C25K: Week 1 was an eye-opener.

[PaulC]

To begin I just want to tell you a little something about myself: I'm a 16-year-old guy who isn't overweight but just wants to feel better inside. C25K is working.

I've just completed the first week of C25K and I must admit, I really enjoyed it. For me, the first run was just the right start. The second run was a bit more tiring but I knew this would happen as I wasn't taking the days rest in between because for me, I think I can handle running each day. What I've decided to do is, do all three runs and do a lighter workout in between each week. The third run was the most enjoyable. When I was running, a smile came to my face because I had actually decided to do something about my fitness and it was all down to personal choice. Laura really helps you along and having her help you is just like having a friend motivate you which is cool. The music choice is also very helpful because they are very upbeat songs and make you want to jump around. I'm definitely going to continue with the plan and hopefully I'll be a running addict in the near future!

[greenlegs Graduate]

It's brilliant how this programme can have such a positive impact on such a wide range of people!

Now, not wanting to be miserable or anything... As you're young and not carrying extra weight, you doubtless can go a bit faster through the programme than some of us - but do watch out if you start feeling twinges - if you read around a bit, you'll find that rest days are really important, as it is when you aren't running that your body repairs itself and rebuilds muscles more strongly - if you don't give it a chance to do that, when the amount of running increases, you are more likely to develop injuries. Then again, you might get away with it!

It's great that you're enjoying it so much already. I didn't actually expect to enjoy running (I always thought I was really lucky to have gone to a school - a very long time ago - that didn't do cross-country running), but I've found that I love it!

[PaulC in reply to greenlegs]

It's funny because I used to HATE running when I took physical education in school but doing it myself is a lot more relaxing and I really enjoy it. Just can't wait to get to the 10 minute non-stop mark and gradually build up!

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Well done Paul! My 19-year od daughter Becky is on week 6, she loves it, but I am proud to say, cannot keep up with me

You are so lucky, like Becks, to have begun so young. Keep it up and you will not regret it. Happy running, Delia.

[PaulC in reply to DeliaItaly]

Did your daughter struggle at any point in the programme or is she charging through it?

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

She's struggling a bit now, on Week 6, but I think that's normal. On week 6 you go back to interval running after a long 20 minute run at the end of week 5 -- I think it knackers everyone despite age!

[KANdoit]

Paul - slightly off topic but still relevant - have you got a Parkrun (google it) near you. Its a volunteer organised FREE weekly 5k run (or run walk in my case). Its fun and friendly and definitely NOT competitive (only you against yourself trying to improve your PB). Not at all like a PE lesson.

It sounds like you are going to zip through C25K and get your green badge etc ... starting Parkrun now would give you a slightly longer term goal: as a junior, when you complete 10 parkruns you get a FREE (99% certain) running top (us fogeys have to wait until we've done 50!). Its nice to get tangible and proctical recocognition of your own achievements - wearing that T-shirt for your 11th + Parkrun would feel quite good.

Hope this helps

[PaulC in reply to KANdoit]

I'll definitely give this a shot when I'm finished the programme. Thanks a lot for showing me this. -Paul