W1R1

[Wishfulthinking]

Today I did my first session. Hope I can keep this up. Age 54 and 3 stone overweight, hope the knees hold out.

[Stefliser Graduate]

Well done!! You've already taken the hardest step in the whole programme!!

You're not the oldest, or the least fit, or the most overweight person to do the programme, so just take it at your own pace and enjoy it. You WILL make great progress!!

[Hidden]

You've probably done the most difficult bit - just getting out the door and doing it! I know it was for me. I am 57 and not fit, I have repeated week 1 twice to reassure myself it wasn't a fluke, and week 2 has somehow gone by as well! I was sore to begin with but my knees are improving - ibuprofen gel is very useful.

Hope you enjoy run 2.

[earl-grey-sian Graduate]

I'm 48 and according to the BMI stats, at least two stone overweight. I'm also asthmatic, epileptic and anaemic, but I've managed to make it to week 6 so far, and am still going. If I can do it, so can you x

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

I'm 49, started at 5 stone + overweight, have lost 1st 6lbs (doing weightwatchers as well), I graduated last Sunday and wish I had done it years ago!

As many others say, if I can do it anyone can! It is a great program that is designed to stretch and encourage you at every step. You will find some weeks/runs hard ( I struggled in week 8) but these boards are great for encouragement and advice - I didn't find them til the end of my journey but will continue to use them now i know!

Good luck, happy running!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Re the knees - keep the steps short, and go as slowly as you can, landing as gently as possible on the midfoot area rather than the heel. All those things should help protect your knees from the impact. When your legs have toughened up you can build up the pace. You're much less likely to damage them that way.