Week 1 run 1.... again

[Roweyja03]

Today I restarted and have just completed week 1 run 1 after thinking about it for the past few days. Does anybody else out there feel embarrassed with how unfit they are? I definitely feel good and more positive for getting out in the rain but also disappointed with myself for being so unhealthy 😢

[SJ60]

Well done for starting and getting out there. Today marks a new chapter...towards the new much healthier fitter you! I made sure my first attempt was all on my own in a place I knew would be deserted. I was soooo embarrassed about my size. Now I tell myself I’m proud of what I’m achieving and at least I got off my bottom and am trying to make a difference! You can do this! Good luck!

[Roweyja03 in reply to SJ60]

Thankyou 😊 It’s reassuring to know we are not alone in this 🙌

[Pink-61 in reply to SJ60]

I feel the same I tend to go out when no one about but I am hoing that as time goes on I won't sound as out of breath 😂

[FraserFelicity]

Well done for getting into the programme and getting out there! You’re far from alone but you’ve taken the first step and nothing to be embarrassed about!

I’m another new starter, first run yesterday and enjoying rest today, half looking forward to run 2 tomorrow, half dreading it!

I’m approaching 40 overweight and unfit, I promised myself in January I’d lose weight for holiday this month, still exactly the same

[Roweyja03 in reply to FraserFelicity]

Although I’m sorry to hear that, It’s also very nice to hear I’m not alone! I always tell myself ‘I’m 6months time I’ll be...’ or ‘by this holiday il be..’ and I just slowly creep up! It’s reassuring to hear others are in a similar place! Good luck and hopefully this time we will both do it! 🕺

[mentor4258 in reply to Roweyja03]

You can make I’m 61 and way out of condition. I take it at my own pace and if I think I need to repeat a run then I do. I’d rather that than try to keep going. So relax and enjoy it you’ll soon be smashing the runs 😄😄

[emilyb95 Graduate]

You should never be embarrassed! You’re starting the journey to a fitter and healthier you, and that is something to be proud of. The most important thing is that you’re getting out there and doing the runs - which is so much more than countless other people who are sat at home on the sofa are doing 😊

[Roweyja03 in reply to emilyb95]

That’s very true! Surely being a ‘runner’ is just getting out and running??! 🏃‍♀️🥰

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to Roweyja03]

Exactly! You are a runner! And you’re doing amazing 😊🏃🏻‍♀️

[Mum2N Graduate]

I was exactly the same when I started, I used to run in local woods so no-one could see me. Stick with it, the program is fantastic for helping you build fitness. It will creep up on you, and all of a sudden you will find yourself thinking Look how far I've come

Good luck, and let us know how you are doing

[Plattszo Graduate]

You should feel proud of yourself for actually doing something about your perceived level of unfitness!! You are.lapping everyone on the couch, remember!! Stamina will build.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Welcome back 😊

[Camalota Graduate]

I am now into week 4 of restarting having graduated 2 years ago and then falling by the wayside. I was horrified at how difficult week 1 was after previously being able to do 30 minutes! But you know what? I know the programme works and that I can get there again, we have both got off our couches and are doing something about it and that is what really matters. A very well done to you, keep at it lass! 🏃‍♀️💪🏃‍♀️

[mattymoo33]

Hiya. I too started C25K... again! Very determined and looking forward to tomorrows jog. You should be proud of getting out there, despite your demons. Good luck 🏃🌈

[Beginnings Graduate]

Well done I got to week 6 and gave up feel terrible physically my own fault

[1stTimeRunr]

I think this is an important post, I reached W6R1 and then due to a long-standing mental health condition had to focus on getting through each day. Unfortunately I had to abandon C25K, I am on the up now, and hope to find the motivation to start running again. I also will have to start the programme from the beginning, it’s definitely about trying and to keep on trying. You are getting out there and exercising regardless of which week you’re on, and that’s brilliant!

