W1R1 - And so it begins

I'm not a runner - outside of school I've only ever run over 30mins once that was in my 20s - I'm now in my early 40s. So it took a while to get ready - had a few issues with my headphones and where to put my phone (ended up holding it during the session). Used YouTube to play my songs and chose Michael Johnson to talk me during my session. So my first run happened to be in the town centre as had no idea how long it would take to do a brisk walk and run because (let's be honest) I had never walked to the town centre. Walked there then Michael Johnson said I needed to start running - was super conscious of everyone looking at me at first but wasn't so bad and kept on going. Will choose a less busy place next time. 1st session done - lots more to go but feel great!

[pippkins Graduate]

That's awesome!

Don't be put off if your legs are a bit sore, allow your day of rest before run 2 and the soreness will fade.

It feels like 5 minutes ago that I started week 1, I am now on week 7 and... actually running!

Week 1 was my hardest week, but your body will be AMAZING at building up strength and endurance, just stick to the plan and you won't believe what you can achieve in a short time!

[Hidden in reply to pippkins]

Thanks Pipkins! Appreciate the support

[limberlou Graduate]

Well done on getting started. I was really self conscious when I started but I think I was in wk 4 or 5 when we passed a family walking the other way and the 7/8 year old boy said “ look at those runners mum!!”. 😁

[Hidden in reply to limberlou]

Thanks limberlou - you're now known as a runner after only a few weeks - that's amazing!

[limberlou Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Well I’ve been at it for nearly 3 years now and there are times when I still wonder if I am yet..

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Well done for getting out there. My profile was similar to yours, only I took up running at age 66! Everything is possible for you. Running gear is like a cloak of invisibility; nobody even notices you. So just do your own thing and enjoy what you are about to achieve. Only one tip at this stage. Keep your pace really slow. Running for the allotted time is all that you need achieve. 👏👏👏👏👏👍

[Hidden]

Wow Beachcomber66 you are an inspiration! Thanks for the tip.

[iBard Graduate]

I’m on week 3 atm.

Week one, run one was the hardest for me.

So, well done

And, keep going!

[Hidden in reply to iBard]

Thanks iBard. I'm a little sore but I guess that's to be expected for someone who's never run. How's week 3 going?

[iBard Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Pretty good!

I’m impressed with the gradual but definite improvements in fitness, belief, mood...

Think I’m going to stick with it

[agirlinwinter Graduate]

Well done on getting started!

I’m 46 and I hadn’t run since PE at school 30 years ago. I thought I was going to die after my first attempt at W1R1. I graduated on 8 March 😀

You can do this! Take it one run at a time and don’t be tempted to go too fast. Let us know how you’re getting on.

[Hidden]

Thanks agirlinwinter. I intend to write after every run to keep me motivated. I prefer writing to running at the moment but hopefully that will change.

[Ch0911 Graduate]

Good on you. The first runs always the most daunting. Well done for doing though. 👍👍

[Hidden]

Thanks

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey.