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
Written by
Lesaspie
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Hi, no not boring at all. I find it really encouraging to know i’m not the only one and found myself missing the activity on my rest day too. I find it impossible to believe I’ll be able run for more than 15 mins never mind 30 mins with my current fitness level!😩
I know what you mean... I am still at the three minute run in week 3, and its as much as i can humanly do. I take comfort from knowing there is no hurry, no obligation, it takes as long as it takes and just doing something is special. Thank you for your comment and interest, Pepper55.
Well done for getting out there, starting the C25K adventure and for joining this community. Keep doig it and keep posting on here, you will get nothing but good advice and loads of encouragement.
I rapidly learned that I could slow down a bit, and nobody minds, nobody knows but me! Asthma is a limiting factor anyway, but I am going to fight that gradually. The thing with that is that you can breathe in fine, but breathing out is an issue! Thank you, I will read it! We need all the help we can get. I have already felt my anxiety improve, and thats reason enough to do it indeed. Thanks again
I am already greatly encouraged by coming to this forum. Thank you! Its better than facebook Yes water is essential. I don't carry it with me but as the weather gets warmer - it will eventually - that may have to change! I am very happy with the plan so far, it's a kind of discipline that you can take your time with!
So good to read this, I have just downloaded the app and already started to doubt my willpower. I intend ti start tomorrow. I have the gear...now just need to believe.
Oh please keep us all updated and well done for doing this big thing! For those if us who have never run, it feels quite alien! But it is like a whole new world -most of it is a mental challenge.
You completed the session so that's great. Please run slowly as you can! Good luck
It is a whole new world. You are right about it being mostly a mental challenge too, and it brings mindfulness to the fore alright. Thank you for being so encouraging, really!
So believe me, you're not alone. So many of us here went through that. But we're all still out there doing it (how did that run not put us off 🤣).
Really great to see your post and progress. You've done the right thing by getting some decent running shoes. They make such a difference. With I'd know that on week 1 🙂.
So, welcome to the gang and keep us updated on progress. You've made a fantastic start already!
Hello Running Migster, thank you for your comment! I am amazed at the response and feedback on here, and to learn that you and other people found that first run really hard.
The shoes really are good - a few months ago I would never have contemplated spending 100 + on something like that. And socks too.......
Great post! I see that your asthma may have other causes, but my son has been a life-long sufferer and is extremely active skiing, mountain biking, hill walking and running. His asthma nurse has been really encouraging. She assured him that, properly managed, exercise helps his lung capacity and alleviates symptoms. Hopefully it will be the same for you.
Think of a week as a stage. It really doesn't matter if it takes longer than a week to get through each one. I deliberately left two days between each run. I think as we get older, it takes that bit longer for our body to adapt to the new stresses we put on it.
Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress. 👍
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I would like to continue writing if it helps others and I am hopefully not too boring!
My first blog and first run. W1R1
My first major running injury 
My first 20 minute run!
✔My first charity race/run!✔
#W8R3 My first failed run... 
