Getting back into running - anyone with me?

Think I've found my people. Am 55 and overweight. Started C25K in the New Year and got up to bring able to plod for 30 mins about a month ago (3.5k). Then a hiccup, a bad run and a chest infection and it all ground to a halt. I must admit I dont find it enjoyable so havent been motivated to gst back on it,which is a waste of all the hard effort over the last few months. Will head out today and see how far I get...

You did 6.5km for your first run - wow I will be happy to make it round the park twice!

I am still rowing and yoga ing in preparation-my back goes if I run first. You must be made of stern stuff!!

Hello all & congrats for the election victory SweetestThing!

I must report my first run! I ran over 6.5km and could have definitely done more! It was really slow but doesn't matter. My aim now is to work towards running 1 hour slowly 3x week. I think it would take me probably month to get there. After that? We shall see. I am running for pleasure at the moment. No competitive goals.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Evening everyone, great work going on here! Run day for me tomorrow morning I think...My legs are moaning at me though after running 5k on Wednesday, then a circuits class on Thursday and an 11k walk on Friday 😂. Have taken it a bit easier today!

I met an inspirational man yesterday, having read his book earlier in the year. His name is Ben Smith and he ran 401 marathons in 401 days, having only taken up running at 30, about 2 years before starting his challenge. He was super nice, I felt like I was catching up with an old friend. His next challenge is to run a marathon in every US state , and cycle between each state to cover all 50 in 104 days! Definitely work a read of his book, or catching one of his talks. Oh, and he raised £330k for charity, and is aiming to raise £1m on his next challenge 😲.

I'm in. Start day next Tuesday - that'll be 6 weeks post (minor) surgery that advised 6 weeks rest!! I did a Parkrun in 32/33 minutes in March. I'd like to do 10k in

First run done! Haha

I don’t know how far or how long (not long), but I got out so feeling great. Seeing the success so many of you have had with it, I might give the C25K a go after all. Feeling motivated!

@nothingoriginalhere if I hadn't started running (or some form of exercise) I'd have been carted off to the funny farm weeks ago. For once it isn't about weight loss (at the moment) but more for my own mental health :)

Just realised some of you ladies have very young babies - hats off to you, i'm very impressed you can even think about running!

@claxitine you can do it! Do you have a partner who can hold the baby so you can go out and run? Or failing that stick them in a buggy and buggy run? It is tough finding the time to squeeze it in though. My babies 11wks and if I didn't have DH I wouldn't be out there as much as I've managed.

Can I join, pretty please?

I’ve never been a particularly regimented runner so I’m not sure I’ll be following a specific programme like most of you, but I’m desperate to get out there for at least a few decent runs a week, and I’d love to be able to enter some events eventually too.

I used to run/exercise a lot at uni (4+ years ago) but have had three children since then and haven’t managed to keep it up. #3 is now 10 weeks old and I’m struggling to get into my old clothes, plus I’m desperate for some “me” time, so really want to get back into it.

I’m a bit embarrassed to start because of my total lack of fitness but just need to bite the bullet and go. First run this evening, if I can get the baby off me!

Good luck everyone

thismeansnothing I know! I will for next week.

@fazackerley good for you getting back into it again 👍 but no barcode?! Get it printed off, get u closer to that 50/100/250/500 top!

@standingonlego. I did start at the back. The tail walker was just behind me but it was quite a wide path it started on and I think even those that are planning on walking get a surge of adrenaline and sprint off🤣 plus it was a 3 n a bit lapper so wasn't lomg till I was being lapped either. PB for the year but still some way to get to 30mins which is where I finished off at last year. But I'll get there eventually

Hello all. Can I join? I'm on week 7 of couch to 5k and did my first park run today. Didn't bother with a barcode and finished at about 41 mins, was a bit disappointed as I wanted under 40, but I have form for putting too much pressure on myself so I'm not going to get too down about it. I was a really good runner...about 25 years ago

Anyway, I'm 53 and have suffered terribly with aches and pains and menopause for 5 years, finally taking HRT and can now run again! I'm hugely motivated to improve my 5k time. I'll keep going with couch to 5k although dh says I should ditch it and just concentrate on running 5ks.

And meant to say...getting Sub 40 is a big milestone !!!!! Celebrate

Good on you thismeansnothing that is a huge amount of time to take off your PB, brilliant work!!!!

Top tip, if you are a bit slower start towards the back so the speedy ones zoom off so you do not get that feeling of being overtaken. My home parkrun is huge (nearly 600 today) and it sort of self organises that way. Also mean I start next to similar folk each week and have a natter before the start

Joining in too - I’m on week 2 of the couch to 5k (repeating it as had a break due to travel/bereavement). Finding it really hard to get back into it. Doesn’t help that I’m in the Middle East and the weather is getting seriously hot. But hoping this thread will help keep us all motivated!

@standingonlego I did parkrun this morning. Third week on the bounce since getting back into it again. Completed C25K Wk3 Session 1 while I was there. Very demoralising watching everyone pass me while I walked the first 5 mins but knocked 00:02:25 off last week's time and finished in 39:28 which I'm made up with. No parkrun next week as me and DH alternate taking DD to her dance classes and it's my turn next week but will keep ploughing through the C25K plan

Ive completed week 2 of c25k today and have done all 3 bootcamp sessions ( first week back after my op and 4 mo ths off) so my runs were done with serious DOMS as well.
Proud of myself tho as it was a tough week at work so i made myself get up at 05:30 for the runs as knew i wouldnt go after work!
A bit late but to whoever over pronates i also wear Brooks adrenaline and am on my 3rd consecutive pair.love them. I always get my gait regularly checked as it can change with weight gain/loss and injuries.
It sounds like we all have a plan to get fitter and be back running soon.
I have just treated myself to an inspirational book called "running for my life" to be my holiday reading as we go away next Friday so im looking forward to reading that.

Hi again, sounds like everybody is doing really well. I am planning to go out tonight as have a day of ferrying kids to clubs etc. Also my DH runs on a Saturday morning with a group of runners. Rather annoyingly, he runs well and fast - I am definitely a plodder. In fact, when I read about the marathon runners being treated badly as they were considered too slow, I felt really sad. They were there and having a go, all the water stations etc. should still be there if the organisers arrange for pacers at that speed. If they want to ensure a clear-up time then they would need to limit times like other races do but that would go against the spirit of the London Marathon I think. I did a couple of very slow marathons a few years ago and know what it is like at the back. I have put in for the London Ballot too!
Have a good weekend everybody.

Parkrun day...go on, give it a go if you have not already

First run of C25K is this morning - as soon as I’ve shifted the baby off my lap where he’s fallen asleep! Feeling really nervous but looking forward to having half an hour to myself, even if that is puffing and sweating round the river!

Just rowed 5k - like we sitting down running. Am working towards. Have eaten like raccoon this week but have ditched caffeine and booze so when that calms will mend my diet too. Hoping for s stone off in two months.