Hi all,
So I downloaded the c25k app, dusted off my running gear, got the playlist sorted ... and here I am 2 weeks later and still not put a single foot in front of the other.
Anyone got any inspiring ideas to give me that shove to start this?
I realise mainly it has to start with me just doing it, but currently I just seem to be finding excuses not to start 
What are your reasons for wanting to start?
Do you know what is stopping you?
Can you put your stuff on and just head out for a walk? It might even turn into a run for 30s?
My hardest part was actually starting, getting those shoes on for the first time...
So I got a virtual running partner, my friend in Barcelona decided that she wanted to enter a 5K and wanted some motivation, so we both started on the same day. Unfortunately she stopped soon after with some knee problems. So I found another friend in Portugal who wanted to get back to swimming, so he swam and I ran and we checked in with each other. Then he got too busy at work, so I kind of chugged on alone until I found this forum.
Find something that works for you to motivate yourself, or someone else that needs a challenge (no matter what) where you check in with each other, or find someone else here that is just starting and wants to mutally motivate (that sounds weird but you know what I mean lol).
you CAN do it, just take that first step
Hi backintime, thanks for replying.
I wanted to start this for the obvious health benefits but mainly to focus on a goal and from reading a lot of posts here, not only the physical benefits are in abundance, but the mental ones too.
I like the sound of your suggestion to find a virtual running partner ... I'll certainly look into that. Your idea of just popping my gear on for a walk is also a good one as I often wander down to the beach which is very close by (not good for running though!!).
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted!! 
I like the idea of the virtual partner. Is it some specific app or you simply found someone with common interest?
aillsley while it is always enjoyable to start with someone, do not wait for them to join you. Maybe someone is waiting to get inspired and you will be the one to do that for them. Go out. Walk a little. Run a little. Jog a little. Do not start the program right now. Once you feel comfortable with the surrounding, the path etc.. then go for it. It is not daunting at all. I did all my runs solo and the community here kept me on track. It is doable.
It was 2 real life friends, but they live in different countries to me, but one wanted virtual motivation for running and the other for swimming
That would be a great idea for an app though if anyone is technically minded. Sport buddies 
@backintime I LOVE the idea of a virtual training partner. That sounds amazing. How did you find them? Perhaps a post all about your experience would be welcome on the forum.
@aillsley when I started, I decided I was too fat and too sedentary to jump straight into the running program, so I decided I was choking to add a walk into my activities every couple of days - well, the first one was 9km which broke me somewhat do a few days later when I had recovered sufficiently, I set off walking again, and when I got to 2.5km where I planned to turn around I just said to myself - sod it! I’ve got the app on my phone - I might as well do W1R1. That was the 2nd February. Here we are nearly 4 months later and I’m exercising 5 or 6 times a week. It really does feel amazing.
One thing to bear in mind - the only failed run is the one you didn’t do - if you leave the house and don’t get past a warm up walk, it’s still more than you would have done had you stayed at home - that means it’s still a win. In the words of the famous orator.... Tesco! Every little helps!
Good luck, and I can’t wait for you to post your first post run message. You can do it!
Happy Trails
I love the thought that the only failed run is the one you didn't do.
As I said my virtual training buddies were 2 real life friends who wanted to start up a sport, but it would be a great idea to be paired up (no personal information given ) and motivate people from around the world (as long as you can speak the language) lol
I would sign up for that app
Hello aillsley! I found my first run so daunting. I got nervous. I started to talk myself out of it. But I went, got back and felt euphoric. What works for me is I set when I’m going to go in my mind and remind myself constantly. For instance, the first day I told myself I was going once the kids were in bed at 7pm that evening. I got my stuff ready, had an early light tea, kept telling myself I was going. I put the kids to bed, straight away put on my gear, grabbed my earphones and set out the door. Sounds ridiculously simple but I can be VERY flakey when it comes to activities. Go. Tonight. 👍🏻😁
Sorry if this post is pointless 🙈 I’m just letting you know I understand how easy it is to just continue your usual routine because it’s comfortable and you like it. You’ll surprise yourself x
Hi TeeBedders,
Thanks for replying. I hear everything you say there. Maybe there is some underlying fear of failure and you think you're flaky ... Cadbury's got nothing on me!!
Ok, no promises but I finish work at 5pm ... gonna try to go straight to my gear and get out before I do anything else. As backintime says, even if I just do 30s ... it's a start right??
