A cautious beginning...

[rivenki]

At last! After months (if not years) of prevarication (" will running get me fitter?" "isn't it bad for me and my joints?"), some not-so-subtle excuse making ("I don't have the right clothes" and "I'll start tomorrow/when the weather changes/some other time") I finally dragged my (middle aged and heading south) bum off the couch and took my first run. A huge achievement! I can now abbreviate with impunity and join the ever-growing band of compatriots who can sign themselves "Wk1 R1". And I know what it means now! And how it feels! It was a glorious morning here in Leeds and I actually elected to get out of bed early so I could tackle my worst fear. Not the actual running part (after all, I used to do it as a kid and it seemed easy then, fun even). My worst fear was being seen as I tried to run. I imagined the smirky faces of drivers and passers by with thought bubbles over their heads declaring "What does he think he's doing? At his age? At this time of the morning? With those legs?" But, surprisingly, not only did I not encounter too many people (just other mad folk and wage slaves) but I actually didn't care. What's worse, I was enjoying myself! Yes, it was tiring and yes, I feel as stiff as a board now but I managed it better than I thought I would and, when my thoughts turn to Wk1 R2 I don't find myself retreating into my running shell of terror, but seem to be looking outwards, and onwards and forwards! Could I really make it to WK2??? Watch this space!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Welcome Rivenki. I think the hardest part is actually starting so good on you. One run down!! Good luck with run 2....keep on believing you will make it to w9 not just w2!

[rivenki in reply to AliB1]

Hey! Thanks for the encouragement!

[Caz9 Graduate]

Well done Rivenki. I think most of have 'been there, done that'. I was certainly scared of who would see me and what they would think, especially as the first few weeks of c25k I ran in my local park where I walk my dog! But in fact the few dog walkers that I met who I knew were really encouraging so I didn't mind going out. Then when I finished week 9 I decided to plot a route and run in the street. Trouble is I then began to wonder whose house I would run by (ie friends' houses) and would they see me? But I decided that seeing as I was now a proper runner, according to Laura, it didn't matter. Besides which I'm an early morning runner and back then the mornings were getting dark, so I wasn't too worried who would see me! Now the mornings are getting lighter and I can run and run a bit faster too!

Keep it up, the podcasts are excellent. Well worth following.

[rivenki in reply to Caz9]

I agree, the podcast is a great idea, and very supportive. Just like this community so thanks!

[CaroleC Graduate]

Hi Rivenki and welcome to the mad running community - most important advice

1) Proper shoes!

2) Stretch afterwards!

3) Pace yourself.

The rest can wait!

Don't stop now you've started!

[rivenki in reply to CaroleC]

I finally did get proper shoes, measured and assessed and everything! Thanks for the other tips too. I could get really giddy and burn out so I will pace myself. Cheers!

[Allywally]

Good Luck and stick with it. This site is brilliant and encouraging. You can do it if I can!!!

[rivenki in reply to Allywally]

I am amazed at how friendly folk are and how supportive it is to share stories with others. Cheers!

[blueboots Graduate]

Welcome, rivenki. Well done for getting started. Enjoy.

[Beckipeg]

Well done and welcome aboard. The encouragement from other folk on these forums is great. Hope you soon find your feet here.

[Peter48 Graduate]

I'm 63 - non sporty, never ran in my life, smoked for years but gave up a few years ago. I'm slightly overweight ie beer belly! My daughter inspired me to try "couch to 5k". I got my old track suit out which makes me look like an aging scally and I gave it a go. I felt embarrassed so chose a very quiet route and I still cross over to the other side if I see someone coming towards me. I don't feel I am a runner but do you know I don't care (too much!) how I look or appear to others (it's a bit humiliating when being overtaken by REAL runners)

BUT I'm now running 25 mins non-stop and feel wonderful. Keep at it, trust Laura and YES you can do it. If I can - anyone can.

[rivenki in reply to Peter48]

That is so inspiring! Cheers mate! Wk1 R2 tomorrow and I'll take all these encouraging words with me