Update 7 days in...

[Pianism]

Well, this time last week I had no plans to start any kind of exercise programme. At 5'9" and 17 stone, I knew I needed to do something to stop the pounds piling on, and I'd noticed I was beginning to avoid anything physical. I was going to cut back on food a bit and try to up my daily step count, but wasn't really that committed.

Then I was introduced to C25k and Parkrun. If you'd told me last Thursday that today I'd be jogging around a slightly dodgy urban park in the dark at 7am in freezing rain, I'd have thought you utterly mad! But somehow I was, and I'm completely hooked.

Over the past 7 days, I have...

- walked (mostly) or jogged around 100,000 steps (apparently that's around 50 miles!!)

- met loads of really nice people, in person and online

- bought running shoes for the first time ever

- worn a tee-shirt for the first time in years

- experienced the most unbelievable upswing in energy, mood and wakefulness

- completely got rid of nagging knee pain that I've suffered with for years (honestly, I feel like I've got bionic legs!)

- lost 4.5 lbs in weight

Honestly, if that's what walking and running can do to me in 7 days, bring it on!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Fantastic! That’s a great start. 😀 Many more good things to come! 😄 Enjoy your journey through this wonderful program.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you - blimey, if there's more to come, I'll be ecstatic!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Holy wotsit! That’s some amazing list of victories in 7 days... great work all round, 50 miles on foot in a week is HUGE, especially considering where you were at last week. Keep up the amazing work... so great that you’re loving it so soon... you’ll go far.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I know - I can't believe it!

[Viv49 Graduate]

Fantastic achievement in 7 days - well done. I am due a weigh in on Monday, aiming for 2lb loss - not dieting, but being mindful of what I choose to eat. I have a long journey ahead, but am feeling positive so far 🏃‍♀️🏙🙂

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Are you sure you are not superman? Well done, this is great and I'm sure you'll enjoy next week just as much!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

More like super-slouch! But hopefully, those days are well and truly over.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Pianism]

😉 oh yes they are, you’ll get hooked on feeling this good !

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

This is weird... I work from home on a Friday morning so no walk to work.... feeling desperate to get outside. Already fantasising about where I can walk to once I'm finished, which is.... well, about now.... hurray!

[ktsok Graduate]

Wow, I feel exhausted! Seriously well done 👍

[Pianism Graduate in reply to ktsok]

Thank you. I hope I haven't peaked too soon!

[ktsok Graduate in reply to Pianism]

There are always more peaks to be found

[RunaroundSue]

Your beaming smile said it all at lunchtime today. I am so pleased for you.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Wouldn't be doing it if not for you two... can't thank you enough.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Woooh hooo! What brilliant results!! So pleased for you!! Well done you!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽😍❤️

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

Brilliant! Really pleased to hear it’s eased your knee pains. I’ve just got started and hope it will help my knees too

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Ladyvickster]

Well done for getting started - I hope it does help.

[AliK0871 Graduate]

Love love love it!!!! Love hearing encouraging stories on the forum and the help it gives others especially me. Keep up with the feedback xxx

[Pianism Graduate in reply to AliK0871]

Thank you - will do.

[CatMo13 Graduate]

Welcome to this life changing forum. Well done to you🙌 Yes, this is a high and yes there will be hard times in the program, but always remember how you feel now and there will be so many more positive milestones for you 😊

[Pianism Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Thank you