On starting C25K

[MuddledGardener]

Do you know, I will be doing w2r2 tomorrow, so I haven’t got far into the programme. However, one observation I have made is that w1r1 was definitely the most difficult for a number of reasons:

1) Walking down the street in trainers ( that I NEVER normally wear) and loose clothing, I felt a berk, and that everyone must be thinking that I was a real fashion victim,

2) I had no idea how I was going to get on with the person I was meeting, who was already on week 4,

3) I had expectations of hating the running, and feeling scared of not being able to do it,

4) Dreading having to admit defeat after I had given up.

Well, I now walk out of my front door with confidence and a spring in my step, knowing that I am doing something positive to improve my health and well-being. I actually want people to notice what I am wearing (now black leggings, so a bit more professional! 🤣), so that they may be prompted to think about their own state of health, and maybe inspired to take up running.

The person whom I met, then subsequent others, are all really encouraging and non-judgemental, and have tailored their runs to fit in with mine. How supportive is that, eh? 😊

It WAS very difficult to jog that first time, but I did it. I felt quite pleased with myself afterwards. Then DiscoRunner introduced me to Japanese slow jogging, and things improved ten-fold. Thank you! I also use an inhaler now, as I realised I had exercise-induced asthma (I used to run an Asthma Clinic in the dim and distant past). I still think about number 4), as it’s very early days, but I really, REALLY want to get fit and lose some weight. This is my incentive.

So, for those of you just starting up, or contemplating starting, don’t let things put you off. It IS a challenge, but we grow as human beings when we are challenged. You will feel more self-confident, healthier and more ready to approach the unknown or the difficult.

Someone please remind me to read this again, when I have my wobbly days! 🤣

[Mbubbles Graduate]

Brilliant post. I am about to embark on week 2 myself, although i’m considering redoing some of the first week.

I’ve had basically the same experience as you, in that I was not at all confident before starting and worried that I looked stupid or wouldn’t be able to do it, but have surprised myself and am now enjoying it and looking forward to the next run each time I finish one.

I am so glad I decided to join the forum as well as download the app. It’s so inspiring and motivating to read other posts from people who felt the same as me when they started but have now completed the whole programme AND are still running!

Keep going and keep posting!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Mbubbles]

Thank you, Mbubbles! Good luck to you, too! 😀

[Hidden in reply to Mbubbles]

Hi mbubbles. I was considering doing week1 again but thought actaully no I’m just going to go for it. I really surprised myself and found those extra 30 second didn’t feel any different to the 60. Good luck!

[Mbubbles Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that. I guess it’s worth trying to just move on. It can’t be any harder than W1R1 was a week ago!

[Hidden in reply to Mbubbles]

I found w1r2 the hardest out of the five I’ve done so far. Actaully finding w2 easier maybe cuz there’s 2min recovery? How have you found r2 and 3 of week 1?

[Mbubbles Graduate in reply to Hidden]

They have definitely become progressively easier. I didn’t manage to complete all the running sections on the first run but have done all of the second and third run and not felt ready to drop dead at the end of it!

[Stevieplink Graduate in reply to Mbubbles]

You're only actually running for a minute more overall. Take it steady and you will wonder why you worried. I did. Now I just look at the total time im running and realisethat a lot of the time you're not running for much longer in total

[Mbubbles Graduate in reply to Stevieplink]

Good point!

[Mbubbles Graduate in reply to Stevieplink]

This is what’s so great about this forum. Whenever you doubt yourself, there is always someone to offer reassurance 🤗

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Mbubbles]

Have you read this healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Mbubbles Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I have now. Interesting read. Thanks!

[Astra5 Graduate in reply to Mbubbles]

I have found this forum to be the best experience in nearly 30 years of being part of the internet, so welcoming and encouraging and nobody knocking anyone down.

A pleasant place to be.

[Hidden]

Well done you!! I’ve just completed w2r2 today too and feel so good! Feel like I’m getting in my stride now. Although but worried about w3 it’s running for double the amount of time !! 😬😬

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Such a great post! I think this really catches all those early worries - the dread of being seen, looking ridiculous, failing, quitting...but the miracle of c25k (and that first run is not easy at all!) is how quickly we improve. We’re pushed, repeat, consolidate and pushed again. Slowly and surely we improve - our stamina, our breathing and then the wonderful positivity! And that’s the amazing part for me - how good it feels - once you find a pace that suits you. Some younger fitter people will start at quite a lick, others of us will learn the joys of slow running! But that feeling of wellbeing, of doing something really good for us, if we can tap into that feeling, I think that’s a lot of the motivation that can drive us forward.

Wonderful hearing how you’re all getting on at the start of your journeys! Stick at it - it’s really worth it!

[steviej99 Graduate]

Brilliant well done youre doing just great! Keep it slow and steady however good your feeling, always take your rest days. Youll be just fine!

[Pianism Graduate]

I'm so pleased you are beginning to find some of the benefits of running. You sound like me in my first weeks. Honestly, if you read the post history of some of the people on here (myself included) you will not believe the progress people make and the difference running makes to their lives. This will be you as you progress through the programme and beyond! You've got this.

Oh, and the benefit of blogging on this forum is exactly that you can look back and see how far you have come. I often glance over at the football pitches behind my house and remember fondly struggling round them in the dark trying to get my body to submit to running for a few short minutes. This morning I'm 2.5 stones lighter and I ran for over 50 minutes. Unbelievable!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Pianism]

That’s some very impressive weight loss! Are you doing anything particular on top of the running?

[Pianism Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Started logging everything - steps and calories using Garmin and MyFitnessPal. Then I try to make mindful and realistic choices... I keep to 1500 calories net intake and 10k steps per day most of the time (I.e. on an average work day) but I don't worry if something special is happening like a night out. Next morning, back to mindful choices.

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Pianism]

Sensible, doable & blooming effective!

[Astra5 Graduate in reply to Pianism]

That sounds just like my regime - lost 2 stone in 10 weeks (not weighed myself for 2 weeks). Sensible eating and watching calories for 1st time in my life, working for me so far too.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Astra5]

Fantastic! Well done - thatt's a life-changing amount of weight to lose.