Wk 9 - whoever thought it?!!

[Helen3boys]

I have spent the first 34 1/2 years of my life saying "I don't run." Today, I started week 9! It is still hard work, I still feel like I'm dragging my body around and the 5 minute 'brisk walk' is more like a stagger, but I have actually run for 30 minutes! I'm not running 5k, but am not too bothered about that. I can build that up over the next few weeks.

For all of you who are just starting, this really does work! My advice would be to completely and utterly stick to the plan - even if you feel you can do more. Go when you don't feel like it, and celebrate your achievements.

I am still in disbelief about the fact that I've run for 30 minutes. A few weeks ago I couldn't even manage 4 minutes without thinking I was going to throw up! Today, red-faced and dripping with sweat (my 4 year old asked me if it was raining), I stumbled into the house and was so proud of myself!

Keep going - it works!

[Sassy1 Graduate]

Well done!!

Iv just started and your post is very encouraging,my 5 year old asked if I was skinny yet when I done my first run on Sat.

You should celebrate you have made a great achievement.

[shelleymcb Graduate]

well done Helen. took me 42 years to believe that I could run also (& I had a 25 year break since trying to run at school).

what a fantastic feeling to have run for 30 minutes bet you have the biggest smile on your face.

I was nowhere near the magic 5k when I finished the program, but that came later. & also gives you something to aim for later.

enjoy the moment...

[blueboots Graduate]

Well done, I've finished the 9 wk plan and haven't reached 5K but as you say it doesn't matter, that will come later. That's good advice, 'go when you don't feel like it' as you feel so much better for getting on with it. Good luck for your next 2 runs and then you will be a veteran, who'd have thought?

[AliB1 Graduate]

Well done Helen! It's a major achievement and all of you that are on wk9 or finished are an inspiration to those of us coming up behind. Good luck with the remaining w9 runs

[Allybally Graduate]

Well done! What a great achievement

[PatButcher Graduate]

WOWZERS!!!! I am in awe, I am nearly done with week 8, I am hating this week so week 9 will probably be worse! You are amazing for doing it, well done :)xxx

[Helen3boys]

I hated week 8 too. One time I came back from my run, all beetroot faced and sweaty, looked in the mirror and cried. I wondered how on earth I had managed to get myself in this fat state, and was so cross with myself for having to work so hard to get all the weight off again. I felt very sorry for myself! This week is slightly better...... so far....!

[groovychick54 Graduate]

Helen3boys, both your posts could have been written by me Well done and keep up the good work.

[Cazabees]

Wow well done! You're an inspiration! Hopefully 'll be able to run for 30 mins too in due time! Keep it up!

[Shazzapat Graduate]

well done, hope I can resume soon and eventually get to week 9.

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done Helen! I agree about following the programme to the letter. It works! I have gone for 56 years without ever running! I wished I'd done it years ago though. Still, better late than never.

[Gem99 Graduate]

Really well done 🎉. I have just completed Week 9 Run 1 having never run in my life. At the weekend I signed my family up to a 5k on the basis we could walk if we needed to, but we managed to run it all. Such a good feeling.