Week 1, Day 1...

[ajf10]

Well, having set myself the challenge of starting the programme in January, I woke up early today and decided I might as well give it a go.

I returned home looking like a beetroot (and very out of breath) and an hour later, I now ache in places I didn't know I had! However, I did manage all the reps and feel very pleased to have started. I realise it will probably get worse before it gets better, but am so looking forward to getting the running 'bug' (I live in hope).

My only investments have been decent running shoes and a really good sports bra, both of which did the job admirably today!

The blogs are so uplifting and positive; they really helped me to go for it - what a great community there is out there.

[redfacewoman Graduate]

Well done you yes it's totally addictive and doable I had both highs and lows but the blogs are very supportive I still love running and will restart with gusto to Monday till then another chocolate and coffee will do nicely ! However on a positive note having completed the programme I managed to lose two stone and still shrinking even with the Christmas binge. I'll be watching your posts keep on running and blogging good luck x

[Cazvs Graduate]

Yay! Well done and welcome to the club I think the first run is so tough because you don't know what to expect or how much you can do. Just remember to take the running really slowly, trying to do too much before you are ready can result in injuries and/or putting you off running completely. I was surprised at how slowly I had to run to be able to run for 5 minutes but I'm used to it now.

Good shoes and a good bra definitely help Another thing I've found really helpful is a phone app that tells you your pace and lets me listen to my own music alongside the running/walking prompts.

Good luck with run number 2

[ajf10 Graduate]

Thanks for the support guys

[greenlegs Graduate]

I'm on to week 3 now - hard to believe that I've only been doing this for a couple of weeks. I'm really glad I started before January, as I think it might be much easier to expect to stop - like so many previous new year resolutions. Starting before January makes it different psychologically - and I think we've all found that psychology has more to do with this programme than fitness or previous experience.

Congratulations on getting up off that couch in December - you will go far!

[ajf10 Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Thanks for the helpful comments. Main motivation was to avoid a run on New Years Day! Think you're right about starting before January though.

[SBG356 Graduate]

Well done you for picking up the gauntlet sooner rather than later - that's the spirit! You will be fine; just follow the program, don't try and go too fast and keep visiting this forum for lots of encouragement and advice. Before you know it you will have the bug, that's guaranteed by the way.....! Best of luck! Sue x

[smhall Graduate]

Superb, ajf, simply superb!!! Beetroot and out of breath...yes, that sums up...well, the whole program!!! But after nine weeks it is a much fitter and healthier beetroot and out of breath!! Oh yes, and the aches in places that you didn't know you had...well, get used to them!! After a while I just began to think of them as friendly reminders that I had survived the last run!!

Seriously though, congratulations on making the decision to give this program a go!! It is a fantastic program that had turned so many of us past couch potatoes into runners. I am sure that it will do the same for you!! You are off to a perfect start. You were able to complete each rep and that is success!!

As the runs progress, keep your pace modest. It is FAR more important to complete each rep and each day than it is to do it quickly!! I can't speak to the sports bra, but I know that proper shoes can mean more to preventing aches, pains and injuries that I had ever imagined!! So, good for you on starting off with a good pair!! You are well on your way!!!!

Keep us updated and most of all, Keep Running!!

Steve

[AuntieAli Graduate]

welcome to the start of big things!! well done you for getting out there and starting. that's probably the hardest bit.

we 're all here for you an keep us all posted.

beetroot face look is the look for 2013!!

Ali

[GoogleMe Graduate]

"Might as well give it a go" is probably one of the best mottoes for C25K success there is.

[ajf10 Graduate]

Thank you everyone for your helpful and supportive comments - good to know you're there!

Beetroot face AKA Amanda x