Newcomer to running (or even moving around much!)

[GutlordMarching]

Hello all - I've just completed the second run of C25K, having thought about doing it for years and never actually starting it.

As my username suggests, I want to "cut down on your porklife mate and get some exercise" - I'm very nearly 48 years old and very nearly 18 stone (in the wrong direction) so it's time to stop eating like it's still lockdown, and get on with taking more care of myself!

I'm taking things very slowly - my first attempt at the first run didn't last very long; my second attempt ended up with me walking the last bits where you were supposed to run; a quick trip to my GP reassured me that my heart should be fine as long as I build up the exercise nice and easy; and today I managed to do it "properly" and do all the running bits.

I guess I'm just posting this for anyone else new, to say it's fine if it takes us a few weeks longer than it "should" do. Any improvement is an improvement, no matter how long it takes.

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

well done for making a change !! Onwards and upwards keep at it 👏

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Brilliant, yes it's fine to take a few weeks longer to complete, it's fine to take an extra day or two between runs as long as you go for a walk or something instead, it's fine to repeat runs or weeks if you feel the need. Keep posting your runs here and we will all cheer you on.

[farsouthwest Graduate]

Congratulations for starting! The program builds over time but you are in absolute control and can repeat runs or weeks as often as you need to. Its a very supportive community here who will definitely be willing you onwards. Might be a good idea to get your gait assessed and invest in some proper shoes that will help prevent injury if you are in a position to do so. Also, find somewhere flat and softish to start until you get used to it. Pounding on tarmac can be quite unforgiving. Good luck!!

[GutlordMarching in reply to farsouthwest]

Thanks - I did get the gait analysis done, and I'm glad I did. I'd definitely have injured myself sooner or later without it, I'm sure.

I said to the guy in the running shop "I should be good at running, I've been carb-loading for 40 years now" and didn't even get a smile out of him!

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to GutlordMarching]

Oh dear...a smile costs nothing. The man who assessed me was charming and pleasant and put me at ease straight away...sounds like he could provide some training!

[misswobble Graduate in reply to GutlordMarching]

Really? I shouldn’t be surprised though 🙄. 😁😁

Glad to hear you’ve made a start 🙂 That’s the hardest bit! 💪

Just take things really slow and steady. No rush required 🙂👍

[Hidden]

You're so right...and congratulations by the way! I re-ran Week 2 and I'm so glad I did as I've now just completed Week 6. I'm probably the slowest runner in Manchester - but so what? Like you, I thought about C25K for years, not realising what a brilliant programme it is, with a totally brilliant and encouraging community - it's really made all the difference.

[RumblingChest Graduate]

Well done, the first 2 runs are the hardest 😀. The first is hard because you are facing the unknown, the second because you are willingly subjecting yourself to what you discovered on the first!

You’ve proven that you have the mental strength, the body will follow 👍🏻.

[GutlordMarching]

Thanks for your replies and your encouragment everyone! It's made me want to get out there and do it again right now. 🙂

[misswobble Graduate in reply to GutlordMarching]

I know! It’s hard not to keep doing it as it’s so fun 😀

Rein yourself in though 😀

[Zev1963 Graduate]

Sounds like you have started this running lark with exactly the right attitude. The key is "very gently". I've mentioned this a few times, but I truly believe it, so it is worth repeating. Guage your run in terms off effort, not speed. Think of your effort on a scal of 0 to 10 where 0 is doing nothing, and 10 is the hardest you could possibly run if there was a nasty animal chasing you. On that scale, your C25K runs should be at no more than 5 effort. Don't make yourself miserable by trying too hard. We rarely want to repeat miserable experiences! Let your running be enjoyable, and look forward to the next one. Take it easy, and your fitness will improve without you hardly noticing. Happy running.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Zev1963]

So true! Slow is just the ticket for this caper. Slow and steady really does win the day 🙂

[Wwps Graduate]

huge congrats! Go at your pace and you will get there (look up Japanese slow running) x