Slowly but surely

[CateBlack]

So here I am. How did I get here. I’m not a runner. I hate runners. How smug they are. I can’t be a runner because I can’t breathe when I run. And when I hyperventilate I get panic attacks which are about the scariest thing ever.

And yet here I am. I was embarrassed recently when walking from a work event to the train station I had to explain to the guy I was walking with that I couldn’t go the route with the very steep hill carrying my bags.

It was enough to make me think “right it’s time”. So here I am.

Today I did say 1 of week two and despite the fear that it might be too hard and the last one I did, I totally did it. Slowly at times. But I did it.

And I’m determined. I’ve had a tricky couple of years and I need to get my self esteem back and feel good about myself again. This is one of the ways I’m gonna do it. So thanks for being with me.

😊🎄

[emma_lynne Graduate]

I use to think runners were crazy who would do that 😂. But I love it and look forward to run days now. You are doing great, just keep going.

[CateBlack in reply to emma_lynne]

Thanks. I’m pretty determined this time. So I hope I will.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Determination will get you everything you want and you will complete c25k with help and support on here good luck

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

You are in the right place and doing the right things, so be prepared to become smug.

Enjoy your journey.

[Gran4z Graduate]

You will do it for sure...the hardest bit is the getting off the wretched couch. Enjoy your running, you will reap the benefits many many times over. Beware, its addictive 🙂🎄

[Nita49 Graduate]

Welcome CateBlack, you have come to the right place 👍.

Don't tell anyone... But I use to hate runners!.. Looking all smug as they ran past me, wanting me to move out of their way (how very dare they). I use to say "show me a runner that smiles and then I'll think about trying it"....

Yet here I am with one more run to do before I graduate!... I love running, I love seeing other runners too, because I now understand the buzz they get.

I seriously never thought I'd get this far, totally unfit... But I followed the program and found my inner 🐌.

I didn't think about my breathing or pace, it just happened naturally week by week.

Follow the plan, believe in yourself and we're all here to hold your hand, and cheer you on 👏✋🚶‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[RevRunner Graduate]

Well done you for committing to this despite everything! If anything can build your stamina and confidence, this programme will!

[Irish-John Graduate]

I have said it many times - if we had a contest for "Most Unlikely To Ever Run" there would be VERY stiff competition

You have found your people Welcome to the place where if we don't actually run together, we never run alone

[steviej99 Graduate]

Slow and steady is perfect. This programme is brilliant, I know because like thousands of others before me I graduated today. Stick to the programme, take your rest days, keep it slow and steady and you will do it also

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome. You know you’re gonna have to become a smug #%^^er right? Well done so far. I love the attitude... fear no run. You can do this! Enjoy your journey.

[Mrun1 Graduate]

Well done for getting over your fears and getting out there. I too suffer panic attacks, and I must say that running regularly has done wonders for my mental health. Anxiety is more manageable and panic attaks have reduced massively.

There are lots of tips on breathing with running on this forum and online. Go at a slow and steady pace, nothing wrong with going slowly

Keep it up!