😀

Have tons of fun! 😀🏃‍♀️🙌

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks for your kind words

[telford_mike Graduate]

Welcome! We're all friends here and you'll get lots of support. Keep posting your progress, and as Fab and Cheeky say, you'll get loads of encouragement. Good luck!

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Thank you Mike

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Definitely enjoy - take your time and have fun with it. No one wants to be doing something that's a chore and you certainly don't need the pressure of stats n stuff. Just get out there and be who you want to be. You'll be fab - lots of luck x

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Bandit14]

Very true. Cheers x

[Wildswimmer]

Brilliant. Most importantly, you're doing something just for YOU!! Well done, ive done a 10k in May and then stopped. Ive started the c25k again and I'm loving the lack of pressure and can enjoy the flowers in the allotments as I walk. The best thing is, we're doing something- anything is better than nothing. Have fun and congrats!! 👏😎

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Wildswimmer]

Thank you. Good luck on your journey again x

[Razouski]

Welcome SOULY47 , this is definitely the place to be. No pressure to at all in here, just lots of encouragement and guidance. Take it nice and slow and steady and come back in to tell us all how you're getting. I was a complete non-runner all my life then secretly started couch to 5k two years ago after having breast cancer. My Macmillan physio/personal trainer was working with my in the gym and suggested I started running. I said, "No way!" but then when a friend started C25K I thought, "Why not give it a try."

I've really loved it (most of it although there have been times when it's been tough), but I'm now training for my first official half marathon - words I never thought Id be uttering.

Have fun and look forward to reading about your progress.

Happy running.

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Thank you. Wow go you. You will be amazing. Such an inspiration to us all x

[Hidden]

W1R1 on Monday - so did I. We can compare progress notes. W1R2 this morning (just as soon as I finish typing) and I feel ready for it.

OK, I'm a lapsed graduate, but I feel like a newbie.

Have a great run today.

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'll just borrow your legs then

[Oldlady57]

Take it nice & easy Souly. Oldfloss’s mantra is snails 🐌 pace. It works, honestly. Don’t let those head gremlins push you to run faster than that!! Good luck & enjoy your journey 👍🏻

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Oldlady57]

Thank you

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Funny how many of us are doing this in secret. I am doing it to avoid peer pressure. I love them dearly but I need to do this for me and no-one else x

This community is fabulous x

[SOULY47 Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Yep. Most of my friends are like yours. I got my husband into running not long after i first started, obviously he was bloody good at it, whereas I gave up. Ive not told my running friends, i just want to complete the programme and rock up at parkrun again and run 5k at an ok speed. Lol. Good luck, we will keep each other motivated.