Week one completed

[123try]

Just completed Week 1.. gosh it was hard. I’ve never been a runner and to start this in my mid 50s ... but I am determined! When I’m running and tired I just keep thinking of all the lovely clothes I’ve got that I can’t fit into any more!

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

I’ve just completed it too. Well done. Unfortunately mine didn’t go too so I’m repeating it on Tuesday. Good luck with week 2.

[123try in reply to Shelley2310]

It was lungs that couldn’t handle it, my legs weren’t too bad. My chest felt raw and my throat sore and I needed the days break in between for that to feel better. Really not enjoying it but I am going to keep trying. Seeing other people have put by week 3 or 4 are starting to look forward to it and enjoying it... roll on! On day 3 I just ran an extra few steps each time once I was told to walk again in preparation for next week! Good luck, keep trying and imagine how amazing we are going to feel in another month or so!!

[AnnieW55 in reply to 123try]

Well done on week 1.

You do need to slow down. Channel your inner 🐌. If your lungs can’t handle it it means slow down. The attached below give some useful information.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

This really is a great programme I’m sure you’ll be enjoying yourself soon.

[123try in reply to AnnieW55]

I’m already going very slow and tiny steps! I’m not a smoker, never have been and the air not cold yet so I’m surprised it’s affected me like this.

[AnnieW55 in reply to 123try]

You’re body is probably wondering what the heck you are asking it to do 😮. It will catch up. I also do tiny steps as I have short legs 😀. Just go as slow as you can while maintaining the running motion. I can walk much faster than my slowest run and have been overtaken by dog walkers in the past - honest.

Other thoughts are, are you properly hydrated light coloured pee.

If you do suffer with your chest try covering your mouth with a buff to start with, especially if it is colder. Buff is the brand name there are lots around that do the same thing cheaper.

[123try in reply to AnnieW55]

Thanks for all the advice ... it really helps to feel you’re not alone. Did first day of week 2 this morning and although I didn’t enjoy it, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I took smaller shallower steps and tried to breath more deeply and so far I feel ok. I think it was, as you say, a shock to my body!! I’ve already lost 3lb and so that’s spurred me on too. Really looking forward to feeling slimmer and healthier. X

[AnnieW55 in reply to 123try]

Well done! Congratulations on the weight loss too. Have you taken measurements though? I mean odd places like neck calves, biceps as well as the usual ones. Weight loss isn’t linear and there are times when the weight loss doesn’t show on the scales but cms/inches come off in all sorts of places. You will definitely tone up and look better with running.

Week 1 is definitely the worst one as it is a shock to the system and all new. So that’s out of the way. If you read around you will see people having bad runs all the time and all you need to do is see if there was anything different but don’t over analyse, pack it up and move on. The bad or hard ones disappear when you get a good one.

As long as you keep posting, you won’t be alone. There’s always someone here to help, advise, celebrate, commiserate and share experiences with. We’ll even give a 👟 up the b*m if necessary😊. Sorry, I do get carried away!

[123try in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you...I did take measurements but only bust, waist, hips and thighs and so far have lost 1 cm off waist and hips. 1 cm doesn’t seem much but if I can keep it up and lose 1cm per week, then a month is going to make a big difference. Im trying to drink more water to keep myself more hydrated as you said and also I feel less inclined to eat cakes, sweets etc because if I’m putting so this hard work in I don’t want to undo it by not eating healthily. Just made myself a big pan of veg soup with about 5 different veggies in, garlic and chilli... it’s yummy and I can fill up on it without worrying too much about calories. Although I’m not liking the running, I’m looking forward to succeeding and already feel like a highly tuned althele..lol! No, seriously, I already feel fitter and with a bit of a spring in my step so look forward to how I’ll feel in another month or two. X

[AnnieW55 in reply to 123try]

That’s excellent 1! I can call you 1 can’t I 😁.

My husband is just doing our pea & ham soup for lunch which is good as I was about about to join you for yours! It sounds great.

I lost weight from my neck 😮 it meant some necklaces and necklines could no longer be paired - who knew?

The extra water really will make a difference. If you keep it up your body will adapt and you won’t have to go to the loo so much. Did you know that when you lose fat the cells fill with water and once the bod decides everything is ok it releases the water and the fat cells deflate (they don’t disappear, they lay in wait to be filled again) - known as the whoosh effect. Yes it is a thing.

[123try in reply to AnnieW55]

No I didn’t know that about fat cells. Really feel motivate. Thanks. X

[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.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job... that’s a tough week, be very proud of yourself. Those clothes will fit in no time. Enjoy the journey.

[BathOnion]

Hello there, you are saying exactly what I would say. I am mid 50s, about two stones overweight and there are so many clothes I am longing to wear again. I used to be able to fit in to them but can't at the moment.

It is scary just how stealthily the excess weight creeps on without you noticing. Good luck and keep us posted.

[123try in reply to BathOnion]

Yes, I was size 10, then 12, then 14, now 16 and like hell am I going up any more...very much looking forward to coming down a size or two. X

[Pixie2017]

I was exactly like that, I’m only on week two but it is getting easier, I’ve not done any running since school (I’m 41) I still can’t see myself even managing the 3 minute runs that are soon coming up! Well done and keep up the great work!

[123try]

Well done to you too. I haven’t run since school either..I have a horse so I think my muscles are quite toned but as for stamina..it’s a big fat zero! Feel 10 times better already after just 4 runs and can’t wait to see how I feel in a few more weeks. Just hope I don’t have any set backs, ie an injury or horrid cold. X