My first day

[familyfirst1957]

It was my first day yesterday. So unfit, but I already knew that. Can't remember how many years it's been since I've done any kind of exercise at all. I'm 63, very unfit, very overweight, work full-time, have very little of my own time. I found it really hard yesterday, made harder by the lockdown as I've entered into week 9 of isolation and working from home. It does make C25K much more difficult but I've made the best of it (doing it on the spot and around the ground floor of the house). Maybe I should dig deep and be brave enough to run up and down the driveway? Any tips would be welcome.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on starting C25K, you can run up and down your drive if you want to, take all the runs slowly, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish, good luck for your running journey with C25K 😊 🏃🏾

[familyfirst1957 in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you for your tips and support.

[Lara1972 Graduate]

Well done for starting. I am 48,unfit ,over weight and lack confidence I also started off by doing it in the house for the first couple of weeks I am now on wk 4 and have enjoyed 😁 doing it outside in a quieter area of where I live. It is hard to find the time to do it when working full time, maybe have set days and times that you are going to do, I am better at doing it first thing in the morning then you have the rest of the day to look forward to.

Big well done to you, keep going.

[familyfirst1957 in reply to Lara1972]

Thank you. I cannot wait until I am permitted to leave the house which will make C25K more doable, but until then, I'll just have to make the best if it!

[Lara1972 Graduate in reply to familyfirst1957]

Having a positive attitude like you have will help. I only found this community/group thingy the other day and people have been really surportive so keep sharing how you are feeling both good and bad. Good luck

[Mojojojo71 Graduate]

No advice, just support! Keep moving anyway you can 🍀👍

[Hidden]

Well done for starting C25K...Getting out on the drive would be good idea as you will be outdoors enjoy the weather. Just persevere with it..this is yours now. You'll so proud of yourself as the weeks go by. Keep going !

[familyfirst1957 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the support. It helps!

[May1621]

Hey!! Well done for starting! That is the hardest bit. I started mine on Monday and really struggled and I am only 28. I used to go to the gym before lockdown and thought I was fit but running is another level entirely.

Being a beginner myself I have no advise but I have so much support. Well done for doing it at home as that would be a brilliant excuse.

Keep going and keep posting with your updates so we can all cheer you on 🥰

[familyfirst1957 in reply to May1621]

Thanks for your support. Over the years I've done all the gyms and classes and decided how much I really hate the gym. It is so mind-numbingly boring lol! Let's cheer each other on and we just might achieve something 😊🌷

[CaptFrey Graduate]

I am overweight and had never run in my life. Well done for starting and it does get easier. I get up stupidly early and run as i feared being mocked and head to a field near home and run round the field. You will be amazed at what you can do.

[familyfirst1957 in reply to CaptFrey]

Well done for starting. It's taken me long enough. I can't wait until I can go out to do it but until then I'll be creative with the area I have 😂. The neighbours think I've lost the plot. Good luck and keep going.

[Lizcanrun Graduate]

Well done for starting - that's the hardest thing!

[Bubbles2020 Graduate]

I'm on week 8, and honestly I was so unfit, I find it's very much a mental battle, but I've found it a great outlet as I'm a keyworker and the stress workwise I'm able to express as I jog. Stick with it, you will be amazed what your body is capable of.

[familyfirst1957 in reply to Bubbles2020]

Thanks for the encouragement! I know I have to do this for my own good both physically and mentally.

[Weeble Graduate]

I'm in my 60s, plump and work from home, and started off by by running up and down the driveway🤗 red as a beetroot and wheezing like an old tractor. I have just started week 6 and can't quite believe it. I would not say I am loving it but I don't wheeze any more and don't collapse in a heap. So I certainly have stopped dreading the runs. The hardest thing for me was believing that it could be done by someone like me. Keep the faith!

[familyfirst1957 in reply to Weeble]

Thank you, this gives me hope

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Can you not get out to run?

Enjoy your journey.

[familyfirst1957 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

No, I'm not to leave my house or garden as I am one of the people who has underlying problems and at risk.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to familyfirst1957]

That is tough.

If you look at the Strength and Flex site linked to in the guide, you may find some useful strengthening exercises that will hold you in good stead for when you can properly get outside.

[familyfirst1957 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks. Yes, I really do need these as I need to build up my lower strength and was wondering what was safe to do.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to familyfirst1957]

The S&F forum is run by runners, so if you put a post up there asking for advice and suggestions, then I am sure someone will point you in the right direction

[familyfirst1957 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your support. Much appreciated.