C25k - just did my first run!!!

I'm so glad I came on this thread. It's so encouraging to hear all this positive stuff about running. I'm on a rest day today, but will still be doing a long dog walk as usual.

Asinine - I feel like I have loads more energy, I have to be in work really early and sleep so much better, no cellulite left really on my bum and thighs, and am now a comfortable 12 rather than almost an 18 when I started over a year ago. My legs are really toned and because I've lost weight all over arms don't wobble (stomach bit of a jelly mess though!). I love the escape running gives me - my job is stressful and toddler twins are too, but when I run, I know that the next 45-60 mins holds, and I find that quite comforting. I have got loads more energy to keep up with the kids. I run four days a week (M, Tu, Th & F) early morning. I bloody love it - a year ago I was blowing out of my arse just getting up the road, but aerobic fitness can build up really quick. Good luck to everyone.

I'm hoping for more energy, that is my holy grail!

Asinine I'm just five weeks in, from a pretty unfit start, and so far I would say I have noticed more energy, a more positive outlook on life, slightly less stress and a tiny bit lighter (I'm breastfeeding so not dieting as such, but trying to make healthier choices. Apart from chocolate).

The energy is the main thing as sleep is a little hard to come by round these parts at the moment.

I am only a pound or two lighter, but I do feel a good bit slimmer. Not sure how that works out, something to do with body fat and muscle perhaps?

I don't notice any difference in stamina, I'm sure there must be because I never would have been able to run 5k before but it was gradual so I haven't really noticed it IYSWIM.

I have noticed other changes, I've had to buy new jeans because mine were all too big and I have buns of steel I've definitely got more energy too.

Just back from second ever run! It was great, I wasn't nervous or excited
like the first time, just enjoyed it and spaced out. I'm looking forward to starting my beginner's class next week.

Question for the more experienced runners.How long until I feel the benefits of running? I'm hoping for more energy, stamina, stress relief etc, (not trying to lose weight). Do you feel better now compared to when you started?

does anyone do this at gym on a treadmill??

Walking is fine on the day after running, it doesn't put so much pressure on your joints. Can you see how you feel on the day? You should always leave rest days between runs so that your muscles and joints can recover but it's OK to do other exercise like swimming, yoga, walking etc.

Well done to all the new starters, the first week is the hardest one!

And don't worry if you ever have a crap run, I just graduated and only managed 1k this morning before giving up. I turned back and ran home so it was 2k in the end, but that's still 2k more than I would have managed if I stayed in bed!

Yoni, my DDs used to hate it when I went running, I used to leave them little notes with stick drawings of me running- will your DCs like something like that or are they too young?

Well I've done my first run and don't feel as bad as I thought I would I think the test will be getting out of bed tomorrow
I've not told anyone (other than DH) that I'm doing this, probably cos I know they'd laugh and tell me they can tell when I'm running cos they can feel the earth moving, so you lot are going to be my outlet, hope you don't mind?!

Just did my second run, delighted with myself, but got a text from DP halfway through saying 'kids both screaming since you left, this isn't a good time of day for your run' which kind of took the shine off my endorphin rush!

Hey everyone! I need some advice please! I did w1r1 last night. Originally I was planning on going mon/weds/fri and I walk with my friend (usually 7.5miles) on a Sunday. I didn't walk yesterday and was really keen to start c25k hence why I did my first run last night. If I have today as a rest and then run tues/thurs/sat it means I would end up running Saturday night then walking Sunday morning which I think sounds too much so should I run today/wed/fri even though I went yesterday? I don't want to overdo it and would like other people's opinions please!! xXx

Hello hello, great to see this thread so busy :)

W5R1 for me this morning - three blocks of 5 minute runs with 3 minute walks in between. Actually it was ok. I started too fast, which seems to happen every week, so I got a bit out of puff, but I thought of you lot cheering me on and I kept going, thanks!

Next run has an 8 minute section I think, then Friday is the 20 minute one. It seems to me this is the week that transitions you into a proper runner. I guess I'll find out what I'm made of eh? That said, I'm happy to repeat if necessary, better than getting miserable and giving up I reckon...

I think I'll have to leave the dog at home now too, as my circuit includes a busy lane now, and the cars whizz past, which freaks him out. I'm going to look at alternative routes though as I like running with my little pal.

also encouraging him along the way stops me looking like a crazy person who is just randomly telling herself to keep going

Good luck to everyone running tonight/ tomorrow.

Good luck sadlovedgirl!

Well that's the trainers and the sports bra purchased!!
Wish me luck for tonight!

Haaaaaa! In the Shitegarden is popular too..

theonlyway

Could have been a lot, lot worse
The rank engine is on after in the shitegarden, I think?

That should have been TANK engine

Hi Ellie! I tried the nhs podcasts but then downloaded a free c25k app which you can play over your own music. I like it better as I find my own music motivating and it was such a pleasure to have that time to myself to listen to stuff I love instead of Thomas the rank engine theme tunes (on a loop in our house this week!). It tells you when you're halfway through so I just ran wherever I felt like around the streets near my house and turned back at the halfway point. That way I could assure DP I'd be 30 mins, it was his first time with both kids!

Good work everyone - I did c25k about a year ago, and then did the intermediate half marathon schedule on runningbug.com (same as bupa guide I think). I now run to work four times a week clocking up about 20miles a week. I'm trying to get down to an 8 minute mile. A year about I was over 14 stone, now I'm just over 11 - I did Weightwatchers too, but have been in maintenance since November. This time last year I would never have believed it - getting going was so hard, but I think twins was what it took to turn me into a runner. The health benefits are massive, feel so much better. I'm actually looking looking forward to getting up and hitting the pavement tomorrow! Good luck with your running!

Hi sadllovedgirl and welcome!

You can't say how long your route will be, as it will depend on how fast you run. And you're supposed to start at a comfortable jog. I only started today so not exactly an experienced runner...!but fwiw I walked and ran the first half away from home, then started coming home after the halfway point time wise. I must have sped up because I was back 'too early' so doubled back for the last run. If that makes sense. Good luck!

Hey sadlovedgirl I went round 2 blocks from my house twice then did one block again (if that makes sense?!) it took me 46 seconds over the time so I was pleased. I've read you should change routes etc but I think for the first few I'm going to stick to that. Good luck! xXx

When I've gone for a walk I've put dinner on then gone out whilst its cooking so going to try that. I get nervous when I'm out on my own in the dark! I also bought those headphones that hook over your ears so I could just listen to my music and ignore everything else which was great, just had to listen to the beeps telling me when to run/walk! Amazing! I'm definitely just going to take it one run at a time and get there at my own pace! My main goal is to go to my local parkrun once I'm fit enough. Thinking it will be longer than the 9 weeks, I'm aiming for 12. Excited!!! xXx

Hello all I'm new here so please be gentle with me!
I'm looking at starting the c25k using the nhs podcasts. The question I have is this, are you best planning your route before hand and if so, for a complete overweight unfit novice like me how far should I plan it for??
I know I need to do a circular route from home but am I best doing a smaller route and repeating it or a longer one and risk being stranded not able to get home due to exhaustion?!
I hope someone can advise me, I'm feeling that now I've decided that I want to do this I just want to get up and go!!
Thanks in advance

Well done meebles. It's crazy isn't it to feel so self conscious? I couldn't quite believe that people didn't give me a second glance and weren't falling about pointing and laughing or leering. quite an anticlimax