I'll keep you posted x
That sounds a good approach! Do it. We are watching 😳.
I am a morning runner, so I put the gear on as I get up. Then it would be a big waste to take it off without running. 😂 But putting the kids to bed sounds like it could also be turned into a trigger - No messing, straight out the door. FYI, for most people that step over the threshold is the hardest of all. Don’t promise anything else, just get out the door in your running shoes.
Good luck. 👍😊👏🏼
Absolutely! 30s is 30s and you know what? Just getting out the door like granspeed said, is a huge step, even if you walk it.
Let us know if you did it. It’s just after 5 now... 😜
Oh and.. Cadbury’s. 🤤 x
You’re probably doing W1R1 as I type!
Be sure to let us know how it went, we’ll be waiting to hear from you. 😎 happy running. You’ve got this. 🏃🏼♀️
I wish I could make you understand how brilliant this programme is and the difference it will make to your life. Many of us started in trepidation but it really is worth it
Hello all!!
Thank you for your lovely kind and supportive texts, they are so appreciated. I didn't quite make it out of the door ....
..... I got fully out of it ... and smashed W1R1 WHOOP WHOOP!!
Couldn't have done it without your support so thank you all so much. You know, it was actually raining too and that was my perfect excuse for not running but it was something that TeeBedders said about saying over and over to myself, do it ... allocate thectime ... keep telling yourself to do it. So at work, I ensured my phone was all setup and fully charged, same with headphones, too a single door key off to slip in my phone case cause I've no pockets and sadly yes, i have used that as an excuse in the past!! I switched from my work clothes straight into my running clothes and quite literally was outside doing my 5 min walk warm up before I had chance to think of an excuse not to. I'll be totally honest and say ice no idea what I was worried about. The 60s seems to pass so fast yet the 90s breathes seemed about right. Can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm looking forward to Wednesday's run!!
Thanks again everyone.
Fantastic! Well done! It just keeps getting better and better! 😃 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks and I hope so! I'll get back to you on Weds
I popped on this morning to see if you’d updated.. no pressure of course! But absolutely delighted to see you did it! Fantastic news!!💪🏻 That first run is tricky, only because there are a million reasons to not do it, and you absolutely smashed it. Over the moon for you! Bring on Wednesday 😁🏃🏻♂️
Thank you! To be fair it was your comment that pushed me out of the door! (and the thought of Cadbury's). I just basically didn't give myself the time or opportunity to come up with an excuse!! I shift from days to nights at work after today's shift, so I'm currently toying with what will be the best time to run tomorrow? Do I do it as soon as I wake up on Weds, a couple of hours before I start my shift at 5pm, or wait until I get home from shift at 5am ... but then that will be Thurs!!??
Ah I’m so pleased I helped and wasn’t just waffling! 🤐Which would work best for YOU? Doesn’t matter if it runs into Thursday, as long as you’ve given yourself a days rest. Would it energise you before work? Would you be too tired after? You smashed it last night so you can easily do it again! 🙂🙂
Thanks!! Hmmm ... yes I didn't even consider the tiredness thing which will probably be the case until I get further into the programme and a feeling more able. So yeah, stick to after work which will be something new for me, running at 5.30am ish when doing nights
It’ll be peaceful in the morning, the sun will be up, it’ll be nice and cool. Win win! 😊
I'll be sure to let you know how it goes
Well done for getting out there 😊 trust in yourself and the plan each week you'll be feeling so proud of yourself and what you have achieved! Good luck & have fun 😁
You want to be fitter? Live a little longer? Be able to do more? Maintain mobility further into old age? Feel happier? Do something that 90% or more of the population can’t do? Inspire any offspring to live a healthier life? Collect a bunch of medals to show how awesome you are? Any or all of the above? Maybe something else?
You can do this... and you can have all of the above benefits... go do it. Soon it becomes addictive, drag your ass to the startlines until then. Enjoy your journey.
Isn’t it strange that excuses not to do something come so easily to us but we then need piles of motivation and support to actually do anything?! Now, you’ve everything you need to get out there, there are masses of people here on the forum shoving you out the door - and I bet you’ll find a few first timers who you can move through the programme with. So no more excuses Aillsley, you can do this!
Thanks OldGirl 
Some awesome folk in here all ready and willing to motivate (yourself included), and sometimes, that's all it takes.
Motivation 
Motivation
Motivation
Motivation
motivation 
