Will I or won’t I?

[MarybellM]

I did the C25k last year, then lapsed after bereavement. Then started again, and then again and now I just need a nudge or a push or a shove from someone. I’ve had support before on this forum - from generous people. I’ve been struggling mentally through the lockdown and I know that ultimately I’m the one who has to get myself stronger. Running did it for me before so here’s my plan: I get up as soon as I wake tomorrow morning and get on my running gear. Then I click onto W1R1 and take the first step. There... now I’ve written it down, I have to do it, don’t I?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Of course you will have to do it, restart the program, as you have done it before you know to take all the runs slowly, good luck. 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You will if you want to............

Welcome back to the forum.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[NikonikoFred]

Hey, I found the very thought of that first day a bit daunting. But I thought to myself, “I’m not going running yet. I’m going for a walk. That’s easy”. So I went. And of course, once out there? Well, I just followed direction. And that’s how I’ve viewed it ever since. I’m going for a walk. Hey presto, then I’m in business.

Come on, I’m going to follow you and see you make it.

[Bracken2018 Graduate]

Hi M,

Smile, knowing you have faced the first challenge of the day. Getting you runners 🏃‍♀️ on .

You will return home with a YES - I feel great, albeit not easy and your legs may be wobbly. This is *your* time to be free out there , you will improve in strength and stamina. You have so many critter all waiting to be seen and heard along your route, so don’t disappoint them

It’s time to go , take it slowly - you have started and you will finish- dig deep find that determination and grit 🐾

[Cmoi Graduate]

Here's a gentle nudge for you, plus a big smile. I and so many others are out there cheering you on. Go for it!

[Overweightandunfit Graduate]

You’ve got this and then later today you can come back and tell us how well you did. We’re all behind you.

[Hidden]

I’m also here to give you a gentle nudge out the door this morning. I’m heading out myself shortly. I think it helps to think of how many people on this forum run together while many miles apart in all sorts of weather.

Having done this before you know what lies ahead and the benefits that await you.

Go on! Enjoy your first run! 😊

[5kstarter Graduate]

Have you gone yet? Maybe it’s a bit wet? Maybe it’ll be better later? Maybe it will be worse? Off you go, do it now, you’ve done it before, you’ll be fine.

[MarybellM in reply to 5kstarter]

5k, You must be psychic! Woke up an hour ago to a very rainy morning so I hesitated... but also bowled over by all the encouraging posts. I’m not going to let the rain stop me. Thank you everyone.

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate]

YES, you have to do it now, just think how you’ll feel once you have finished.

[Movegroove Graduate]

Go for it. You have so much to gain from getting out there and starting the program. Just getting out into nature (even without the running) will lift your mood and if you do start the plan then what else comes is being fitter, healthier, a sense of achievement and some lovely encouragement along the way. Sounds to me like it’s a no brainer.

Here is a gentle push on your back 🙌🏽from me. Take it slow and enjoy the “me” time

You got this 💪🏻❤️

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Hi 👋

So.. this is how it goes .. you’ve done it before so you already have experienced what fantastic high’s you get with every run you complete!

It’s an amazing, no wait ... I’m going to say magical plan!

I couldn’t run for 20 seconds on week 1 and I’m now about to start week 8!

The plan works...

so sorry for your bereavement.

Lockdown has been tough for many so you’re certainly not alone on that.. and you’re not alone here either- the people on here are so supportive.. oh and we have lots of giggles too! It’s got to be fun 👍

You’ve already got your running gear sorted ✅

You can do this! 🏃🏽‍♀️

We got you too 👏👏

[Gwyrdd Graduate]

A very good idea. Tell yourself that all you have to do is get up etc.put on your shoes, open the door, lock it, walk for five minutes, then ( only if you feel like it) run for a few minutes . You could write some instructions on a list the night before then tick off when you return.

In my experience, when you really don’t want to do something break the activity into even smaller ‘skills’ eg. Put left foot in shoe, tie lace etc. It helps to see all those ticks on your list. Also - strong coffee ☕️I hope this helps you.

[MarybellM]

To all my lovely friends who took the trouble to respond, THANK YOU. I did it. I’m back from the first run and I feel good. As I did my stretches afterwards I suddenly felt like a runner again! I would not have done it if it weren’t for you all. The first step was posting on the forum. I’m so glad I took that step. 🥰🙏🤗

[Movegroove Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Fantastic stuff. That’s run 1 ticked off.

Bet you feel good 😊

We didn’t do it you did 💪🏻 but we are all here to help keep you motivated. I used this amazing community of friends to keep me going right through the program. I couldn’t run the 60 seconds without using my inhaler and yesterday I completed it and haven’t used my inhaler for over 4wks.

It is scary starting something new but you have got this 💪🏻

Take it slow and go at your own pace. If you need to take 2 rest days between runs do- I did most weekends.

Keep us up to date on your progress - it’s so lovely to hear 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

X

[Hidden in reply to MarybellM]

Brilliant, well done you! Taking the first step out the door for that first run is always the hardest. From now on you will be on a roll and everyone here will cheer you on your way.

[Gwyrdd Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Pleased for you!

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Yessss! You did it, go you!

[Grannyasbo Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Didn’t realise you’d already done it. Woo hoo we’ll done. That’s amazing. 👏👏👏

[Jimioldlegs]

Well done. Keep at it. You know it makes sense!!!🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️😁

[Allbarron Graduate]

That's great news!!! So glad you posted. That's one barrier down. Keep us posted on your progress. You've got this!!! Happy running 🏃🏃👍🏃

[Grannyasbo Graduate]

A gentle and supportive nudge from me too. Starting is the hardest. I like to think of how pleased I’ll feel with myself after I finish. And I always do. Good luck. 👍💪😀

[Plattszo Graduate]

Get your running gear ready before bed so it stares at you 😁😁

You will do this! No regrets on what might have been, this was exactly how is was supposwd to go. This is a brand new exciting journey for you to enjoy.

Look forward to your 'competed w1r1 post' tomorrow!

Go smash it!!

[Plattszo Graduate in reply to Plattszo]

I just realised, you already have done it (alow in the uptake, here!!) Well done!! Yey! In the bag.

[Serenity_runner Graduate]

Well done! First step of many! Brilliant work

[MarybellM]

Update -

Thanks to your support I am into the programme again! 🏃‍♀️I just did Week 2 Run 3 today so gearing up for Week 3 on Wednesday. Feeling absolutely brilliant and just so appreciative of those of you who responded and gave me that wee push I needed to get going.

THANK YOU - I love this forum. You put a spring in my step as I run!