This much I know- couch to consolidation

[Voldatort]

I started in the December lockdown- 5ft and dumpy never enjoyed anything that made my chest heave, I've got big Boobs so anything impactful was right out. Decided to walk, power walk the running bits... But slowly found I was managing slow jogging and building stamina. Graduated in Feb I found slow jogging, low impact and I'm not built for speed but can go for an hour or more, I'm even wearing shorts out in public 😳

Writing this because it really helped me checking in here, and I've just been lurking/consolidating ever since, 3,4,5or 6km runs 3 times a week, good ones and bad ones. I feel so much stronger. Still pretty slow, but no races, no plan to reach any goal but to slowly improve, and just pleased to be still out there! 🐢

Tips to keep motivated- change it up; different sound tracks, route, outfit or guided run type. Hit a slow jogging pb today with a fartlek guided run by mistake, but my last run was a really difficult rubbish one. Who knows what your run has in store 🤷‍♀️

Just to say -if you are struggling; keep at it, it's your run, your way👍

[Frenc Graduate]

Ah well done Voldatort! That’s so good to hear. Have to laugh as I haven’t ever dared wear shorts, so the cooler weather def suits me! 😁😁😁

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Cheers! You do to pick your shorts wisely, 9" and as I'm short they come just above the knee....And a big top to cover your butt 😝

Shorts

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Fantastic post Voldatort! It just goes to show that even we larger snail types can run - and enjoy it! I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to go out in public in shorts though! We’ll done you and thank you for sharing!

[Voldatort Graduate]

Go for it! I distract attention with loud hairwraps 😝

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Voldatort]

😂😂😂

[Poppdog Graduate]

Thank you, your run your way, good advice

[MaCherie112 Graduate]

This is really inspiring thanks for sharing! Hoping to be brave enough to run outside one day!

[Voldatort Graduate]

Oh just go for it girrrllll, who cares what others think? You do you 😘

[doggytail Graduate]

Wow thank you for sharing this has perked me up no end. I really must find some different runs .

[Oldlady64 Graduate]

Thanks so much, that has helped me a lot! i started C25K a while ago and had knee bursae pain and problems so stopped. Just started again a few weeks ago. I often feel that I just can't do it but so far am plodding along into week 4!

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Oldlady64]

Nothing wrong with plodders, I don't think I actually started to 'jog' until week 6 😎👌

[Slob37]

What a fantastic post. Thanks for sharing 👍

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Thanks for posting, it's great how far you have come in such a short time

You will inspire many people lurking on here who are wondering if they can do it 👏👏👏

[OrkneyWillow Graduate]

Well done Voldatort. You've clearly been working hard and it's shown by your progress. I'm of a similar stature, and initially thought people my shape couldn't run. But I've realised it was not true and just can't stop. 😀

[Over60sRunner Graduate]

Well, I must say this is one of the most inspiring posts I've read since I joined in June! Thank you so much!

I too am vertically challenged, rather rotund, and have a bosom that even the sturdiest sports bra has problems keeping contained. I'm 62, porky, pre-diabetic, hypertensive, and slow as a slow thing can be, but I jump on a treadmill three times a week and give it my best shot at consolidation.

If anyone had told me three months ago that I'd be running 32 minutes and covering 4k I would have laughed my socks clean off, by here I am doing it. And you have just blown me away and made me even more determined to be the best tortoise runner l can 😀🏃🐢🏃😀 Oh, and I might even rock cycling shorts on my next run and show off my feet to hip tattoos!!!!

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Over60sRunner]

There seems to be a need for a porky runners group! 4km in 32? I'm seriously impressed. Fantastic going! Yes get out there and be an inspiration, especially the tatts 🤗

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to Voldatort]

Yes, I agree we could do with a less than svelte group 😁 Oh, and let me set the record straight, that 4k was 32 mins running PLUS 5 mins warm up and cool down walks, so not that impressive!

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Over60sRunner]

Still pretty impressive though 🏃🏽‍♀️... well done on doing something to improve your health.I've cut right back on sugar and carbs, so diabetes better sod right off 👀👌. Not lost loads of weight, but deffo inches.

[PlasticUnitedFan Graduate]

Nice post Voldatort, these type of posts also keep people motivated. It also makes people realise they are not alone, well done you. More leg photos please lol.

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to PlasticUnitedFan]

No one's alone on here 🙌. ... And you really don't 👀😝

[Post-Op-Jogger Graduate]

This was very inspiring Voldatort. I finished C25k in September, had 3 or 4 consolidation runs and then went back to the office (was working at home after a major op). Driving to work during my 'jog time', 10 hour workdays, getting kids sorted, cooking, housework etc ... suddenly I find 6 weeks have passed without a single jog! I'm disappointed with myself and looking on here for a little push to help me motivate myself to keep going. Your post helped me remember that a lot of people do have to make an effort to keep going and that I have to add my health to my priority list and carve out an hour in the day for me. So thank you! X

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Post-Op-Jogger]

That's so important. I agree I'm often not my own first priority, but you've got this far, I'm sure you can find what works for you to get out there again. Good luck x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Fantastic Voldatort …it’s run run no-one else’s & you do it whatever is best for you…and that’s just the ticket…well done you 😊😊😊

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

... thanks to you mods keeping this place going! Its helped enormously during the uninspired moments.