I’m a mid 30s dad who used to be active through my job as an electrical engineer. Since progressing through my career and getting married I have let my health and fitness slip, and gained an additional 3 stone on my average weight. In addition to that my self drive/motivation/anxiety levels aren’t anywhere near as good as what they should be. And to put the icing on the cake my eating habits aren’t the best either; i.e I can go all day with out eating then load up in the evening.
I have a wardrobe full of nice clothes (that don’t fit) and a 1 year old son who will only get more active as the days and months go by. I don’t want to be that dad who can’t run round the garden with him because of any heath reasons, and I especially don’t want to suffer from anxiety to the level that makes me seriously ill. My father suffered severely from mental health earlier on in my life and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, plus I have a family to provide for and a wonderful son who needs his dad. Lastly I would love to fit back into the clothes I’ve brought over the previous years.
So here I am; my wife encouraged me to do the couch to 5K and I have just completed my first run! I doubted her when she told me it makes you feel better but you know what...IT DOES!!! Obviously it’s early days but I hope I can deliver a success story at the end of my beginning to you all. Good luck to everyone out there on a similar journey, or any health journey for that matter. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk or ask me anything!
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SiHobbs85
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Well done, you've made a great decision! The physical and mental benefits of regular running can't be exaggerated. Take it steady, read all the pinned posts for advice and keep posting here for encouragement.
The amount of running you will do on the programme won't make a big difference to your weight in the short term. You will have to look to your diet for that. Lots of people here have success combining a Fitbit or strava with Myfitnesspal.
The good news is that you will change shape; everything becomes tighter and more toned. You can lose inches from your waist without the scales budging at all. Also, as you feel so much better in yourself that you'll find it easier to make good eating choices. I lost weight before I started couch to 5k. What over a year of regular running has done for me is save me from a lifetime of yoyo dieting.
Thank you, definitely appreciate that I need to work on my eating habits. And I will take the advice about the Fitbit etc. Equally looking forward to generally feeling better and better about myself, and how I will hopefully look further down the line.
Wellcome to the forum and good luck with your journey. If you read some of the messages there are so many stories to keep you inspired, fantastic advice to be learnt and all the comradery and support you’ll ever need.
I’m only half way myself but my advice is learn to pace yourself, it doesn’t matter about how fast you go, and have self belief. You’ll keep surprising yourself run after run 🏃♂️👍😀
Thank you, it feels good to have started the challenge and I am looking forward to what I will be able to get out of all this. I’m excited to finish week one let alone the halfway mark!! And good luck to you too 👍🏻
Thank you, with a bit of effort hopefully I can do the same as you. 🙂
I've only just graduated and it really, truly does make you feel heaps better. 😁 and this forum is definitely the place to be for all the motivation and support you're ever going to need...use it because it will keep you going on the days you think you can't.
C25K is mind over matter.
Enjoy it and I look forward to following your progress 💪👍
You can definitely do it! Running is soooo addictive! Set your 3 run days and don’t deviate from them, unless there is exceptionally bad weather or something, so just swap. But always do 3 runs each week. Don’t let the weather put you off. Once parkrun is up and running again, and the races are back on, you’ll be truly hooked. You could also join a club as there are loads. When you are struggling to go out for a run, remember that feel good feeling at the end. That’s what motivates me when I can’t be bothered. Also, running really helps me with anxiety. So much that I have never run less than three times a week for over two and a half years since starting (except after a marathon when I managed twice twice 🤣)
I don't think you alone on here having what I call a "hopeful wardrobe". I refuse to throw those clothes out and refuse to be depressed when I see them.
Instead, they are a goal.
The plan really works and you have a lot of great achievements to look forward to in the coming weeks. I wish you joy of it!
Don't forget it is not just about weight loss, your body will tone up and people will start telling you you look lighter even when the scales do not agree. I have lost very little in actual LBs but have got back into some of my clothes the rest? I will continue running and reducing and will get there.
Excellent 👏 Well done for getting out there. This is an amazing programme, and You will get loads of support from this group . . . . . So keep up the good work
Hi my son also in his 30's is only just recovering from a serious burnout after years of ignoring the rise in stress levels at work... please do not underestimate how this can creep up on you especially when you are trying to juggle career and family life ... running will help and the C25k programme in particular as it gives you a focus which is quite catching as noted by so many in this forum... we Are listening !!!
Getting started can be the hardest part of all so well done on getting out the door. With your first run under your belt, you’re officially on the way! 👏🏼😝
You’ll find the most valuable advice and support amongst this lovely online bunch so don’t hesitate to fire away with any queries.
A lot of us find it helpful to post after every single run. I’m approaching the end of the programme and am looking forward to reading through all my musings to get a real sense of achievement. It’s also helped my mental health no end 🤩
I’m late 30’s with a dodgy knee and hip. Take it slow, put trust in yourself and the programme. You can totally do this 👊🏼💥 Good luck on your journey.
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I only went and did it!!
I only went and did it!!
Start at the very beginning 
Wow...I only went and graduated 
When will I start to enjoy it!
