Week 1 Run 1 - Here goes ...

[PootlePower]

It's a cold and windy (goes without saying!) bank holiday Monday and I have just completed my first run. I've been thinking about it for a while (well since new year) but I always seems to talk myself out of it.

At school I was "that kid". The one who was last to get picked for any team in any sport in P.E, the one who would do absolutely anything to get out of a games lesson. And when I say anything, I mean it. I can play the oboe and I have an extra GCSE in R.E, just because they were things to sign up to that would get me out of a dreaded sports lesson! So ... fast forward to now and I am a 38 year old overweight couch potato. It's time to stop worrying that I'm not as good at everyone else at sport, stop using it as an excuse, and get my (large and saggy) bum into gear.

So, that's week 1 run 1 done. Physically, it wasn't too bad. I live in a village in Lancashire and there is a track around the fields near my house which I will run round. It's about 3 miles I'd say and it's hard to believe I'll ever be able to run round it. Unfortunately, half the village seem to run/cycle/walk their dogs round it and for me, therein lies the problem. Mentally, I found it difficult being overtaken by the 'real' runners or running towards people going in the opposite direction. It bought back all the school demons. I couldn't help think "what must they think of me, overweight and only running for a minute at a time then having to stop to walk?" I felt really embarrassed. But I'm going to try and banish those thoughts and keep going ...

Sorry for rambling

[AliB1 Graduate]

Hey PootlePower you've down the hardest bit by starting. So well done you Try not to worry about what others think (easier said than done I know!) but everyone started somewhere! I think that we all talk about 'real' runners but we should remember if you are out there running (however slowly) you ARE a real runner!!!! Good luck with w2, let us know how you get on

[PootlePower in reply to AliB1]

Thanks so much for the welcome and encouragement. It really does help. It's true what you sad about everyone starting somewhere and I am trying to keep that in mind as I pootle round at pretty much a walking pace (I wouldn't go so far as to say run yet!).

[Gazter Graduate]

On a treadmill no-one knows how fast you run... It really is difficult to tell.

The other day i was running a week 7 25 min run. I am now 271 pounds (was 304) and the gym ( a small gym in a community centre) was empty when i started my warm up walk, just after i started running the gym slowly filled up. People came on the other treadmills, and left, and others replaced them. Yet, there i was, pounding away by the time i had finished the gym only had one person still there.

To be outrun by someone who looks like he couldnt run for the bus without collapsing on the floor is a but much for some people!

The point is it's really quite amazing just how much you come on. It doesnt seem to get easier, because you keep stretching what you want to do.

There are a lot of people out there who will be thin and you assume they are fit. The reality is by the time you reach week five you will be able to outpace pretty much anyone else who isnt a runner, no matter what your size.

There is something glorious about the look on 'healthy' peoples faces when they realise you are fitter then they are.

[PootlePower in reply to Gazter]

Thanks. It's great what you've achieved and really inspiring. I can't imagine the day when I will ever be able to out run anyone, or run for 25 minutes, but I'm starting to think maybe one day it will be possible. Wishing you continued success

[Gazter Graduate in reply to PootlePower]

it will happen in week 5. You will run 20 minutes, at the end you will either burst into tears or burst into laughter.

I promise you, if you keep to the programme you can do it. As i said, im pure couch potato massively over weight. I didnt have some latent fitness in me from years ago. I've always being a slob. I followed the programme and i did it.

So can you.

[Mirella Graduate]

You know what they think? "You go girl and good on you for getting out there and doing something". Thats what they think.

I have had nothing but support from fit friends and nothing but friendly smiles and waves from runners and cyclists that I see when I'm out running. Fit runny types just seem to want everyone to experience the joy of running, a bit like us I guess

[PootlePower in reply to Mirella]

Hi Thanks for your welcome. I dared to tell a few 'fit runny type' people at work about it and you're right they were very encouraging. I still felt like a bit of a charlatan today with all the walking, but I enjoyed it and I think I am starting to muster up a bit of a 'what the hell' attitude instead of worrying so much

[NatG]

Well done you for starting!! It's the biggest step! I was the same at school - our years GCSE art class was split into two halves, and the other group's classes always used to coincide (conveniently for me) with my PE lessons - so you can guess where I'd end up. My art teacher never ever once asked why I'd be there four times a week instead of the alloted two, and my PE teacher never chased up my absences I've just finished week 2 today, and am loving it, despite initially fearing that my weight and lack of fitness would have me falling at the first hurdle! I have found that you don't have to worry about other people out on your run, whether I'm passing other runners or dog walkers - I've had encouraging nods, smiles and thumbs up from everyone I've encountered. Good luck for the rest of your first week and keep us posted

[PootlePower in reply to NatG]

Ha ha that's taking PE dodging to new levels - fantastic! I was a bit better today with the whole passing people thing, you're right, people do seem general encouraging. I even mustered up a few hellos today (when I could breathe!!). Good luck for week 3

[NatG in reply to PootlePower]

Glad to hear it - go you! The track where I run was much busier last time I went (I usually go late in the evening, but this was tea time). I was a bit nervous, but when I noticed that all the other joggers/runners had ear phones in, I just convinced myself that they must have been working on c25k too - so from now on, as far as I'm concerned, every body who is out running is doing it, and those who aren't (dog walkers, skateboarders, general passers by), wish they were Wk 3 is going great thanks - my old art teacher would be ever so proud

[getyourshoes]

You go for it. I'm on my first run too.

I suffer with anxiety, so it's a big step just making myself noticable outside - and dealing with dogs.

So I guess it's not just good for the body, but good for the mind and spirit too.

Wish you well.

[PootlePower in reply to getyourshoes]

Thanks!

Well done for overcoming your anxiety and going for it! I hope everything's going well and run 2 went/goes well for you. I think you might be right about the 'good for the mind and spirit too', I've just finished run 2 and it's strange but I do feel quite happy (and I certainly didn't before after a day at work!)

[Zagel]

Go for it, I was that kid too, never really got any encouragement at school for fitness. Always seemed like the teachers never really wanted me there, so really gave up on it.

Just wish I had the support of this forum back then

Keep going, you soon get the bug for it.

[PootlePower in reply to Zagel]

Thanks. I know exactly what you mean about the teachers not wanting you there - it was the same for me. It's sad how things like that carry right into our adult lifes isn't it?

[PootlePower]

Thank you so much everyone for your posts & welcome - this forum is fantastic. It's so great to know that I'm not the only one who isn't a super sporty type doing this. Just finished run two of week one & dare I say I actually enjoyed it a little bit!!

Thanks again x