[Portobellos]

Well done for restarting especially in the rain. I struggle with my weight and sometimes my asthma and have restarted running a few times. It nearly always makes me feel better... Sometimes we think we’re being judged by others but they probably hardly notice us and mostly will just be thinking well done for getting our there and doing some excercise. So don’t worry about anybody else’s opinions and go for it 😊

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Well done for completing Week 1! You are definitely not alone. I felt embarrassed about how unfit I was. Also because of my age (I’m 66). I live in a small village and I know everyone. I worried that people would think ‘What on earth is Julia doing at her age, she’ll never be a runner’. Also worried about running clothing. I got done 3/4 running tights from Tesco and they are, yes, tight 😂. Although I’m fortunate that I’m not overweight I was still embarrassed. But by the end of Week 2 I felt I was really on my way - and by Week 4 I didn’t care any more! I just wave and smile to people I know. I’m now preparing to do Week 7 Run 3 and just loving this journey and the support from this forum! Don’t be disappointed at how unhealthy you are now. You’re already healthier than before you started and will continue to improve after every single run! Good luck!

[PhoebeBianca Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Hi Jools, we are the same age and I also wondered what on Earth the neighbours would think! Now I wave to them as a run slowly by and they smile encouragement. Even the local bus driver waved at me the other day!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to PhoebeBianca]

Goes to show that we were worrying for nothing! Plus - I don’t even care about my running tights, now! I got beeped at by a lorry driver and I laughed so much 😂. Hopefully I might have even inspired others to try. I do run early mornings. To start with it was embarrassment. I still prefer running early as I’m awake most mornings anyway, but sometimes I run later and don’t worry about it at all.

[Appollo Graduate]

Why be dissapointed? You've made the first steps in looking and feeling much healthier, so be proud. I've just completed consolidation week 6 and lost two stones, but never thought I'd get past week 1 because I was overweight and could barely breath after my first run. Be positive, follow the plan, stick with it, and always go at the pace that is comfortable for you! My mantra is "I can and I will" I sing it in my head when I'm struggling and if you tell yourself you can, then it's a sure thing that you will!!

Good luck- I'll look out for you in the graduation club in a couple of months!!

[Zoriada Graduate]

Well done for starting again. This is also my second time round. I did W1 twice just make sure and now I’m on W6. I run early morning so no one sees my beet red face. I run really slow but I complete those runs. It’s just one foot in front of the other. You can do it.

[Charly01 Graduate]

🙋‍♀️ Lol me, I redid week 1 three times - only completed week 2, run 1 yesterday. After my 1st run (my 1st proper exercise since I left school over 20 years ago) I was in a really bad way - every muscle in my body hurt, I collapsed on the sofa when I got in and couldn’t move for over half an hour, it took my about 15 minutes to get my breath back - seriously it was shocking! After run 3 it was beginning to improve slightly but I did not feel ready for week 2, so I redid week 1 for a second week - by the end of that week I’d managed to pull a muscle in my back and injured both my Achilles - to the point I could barely walk or move (every other muscle in my body felt sore as well - stomach, shoulders, arm legs And my knees and ankles felt like they were going to snap) ended up having to take 3 weeks off and a visit to GP as swelling and pain was so bad 🙈 doctor said it was the shock to my body with the sudden exercise and prescribed pain killers and anti inflammatories - I restarted week 1 again last week this time with 2 rest days in between each run and trying to take it much slower on the running segments. My breathing is still bad straight after the first run segment but my recovery time at the end has improved a lot - I also felt ready yesterday (restart run 4 actual run 10) to move up to week 2. However, this morning both ankles and my right knee are quite painful and my whole body is still stiff. Should be ok hopefully by Saturday for week 2 run 2 😊

My advice - keep going and persevere and take it slowly - listen to your body and go at your own pace, even if you have to do week one ten times the exercise alone is good for you - I take all the pain as a sign I’m doing the right thing for my health and I’m so glad I didn’t leave it another 10 years,

[PhoebeBianca Graduate]

Well done! I know what you mean about embarrassment. I used to be fairly slim and fit, but as BBG the years go on so does the weight! My job has ceased to exist as I’m a tourist guide, and instead of clocking up 15-20,000 steps a day in spring and summer I spent the first weeks of lockdown lying on the sofa and eating chocolate. I was embarrassed by my sluggishness and unfitness. The thought of going out and running, looking and feeling like a bloated whale, was awful , and almost as scary as the idea of running for a whole minute without stopping! But, like you, I did it. Today I will do the second run of week 8. I don’t love running yet, but I love how it makes me feel afterwards and I’m proud of myself. So ditch the embarrassment and keep going. Stick with it but don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. You can do this!

[PhoebeBianca Graduate in reply to PhoebeBianca]

I have no idea why BBG appeared in my reply....

[Chicken1966 Graduate]

I think the majority of us started this because we recognised we were unfit no matter what our own personal circumstances are.

