Does it get better?

[Rockshammer]

Evening all, did W1R2 last night and ache so much today - used to run a lot on my teens but I'm now 42. I can manage the 1 min runs ok but can't see myself running for 20 mins . Am I looking too far ahead?

[chickentrousers Graduate]

I felt the same as you, honestly. I thought my ipod was broken, a minute seemed so long! I am now on week 8 and running for 28mins, if I can do this so can you. Trust the plan to build your stamina gradually, it really does work. Stick with it, its so worth it.

[Webbyjo]

I'm 42 as well and have never been able to run in my life. Am now on week 8 and today ran for 28 minutes without stopping. Stick with it, listen to Laura and you CAN do it. I found leaving 2 days between each run helpful and also not beating myself up too much if I have a bad run. Can't believe how much my fitness has improved and how happy running is making me x

[Rockshammer Graduate in reply to Webbyjo]

Sorry just a bit sore and tired today - I am determined to get fit and my aim is to run a 10k for Pancreatic Cancer charity as that is the disease that took my Dad last year. He did two marathons in his forties so thought it would be a fitting tribute!

[Mirella Graduate in reply to Rockshammer]

Hi Thats such a great thing to do and an amazing goal. It does get easier, just slow down, relax and trust Laura. If you don't finish a run just keep doing it until you can finish. Don't forget to do some simple stretches after your run, I found that it really does help. Good luck

[Rockshammer Graduate in reply to Webbyjo]

Well done on the 28 mins!!!

[ShoutingWoman Graduate]

If it's any help, I'm 47 and on Week 7. If you stick to the programme and just take each week as it comes, I'm sure you'll get there. Think of your goal and how proud you'll feel doing that for your Dad. Good luck.

[Rockshammer Graduate in reply to ShoutingWoman]

Thanks Shouty - one big ball of love on here - such encouragement from everyone - yes I feel my dad on my shoulder when I'm running - he was such a fit man and only 65 when he was taken

[Trixitrin Graduate]

Hi rocks, I have just finished week 4 and due to start week 5 tomorrow. I am 47, about 3 stone overweight and before this had not run since school. It was hard the first couple of times but it gets better each time because you push yourself a little further each time and I know I am constantly amazed when I achieve each run. Like you I am running for cancer but only(!) 5k in May and I too am doing it because I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer in Nov 2010 when he was 69. Keep going and it will be so worth it! Best of luck

[juicydee Graduate]

Hey, if this is a competition as to who's oldest on this site, I'm putting in a bid!!

I'm 55, 4 stone overweight and just graduated from C25K, having had no ability to run any length of time previously. I can now run for 45 mins but that only gets me 5k at the moment. However I've signed up for the London Bupa 10k in May and the Ealing Half Marathon in September, so I have some work to do..... Be assured, it DOES get easier - but then it gets hard in a diffferent way. Because you'll start wanting to go faster and further - so your challenges and goals are constantly changing.

Take it really steady - you want to get through the minutes, however slowly you go, at this stage. And don't think about wk 5 r3 - really. Soooooooo many people on here have been really spooked by it (myself included) but everyone finds they CAN do it when they get to it, and that's the most wonderful feeling!!

And I would find a 5k race to sign up for to coincide with your 'graduation' or shortly afterwards as it'll give you something really tangible to aim for.

But go for it - this is really the most brilliant sport and the podcasts are terrific! Enjoy and well done !!

[Minuette Graduate]

After the first week I ached so much in places where I didn't even know I had places, but I liked that feeling as it meant I'd actually worked my body! The stiffness disappeared after the first week

Don't look too far ahead. After each week tell yourself that you managed it which means you can do it again, which means you can do a little bit more for the next week. I'm 49 and about to finish week 8 never having run before in my life and loving it. You can do it too!

[Rockshammer Graduate in reply to Minuette]

Thanks all for your positivity - not so achy this morning and its a beautiful day here in Essex so life is good!!!!

[sfb350 Graduate]

Stick with it, you'll be fine and you'll amaze yourself every week

[Rockshammer Graduate in reply to sfb350]

Cheers had a nice day in London today and back to training tomorrow!!'