This is my first post here, and so far I am amazed and pleased that I have got this far. A lot of mental preparation went into even going out and buying some proper running shoes. I knew I wanted to run a few months ago, so this was not a new year resolution thing, but I needed guidance and wanted to do it safely and properly. For me it was, and is, a very big thing and I didn't really believe it was possible.
The catalyst came when I read about Couch to 5K in the comment thread of a Guardian newspaper article about the best fitness phone apps. The article did not mention C to 5K, instead it was promoting apps that you pay for, but the more perceptive readers commented favourably, many of them! So I downloaded it and had a listen. Ok, so lets do this thing, I resolved to myself and bought some shoes, and leggings, and a top and a pair of comfy socks. If I am going to run around the place, I want to look like a runner, and not like someone running down the street to escape the police or something. Men of my age (I am 59 soon) need to look the part and, this is important, not feel any more stupid than we do already!
My first attempt, with Laura in my ears urging me on, was so bloody hard. I was gasping for painful breaths, having forgotten my inhaler. My asthma is normally well controlled, but then again it would be as I don't normally do anything too strenuous. My legs were hurting when I finished, and I could hardly stand. I think I tried to run too fast to start with. There is a subtle pressure to compete with something, to go faster and do too much, although whom we are trying to impress I don't know. It's a kind of conditioning that we are susceptible to I guess.
But.... I did it. I was wrecked, but I did it. Laura's podcast was essential I think, in timing the routine of running, encouraging, slowing down and going for it again, and it did feel as if she was really there. But it felt like too much to achieve week one in just one week. It didn't seem that I was going feel any better any time soon. Maybe not tell anyone about it, but just stay at week one level, forever, I would be happy with that. At least I was doing SOMETHING.
The next day I could hardly walk without aches and pains. Stretching and rubbing my legs helped a bit. So I thought about the positive aspects - feeling the fresh air, breeze and rain on my face, noticing mud and branches, and the nice feeling of having moved quite a way through the Canterbury streets entirely without any aid. And I was pleased with my shoes! When I went back to my usual outdoor shoes I was surprised how uncomfortable and non-absorbent they were. I could feel every step. But oh, I did ache and hurt. Laura was a bit optimistic, I felt. Let's wait two days, and spend a few weeks just on the first routine.
The day after that I found I was actually missing the activity. My anxiety levels had noticeably dropped. I was still my usual introverted, slightly sad self, but I was definitely calmer. And I wanted to wear my new clothes!
TBC
I would like to continue writing if it helps others and I am hopefully not too boring!
More running shoes advice needed
Running shoes revelation!
First running shoes
First time running in the rain