Did I feel embarrassed? Yes.. but every time I went out I became less so. I started to see the same faces in the morning all fighting their own battles with their fitness.

Your not alone stand tall and face each run with pride in knowing you are doing something for you. And smile and bid those you pass a hello and keep placing one foot in front of the other!

Good luck on you c25k journey.

[Fahrenheit63]

I've restarted my week/run 1 last night after 3 months of no running. I felt like learning to run all over again. Need to keep at it to get back at my fitness level

[Sybilw Graduate]

I’m sure nearly all of us were surprised how long 1 minute was!! Please don’t panic though as the program is slow (may not feel like it some weeks!!) but is achievable. There’s no pressure to do it in 9 weeks either so you can repeat weeks you struggle with. Just let us know your struggles and achievements and we’ll help/cheer you along. Well done for your first run.

[Nilsam Graduate]

Hi Roweyja03, I am another repeater. Restarted July 1st. Let's go for it. We can do this. 👣👍🤸🏻‍♀️😱🤔 I think we can anyway. 👍

[Daiwalker]

I think you are awesome for getting out there. Whenever I see someone jogging when I am in the car with my daughter for example, I will make a point of saying "good on you!" to the ether. This has taught my daughter to look upon exercising people as persons to be revered. I honestly think stepping foot outdoors means you are doing 100% better than anyone sitting watching TV. There is a reason the outdoors is called "Great" so that fact you are spending time not inside (no matter what your fitness level is) means you are winning. I've got masses of time for anyone getting out there and getting amongst it! Keep at it.

[beat-the-bubba-chub Graduate]

Better a 'bad' run than a 'bad' night sat with 'bad food watching 'bad' tv.

Wk1R1 twice over (that's technically 2 runs) you're already building the mileage.

I totally understand you with regards feeling embarrassed...im a frumpy mum of 41 and it took me a long LONG time to build the courage to run outdoors in public...felt self conscious as hell. BUT here I am now at Wk8....yes, I still have bad runs (last night was one of them) but without the bad you don't get to experience the true pleasure of a good run. Another thing that I read which really helped to reassure me was that the actual 'running' bit is subjective i.e. you don't have to take off like Usain Bolt each time your walk interval ends, for some (me included) their running pace is barely a fraction faster than their walk, but as long as both feet are off the floor at the same time, then that's running! So...just keep showing up and keep doing what you're doing and you WILL get there. 😊

[Lettymay]

I am the same as you (wk1). I was happily running 5k and doing the Park Run every Saturday and then lockdown happened and I stopped everything. I can’t believe I’m having to start from scratch and that I’m out of breath after only 60 seconds. But I remind myself that I did it before and I can do it again, it’s just going to take time. So we’re in this together, keep going 🙂

[Thisoneistrying Graduate]

Well done on getting out there. Although I graduated back in November circumstances meant I restarted 6 weeks ago. Completely get how you feel but you're running, you're off that sofa and you are doing it for you. Well done and keep going x

[zinza]

Hhaaha I guess everybody here fells the same.

The important thing is you understand you need to rethink your habits.

Have a nice day.

[Poca]

I’m just about to start again having got to Week 8 and sustained an injury but on physio advice have decided to go back to week 1 so am totally with you and we’re all brilliant for getting off our bums and doing it so here’s to us yay

[Lindacarole Graduate]

You have made a start and got off that couch! Be kind to yourself and carry on

Good luck and don’t worry Everyone has completely different levels of starting point .

[Maz_87]

Well done, you've done a good thing never feel guilty because today you are doing better than yesterday and that's all that counts

I was one week away from completing it when I had a few bad asthma flair ups, that was over a month and a half ago and your post has just motivated me to get back up and out there again restart day 1 week 1 I know I'll be starting from scratch but it's ok

Well done xxx

[Calamityjaney]

Ah you’ve made that first important step and a lot don’t even do that. In fact, you’ve inspired me to get back into it again. I did W1R1 about 6 weeks ago and went off far too fast and hurt my hip So couldn’t run since then choosing to walk instead. I finally feel strong enough now to re-start. You’ve given me that “kick up the backside” that I needed!!! Don’t give up, this will make you stronger x

[1Giannasi]

Oh my god I’m so unfit but I knew I was, especially after having Covid and not being able to breath I think that has what has encouraged me to do this. Just a slight injury to my bloody knees has set me back, but not for long.