Prompted by my son in May, 2008, I started jogging, but not with any great enthusiasm. Why? 'Cause running is hard. Not just the actual activity but the mental struggle with the monkey which sits on my shoulder (not really 😲) telling me that I'm tired, it's cold - all the usual stuff and that I should just pack it in.
During CV lockdown, I lost much aerobic fitness and have turned to C25k to restart the process and maybe, just maybe, overcome my reluctance to put running/jogging into regular action.
My exercise background starts from a real and ever present uninterest in any sport whatsoever. I'm probably missing something that most occupiers of the planet take to heart, maybe the social interaction of shouting at the telly when some over paid someone or other hits a ball somewhere. I used to spend 1st part of school games lessons usually successfully avoiding 2nd part! However, I did discover yoga many years ago and that continues to be a central part of my life building an internal strength and flexibility.
If my age matters in this forum, just know that I ran home from school in Feb, 1952 to tell Mum that the King had died (no, not Elvis) - that'll give you a clue.
Oh yes, probably should say, I'm a man. Preferred pronoun? "Eh, you!" will do just fine
Written by
Dontlikerunning
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Hi, I’m looking forward to hearing about your running journey. I’ve never liked running and didn’t do any for any of my adult life but decided to start during lockdown and I no longer hate running since completing ct5k. I can’t say I love it but I appreciate that I can run and enjoy it once I’ve finished a run. I do actually really enjoy park run as it’s so fun and sociable. Good luck!
Following the programme to the letter. Tomorrow will be Week 4; Day 3. Having Laura telling me what to do and when helps tremendously. Laura helps stop me pushing too hard beyond each of the prescribed steps.
Am not sure I'm over troubled about taking part in events, but it will be good to be able to jog with family and friends for 30 mins, and hopefully longer. See, pushing too hard, too fast - it's a failing. Must bring the yoga mind into play and savour each moment.
Well done for starting again. Like you, I avoided organised sport of any kind at school and hated running. I walked 6 miles a day to and from school though, so was not a couch potato! I wonder if it's about re-framing running in your mind, not as a sport or even exercise, but as something which is good for body and soul. You must have already done that to some extent to get started again! Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, in the past, the main difficulty has been getting out of through the front door. It really is a restriction formed in the mind. Honestly, it's not 'cause I care what the neighbours think 🙄
It is good to give the neighbours something to think about... my view is, at our age, we should keep them guessing. Over the years.. they have seen this loopy old lady in a variety of gear which keeps them laughing for days!
Unlike you, I loved running as a youngster, running for my County as a teenager. Hockey too , great fun...
Like you... I am a slightly more seasoned runner...not quite as seasoned as you... I sat on my Father's shoulders on a rainy day in the Staffordshire Moorlands, watched as a large car drove past with a lady with a posh hat on waved at us.. she did not look like a Queen to me , whatever they said
So.... here you are and again, welcome to the friendly forum. You are on Week 4, so I am really hoping you have read the pinned post which will help you to reach the graduation podium in a few, ( or more), weeks time!
Loads of information there which will support you and give you lots of advice on how to get to that 30 minutes, safely and having had fun!
The Catch Up Corner this week focuses on new running too, so , maybe take a peek there too. I was late posting it this week, so there will be a spare cushion there!
The monkey on your shoulder, ( alias running Gremlin), sounds a character... but you have discovered, as have many, that their personal gremlin, does have trouble sticking around once you get the running shoes on
The yoga... yeayyyy !
Great stuff... Over on the strength and flex forum, a load of us all finished a January Challenge and for many of us Yoga is a part of a daily routine which helps keep us moving! I am currently using February Align, Yoga with Adriene.. I do need guidance with some of my moves, so YouTube is very useful!
Strength and stamina work on some of our rest days is of real benefit as the runs get longer. Loads to choose from over on the forum.
We need our runners to know that the only thing stopping them running, no, not the monkey, is themselves., and we are all here, fellow runners to get them going and help them keep going! Therefore, it is good to have you here with us and thank you for posting. I am hoping many of our new runners will read this and it would be great if you could post some of your runs?
So, eh you, we are looking forward to seeing more of you here, my only other advice as you go on, keep it slow and steady, ( I am famous or should that be infamous), for that mantra), and maybe, just maybe you will find the joy that so many of us have found through our running.
Running for yourself, at your own pace, alone or with family. Sounds good to me!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I'll be sure to take a look at them.
Week 4; Day 3 this morning. Forecast says 1°C. I might have to dig out the clingy running tights and vest for insulation during those walk periods ......
Another life long exercisephobe here... until 2 years ago. I hated the first few weeks of C25K but then consciously chose to change my attitude. Instead of running with gritted teeth I looked for stuff to enjoy. It worked.If I'd carried on hating running I don't think I'd have continued. Noticing the small obvious things - even to be able to run at all is something to celebrate, especially as we get older.
So, smile as you run and shout out 'this feels fantastic!', it's a guaranteed mood lifter. And if anyone hears and says 'eh, you...?' they're just using your preferred pronouns 😁
A very warm welcome to the forum and the program and it sounds like you are making good progress.Also great to hear you are following the program to the letter !
I would definitely advise reading the guide that Oldfloss has linked for you .
Keep the runs nice and slow , stay well hydrated and enjoy the journey, I somehow think you will 😁
Hello Dontlikerunning - your post made me chuckle! I don’t think many people here enjoyed organised sport at school, and for me especially, it was cross country. I loathed it! Freezing, wet, miserable - oh it was awful. But C25K has been a revelation, and I’ve gained so much from it. Anyway, I look forward to hearing about your running journey! Best of luck 😁.
Hi DLR & welcome...you've definitely come to the right place 👍One question though, are you going to change your username when you become addicted like the rest of us? 😉
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Slowly peeling off my clothes!
New member 
How fast should I run? 
Hi, I'm new!
Frustrated. Not with running but some posts on here........some positively disturbing
