Fat boy runs for 20 minutes (w5r3).

[HappyDev]

On the 14th August while on holiday at a campsite in France I decided that I had had enough of being fat and unfit. I came across a video on YouTube about a chap that took up running and lost a lot of weight (Ben does life), at the same time as my sister posted on Facebook that she was doing something called couch to 5k.

I downloaded the podcast, found an app to track my progress, put on my ancient trainers and ran for a minute, then rested by walking etc. the next day I did the strength and flexibility podcast. And so it went on, one day running and walking, next day walking, stretching and doing simple strength excersises.

Yesterday I managed to run for 20 minutes, twenty four hours later I still cannot believe that as a 46year old weighing 19 stone I managed to run for 20 minutes, slowly but nonstop. I have never in my entire life run for 20 minutes.

I get up at 5 do some physiotherapy excersises for my back put on my new Olympic branded tshirt and cheap (but new) running shoes and go for a run. I feel tired but happy most of the time now. I am one Happy IT Geek.

I have entered for the Swindon Help for Heroes 5K run on the 4th of November so I am trusting Laura to get me in shape for it.

I ran for 20 minutes!

[samdavi]

Well done.

I know when I did W5 R3 I was absolutely amazed and found it quite mind boggling that it was possible to come such a long way in a relatively short space of time. Getting up a t 5, now that's what I call dedicated.

Have faith, Laura will have you running for 30 mins before you know it and I'm sure you will be fine doing the Help for Heroes 5K.

Wishing you the best of luck for the H4H run and enjoy.

[Pelephant Graduate]

You are wonderful. I love reading stories about what made people start this programme and yours is one of the best. I'm off doing W6W2 tonight so we are at similar stages. Good luck with the hereoes run. I know you can do it! X

[Gwencole]

Hi happydev, a big well done to you !! That is great and it gives me hope that I also may be able to do it, as I am also overweight !!! I have just done wk2r3 and I am a little worried about wk3, but reading stories like yours really helps keep it up, and good luck with your H4H run xx

[suesk]

Well done!!! As a 52 year old at W5R2 I dont think i will ever do W5R3!!! Good luck for the run

[Chewy]

Well done HappyDev and thanks for the video recommendation. If anyone is looking for inspiration go and take a look.

youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQq...(Not working as expected?)

[nickinocki]

Well done happydev. I'm r2 of wk 6 tomorrow, still can't really believe that I ran for 20 mins last week.....the first time in my entire life too!!!

Keep up the good work!

[mair99 Graduate]

Way to go Happydev! Good on you for taking control of your life, your health and your happiness! I found Bens video early on and found it inspiring too...