When it's dark I'm going out for my first ever couch to 5k. Can someone please join me?

[OhioOhioOhio]

I've recently lost a tiny bit of weight and after having eaten badly for 3 days I need to get back on the wagon.

I thought this might be a start...

I don't want to sound like your mother, but will you be safe wherever you're running in the dark?

I didn't do C25k, I did lamppost to lampost, just like you I did it in the dark when I overweight and unfit. That was 10 years ago. I've since lost four stone, run 7 marathons an ultra, a triathlon and this morning I ran 12 miles in the hail, wind and rain.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you struggle and feel slow. I hated running at first, can't Imagine life without it now.

Good luck and let us know how you do

Oh and if anyone sees you I'm sure they'll be cheering you on! And wishing they could do it.

Go for it!!!

I started running in December last year and do not regret it and really miss my runs!

If you want rl company there is a run mummy run community on Facebook that have local area groups, super supportive and lots of things to join him with or advice offered.

Let us know how you get on!

I’ve done it. Also fat and unfit . Totally worth it just for the pride of being able to say I can actually run (and up yours to Mrs Harvey - horrible games teacher of 35 years ago - still not forgiven her for her sneering).

If you struggle just go slower. It still counts. Sometimes I’m so slow I have to put a spurt on to pass pensioners . But I do it.

First time I did it I couldn’t even run fir the 1 minute and everything wobbled! It was sooooo hard but you WILL get there. Just keep going!

It doesn't matter if anyone sees you.
A runner will give you a smile as you pass and who cares what a non runner thinks.

I've just been out for a run and got back in the dark too. via Waitrose for mince pies.

Oh. No. What if someone sees me?

Then they will probably think "Wow. Look at her going for a run. I need to do that myself"

So I'm changed. Realised I don't actually have trainers but have my boots on.

The Bluetooth headphones need charged so will head out in half an hour.

As someone who never thought they could run I was fat kid at back in running at school, then did my first half marathon at 40 , I'm so bloody cheering for you get out there don't care what anyone thinks you are doing more than them

Once you are ready sign up for a parkrun they are a friendly bunch no judgement mostly.

I went from starting running in April to doing parkrun in May then a 10k June and September a 10 mile and finally a half marathon in October. You can do it it doesn't matter how fast or slow you go we all cover the same distance.

Everyone does it at own pace

Oh and try not to run in boots you don't need running shoes but at least a cheap pair of trainers.

Yeah whenever I see a runner no matter what their size, I just think 'for god sake what is my excuse? Why am I so lazy? I could be out there doing that but instead I'm going to go home and eat biscuits'.

I am going to do it though. Planning my wedding so I would like to feel better about how I look.

I’ve done it but didn’t really like C25K. I find Nike Run Club much better. It has guided runs for all abilities and I progressed every time I wen for a run without feeling like I was dying

I also found that getting a pair of good running shoes made a massive difference. Doesn’t have to be a expensive especially if you don’t care about looking super cool with the latest model (in the dark).

And well done for taking it up!

I am on week 3! Why wait to start- get yourself a glow in the dark vest and start asap!

Good luck! I started running in the early mornings until I got more confident!

Love love love C25k. Hope it's gone well op!

You’ve got this!
I keep starting but need to stick to it.

You can do it! I've just graduated and can't believe that I can run for 30 minutes. I am now mentally trying to get my head around running in the real world as opposed to on a treadmill. I'd like to do a park run but don't think i'm ready yet.

I've surprised myself with my discipline - each Monday, Wednesday and Friday I run. I think of it as my homework and another job that has to be done.

So. I've done it. Well not really but I've been out.

I couldn't get my Bluetooth speakers charged so I went without them. I mostly walked but did run between the odd lampposts. I don't think I'm fit enough for c25k now I've done that but weirdly do feel better. Can barely jog, more of faster walk. Awful really.

Thanks pp for the lamppost idea and to the pp worried about me being out in the dark.

Well done Ohio!
Keep going and it will 100% get easier. If you keep it up a few weeks you’ll start to notice yourself looking forward to it. Go you!

Well done you! I’ve been meaning to start it but have no trainers or joggers (just jeans!) and can’t afford anything this month so will have to be next so it’s good for me to see people like you getting cracking! Personally am hoping it will make me fit, get rid of belly (gone from size 10 to 16 in a year) and help me cope with some chronic pain.

I’ll join you in the new year!

Well done @OhioOhioOhio fantastic! I'm proud of you for getting out there and doing it!!

If you've worn boots that won't have made things easy for you, if you can afford to get yourself a pair of trainers. They don't have to be super fancy or anything, I've heard good things about the Karrimor ones from Sports Direct.

Thanks. I don't really think I deserve your well dones. It was pitiful but I guess I really do know I'm unfit. Ouch.

Find yourself a C25K group, best thing I ever did.

I'm just about to join my next course which is a half marathon:0

I have made some fabulous friends, that I didn't know I needed.

Do it, you won't regret it.

Well done! Getting out there is the hardest part.