just started again after 2 years. Probably 4th go. Didn’t manage to keep on after last course and while doing full time sedentary office job.
Just finished first week’s runs. Is it possible to feel a little bit better after such a short time? Doubt my ability to increase from 1 minute jogs/runs though.
It’s definitely possible to feel better after a week-you’re out there doing something really positive for yourself. I’m not surprised you’re feeling good!
Doubts are natural. Did you doubt your ability to increase last time? You did it before, you can do it now! You’re starting off with skills and experience that will stand you in good stead. You know to keep it slow and steady. You’ll get there! Really good luck to you. 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
Hi, thanks for reply. No I didn’t really doubt last time but I had lost quite a lot of weight before the last attempt c 2 years ago. Very disappointed with myself for not keeping up the exercise and eating too much . Want to stop the cycle. The weight does not help with joint problems. I do though take a painkiller before the run. Perhaps I didn’t leave it long enough before going. Once I’m awake and dressed for running I have to set out before my resolve weakens.
Take your painkiller before you're dressed, and drink plenty of water every day to help with and aches
Try and put the disappointment to one side and focus on what your situation is now. This time a week (or so) ago, you hadn’t run in two years. Now you’ve been three times. Eight (ish) more weeks and you’ll be a graduate again having run twenty four more times! That’s a massive change for the better.
Weight loss is mostly what you’re eating rather than exercise so it might be worth looking to see where you can make some changes there. It’s a hard time of year for it but anything positive you can do will help.
I don’t know about running with joint problems but I’d just caution that running in pain isn’t usually a good plan. It might be worth having a conversation with your doctor if you find that’s a problem for you.
Wishing you lots of luck-you’ve already made a fantastic start. ❤️
thanks for the comment re GP but not really a problem. I don’t know what others find but with arthritis affecting feet it can take a long time in the morning to get going and to be able to walk comfortably. I was prescribed painkillers about 5 years ago at which point I needed them regularly. Since then it’s changed to hardly ever requiring them. Part of that is probably becoming used to coping with a certain level of discomfort/pain. Another is that the progression of the condition changes. Taking a painkiller before a run accelerates the easing into the day process a little. If I waited for there to be no pain/ discomfort I don’t think I’d get anything done at all.
It's definitely possible to feel a little bit better by the end of week 1, it's those happy hormones that come out to play when you exercise, you'll progress when you are ready, there's no shame in repeating weeks especially for us older people, and take 2 rest days between runs if you need, although it's a good idea to go for a walk on rest days Have fun with your running adventure
thank you!
I’ve definitely got to get back into a routine and drink plenty of water - very easy not to
Hi Jayrunner , well done on starting back on C25K!
You'll probably remember from your previous experience that running isn't just a physical game, it's a mental one too. Finding ways to beat the self-doubt gremlins is part of that, and as you've completed C25K before, you've clearly got the mental strength to do so again.
As for the physical aspect, if you can comfortably walk briskly for 30 minutes, then you're ready for C25K. And as you've completed week 1, you're prepared for week 2!
Maybe give the programme guide - healthunlocked.com/couchto5... - another read to refresh your memory about stuff like hydration, stretching and rest days.
Most of all though, believe in yourself, and have fun!
thank you - you are right re the mental attitude. I’m beginning to feel better from reading everyone’s supportive comments
Daughter and I have both been trying to walk at least 10000 steps each day. This time of year it’s not easy with so little daylight . It’s definitely encouraged me to have another go at the running. Particularly appealing is getting a a decent number of steps done at greater speed first thing in the morning. Though my jogging seems to be slower than the brisk walking bit
I resemble your remarks (and much of what you've said in replies too). I'm in the middle of 'climbing back on my horse' too. When one has previously lost the weight and run quite well the sense of disappointment in oneself can monopolise the thoughts. However... (Cliches warning!!!):
1. We are where we are - ruminating on past glories doesn't change that.
2. Getting the kit on and going out is the biggest challenge of the whole run. Have you ever regretted going out for a run when you get to the end of it? Thought not :-).
3. Don't put targets/comparisons on oneself - some days will be slower, some runs will be shorter, but they're all deposits in your fitness account.
4. The human body is a fantastic thing and it will quickly reward you for efforts to look after it, both mentally and physically. (The first of these has been a big driver for me this time around).
MissUnderstanding has shared some excellent tips and I can't better them. She be wise!!
Great response! As another very overweight, 63 year old, pre-diabetic, hypertensive, long Covid sufferer all of your points have bucked me up no end 👍
My biggest block is actually getting into gear that I would never wear ordinarily. Tight fitting leggings, sports bra (boy they are uncomfortable!), compression top and running shoes are not a good look on a woman my age who is at least 3 stone overweight 😳I once had a very unkind comment about resembling the Michelin Man thrown at me and it has stuck with me ever since!
Good luck and keep at it! If you run at all you're already in a very small % of your contemporaries. We're special😀!!
ha yes the gear. My greatest success is when I have set out all the gear the night before ready for running first thing. Fortunately I am able to do the run on our own property so no nasty comments to deal with. I do remember vividly comments from when I was a young (overweight) teenager. These things stay with you and definitely are inhibiting - now I don’t give a damn.
As Pugwash says - we are special
59 11/12ths year-old, BMI ~ 35, high BP, pre-diabetic here; with you all the way. I was worried about negative comments, particularly as my running speed is laughably slow, but I have had massively more positive, encouraging comments than jibes and now I'm just proud to be Out There. I'm on Week 9 of C25K for the 3rd time and am losing weight via the NHS-sponsored "Second Nature" programme.My sports bra is like something the Valkyries would wear lol.
See above ^ I wish I had some inspirational words for you (or for me actually) but I'm afraid I haven't.
Just keep on keeping on is all I can say. Do what you can, when you can, and remember than something is better than nowt at all 🙂
Good luck - you've got this!
Week Six Complete but struggling with Asthma. Anyone else?
Did anyone else struggle after finished C25K?
Does anyone else struggle breathing?!?
Those annoying 60-64 year olds!!!
Anyone else struggle with week 6?
