This time, can I actually do this?

[Tickety-Boo]

Hi everyone,

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this website and the resources to help me get off the couch. Im planning to begin week 1 in a weeks time. i just invested in some decent running shoes and am now doing my research, compiling my music and scheduling when I am actually going to make these runs happen.

A family member was recently diagnosed with an illness and it was a wake up call for me that I need to stop taking my health for granted. I'm in my mid 30s and have young kids, and in all honesty, I have really let my fitness go and really dont like the idea of doing any exercise at all.

Life seems to busy with kids and part time work and running a (admittedly very messy) house, that on some levels it seems most sensible to conserve any energy I have left rather than use it on something like exercise....which I know is a load of rubbish but it has been my modus operandi for a long time now. I've also come to realise that I have a bit of a sense of entitlement that I should just be healthy and not have to do anything for it, like its some god given right to be young forever. My head has only just accepted that I can't eat whatever I want and do zero exercise and expect to stay slim and healthy...my hips realised this about 5 years ago!

I have half heartedly tried to get into fitness in the past and never had the resolve beyond a couple of weeks. It wasnt because of any major obstacles other than psychological. These previous 'failures' have left me feeling like maybe I can't do it. So I would greatly appreciate any advice from others who have triumphed over a lazy streak and actually proven to themselves that they can do it!

Thanks for a cool community. I feel I have my best chance of achieving this with the tools and community provided thru this site. I'm grateful.

[chriscampbell2012 Graduate]

You can do it I'm 39 and until I started this, I hadn't done any regular exercise in 20 years...it was a constant worry for me, especially as I just got married to a girl 10 years younger I was desperately anxious about the possible consequences of my sedentary lifestyle and what it might mean in not too many years for my health. I am now totally addicted to running, and the buzz that follows. It requires a lot of effort to begin with, but I found that the positive feelings I got from completing each stage quickly became motivation enough to press on. Make sure you stretch well and have good running shoes. It will hurt, but it will be manageable. Good luck, you're going to be fine and you're going to do this

[Tickety-Boo]

Thanks! I will be feeding off the community support. Funny how you can know it is primarily a mental battle and yet still it is hard to overcome even if you have identified that. I think once I overcome the initial pain and start to see some results my confidence will improve. I am going to do it this time. I AM GOING TO DO IT THIS TIME. There are so many reasons to, and so few why I shouldn't. Thanks again for your message.

[gdeann Graduate]

You can and you will do this! I'm 49, a mother and grandmother and hate exercise other then if you call retail shopping a sport. I had both parents pass away and I realized after being a caregiver and taking care of others, it was time to take care of myself. I have a daughter at home yet and I watch the oldest daughters kids during the day. I run in the evening hours. Please try to make time for yourself. This community is a true blessing! We are here for support, motivation and advice. Just remember to take the first runs slow, even if it means it is no more then just above a brisk walk. Speed will come as you build stamina. You can do this! Gayle

[Tickety-Boo]

Thanks Gayle, appreciate your encouragement. Sounds like you have a very busy life. Did you find it hard to get yourself out the door for a run in the evening after a long day?

[Spud Graduate]

Hi Hobbitfoot.

Before this programme, I had a "mental block" about running and would come up with any excuse not to go out. The "structure" of this programme, with the set goals and the encouragement of others on here worked wonders for me.

You've got some decent shoes now, I am sure you must have some shorts & a top, never mind about the "research, compiling my music and scheduling when I am actually going to make these runs happen", download Wk1 off the NHS site,use 30 mins you were going to do some research in & just go out and do it!!

A bit of tough love" here!!!

I actually found the sense of achievement of a successful run then propelled me onto the next run. After a run, I also feel more "energised" I seem to have more energy rather than feeling subsequently tired!!

Good Luck on doing this - not that you need it if you get out there and follow the programme

[Tickety-Boo in reply to Spud]

Thanks Spud. Like the tough love, fair call! Looking forward to having more energy, that will definitely be a major plus out of this adventure. I have a list of all the reasons why I'm doing this and it is a long list. Thanks for the encouragement.