I’ve shocked everyone including myself!

[Sewnotfit]

So up until 3 weeks ago I classed myself as a 52 year old non-runner. I have never ever been sporty, I’m 5ft nothing with no coordination or stamina and I was always the last to be picked for anything team related in school PE lessons. BUT I have a friend who has always told me that anyone can run and despite her having run marathons in the 20 years I’ve known her, she still does not class herself as a ‘natural runner’ and says she has to force herself out of the door most times she goes running (but she loves the feeling afterwards!!)

I started C25k to try to improve my stamina and I wanted to see if I could do it. I found the first couple of weeks really hard and the only thing that kept me going was that another friend told me she had not managed to get past Week 3. Bring a stubborn type I wanted to see if I could.

Today I was due to start Week 4 and I was aware the runs stepped up to 5 minutes. I was very apprehensive, not helped by the arrival of Storm Kiara. Due to work commitments, I couldn’t have gone out again until Tuesday so decided to go out, assuming I would be blown off course/ rained off/ not be able to manage the extra running. I thought I would do a practice run. On the last 5 minute run, I was running uphill at the end plus the rain was lashing down, along with a gale blowing right at me. But guess what - I did it! And I’m embarrassed to admit that I burst into tears 🙈

Anyway my point is - I realised that I overthink each run before I go out. If you just go out and give it a go and it doesn’t work out, then it’s still valuable practice. And if I does work -you feel flipping great!!!

[Mummy23 Graduate]

Well done to you! You should feel very, very proud! I too stood at the side of a main road and burst in to tears when I managed my first ever 25 minutes non stop running. 😆

Take it, literally, one step at a time, you’re doing great 😁😁😁

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Mummy23]

Thank you, I didn’t really post thinking anyone would read it! I was just so overwhelmed by that run that I wanted to make it real by writing it then if that makes sense?!

[Richstevens74]

Brilliant! You should be really proud of yourself. I braved the remnants of the storm this morning wk4day1 and I can empathise. Keep it up, you're doing amazingly well!

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Richstevens74]

Aw thank you! This community is so supportive. I don’t think I could run with anyone yet, I’m too self-conscious! But it feels brilliant to have all all these virtual mates!!

[Icandoit2019 Graduate]

Great post feeling your positivity!

Well done 👍

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Icandoit2019]

Thanks for your reply x

[SteveWebbo Graduate]

Welcome to the band of emotional runners

Great feeling though

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to SteveWebbo]

Haha I’ve never thought myself the emotional type but C25K does mad things to your mind! But I’m loving it x

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done! I hope the feeling you got from today's run carries you through the next few weeks. Take it steady and you will get there. You should rightly be proud and emotional!

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

I do wonder if pride comes before a fall but have done another run since and it was ok. Found it hard but I didn’t cry this time (that’s progress in my book!!) 🤣🤣

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Sewnotfit]

Well done! Some runs might feel tough sometimes but your determination will get you through

[Thingybob77]

Thanks ,needed inspiration, sounds like me i was meant to start last week ,but kept making excuses in my head ,I can't seem to leave my front door an start ,going make myself this morning ,good luck with the rest of weeks ,

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Thingybob77]

Focus on the reason why you want to start. We all have our own reason. And then think to yourself, what will change if I dont go!

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Thingybob77]

When I’ve felt reluctant I tell myself it’s only half an hour. I can easily lose that messing around on on Facebook so it’s not long at all! And once you’ve actually gone out of the front door then you are already succeeding and when it gets tough I just think to myself ‘well I haven’t collapsed so I must have a bit more left to give so I’ll do the next few seconds, then the next few seconds’ and so on, I set myself little goals like running to a certain gate, or a fence, or until the car that’s gone past doesn’t see me stopping. Seems to work.

I’ve found if I obstruct the excuse (and believe me, I’m the master of excuses!!) by getting my kit in and getting out of the door then the rest seems to follow.

I hope you have managed to make a start - good luck Thingybob77 - I believe in you and am cheering you on x

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate]

Brilliant post - week four is tough but as you’ve already discovered 1. You can do it and 2. You feel great afterwards. Huge well done for sticking with it - this plan really does work for everyone if you follow all the advise each week 🙌🏻

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

Yes I’ve lurked for a few weeks reading the advice and practicing slow running as per the Japanese man 🤣🤣

But have tried to take the advice on board and trust in what has worked for many others!

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Go you! Very proud of you.

So much of this is in our heads. You managed to beat those gremlins and got out and finished it.

Really well done.

You have got absolutely the right attitude to see this program right to the end. And we'll all be here to help you along in whatever way we can.

Great going, keep it up

Mig

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Oh thank you, your confidence in my ability to complete this is lovely to hear. I am enjoying it, but shocked I’m enjoying it if that makes sense?!!! I am so not a sporty person 🤷‍♀️

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Sewnotfit]

Looking forward to seeing more of your posts!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and you might benefit from following the link to the post about mental approach.

Enjoy your journey.

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, I read your advice as o started out and have returned to it a few times. Its been really helpful in giving me the confidence to start this programme and keep going with it x

[Hidden]

I am like you and just did wk4 run 2. Amazed.

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ah well done you! I will be covered in bruises as I’m constantly pinching myself 🤣

[Sammie1968]

Fantastic x

[Hidden]

What an inspiring post! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm a c25k newbie and I love reading other people's success stories 😊

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Haha I’m loving that you think I might be a bit more pro than you! I still feel like a newbie myself!! Each run still surprises me, But have to say I love both the programme and this forum, it’s so supportive xx

[Hidden in reply to Sewnotfit]

Haha you definitely are! I'm doing w1r3 next. And I agree this forum is amazing!!

[katem2507]

Well done you 👍

[Sewnotfit Graduate in reply to katem2507]

Thank you katem2507, really appreciate your reply x

[BestLife19 Graduate]

So like me! I'm 5'4", was always the last to be picked for any sport at school due to my inability to run, throw a ball, catch a ball, score a goal (hockey or netball). Never thought this running lark would he for me but how wrong could I be. A running highlight for me was a few years back when I ran a 5k fun run with my bestie (5'11", was in the athletics team at school you get the picture)! About half a km from the end I was doing so well she told me to get going because she couldn't keep up with me! ME!!!!!

Keep up the positivity, mind set makes such a difference, and know you're in good company here. You'll do that 5k 😁

[Smelliepoo Graduate]

It's a fantastic feeling when you take on the worst of it and win! Well done you! I think I have had a few moments like that myself! You sound like you have the same way of doing things as I do... If i can get to the lamp post...The next road...the top of this hill and I want to stop then I will. I very rarely want to stop then, I want to get to the next lamppost... Road... Hill top!!