In a moment of utter insanity I have entered the ballot for London 2016

[HookedOnHooking]

1. I am fat
   
2. I am 40
   
3. I haven't done any running for about 10 years (and only then did 5k maximum)
   

Now. Chances are I won't get pulled in the ballot but just in case I need to plan ahead and start.

Help!

[AnyoneForTennis]

Think I'm booking Peterborough.... Great eastern, followed by silverstone next year

Did it this year and loved the course. I really really fancy the next Wimbledon half, you get a Womble themed medal!

[LookingForDave]

Swindon. Bloody big hill.

[AnyoneForTennis]

Which one have you booked?

[HookedOnHooking]

October half booked!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

Nothing like the threat of a marathon place to motivate, well done

I'm doing Brighton marathon next year, having done London a few years back I swore I'd never do another

Get yourself booked in for a 10 k race and keep running. That's the most important bit. Be consistent and don't stop. It's so hard to get back to it once you start to slip.

You most likely won't lose weight by running sadly. I run nearly 40 miles a week and I'm still struggling to lose weight. It stimulates the appetite and you don't burn as much energy as it feels like you should be!

[HookedOnHooking]

Always time for hooking

I am enjoying it but I'm still fat. Maybe if I stopped cheese and wine it would make a difference.

[AnyoneForTennis]

Haha, I have entered again.... Yes,again! I entered last year and got a ballot place on first try!

So I trained for it and ran it and loved every second!

Fingers crossed for this year for all of us!

[TongueBiter]

Bloody hell - I'm speechless with admiration. I gave up C25K when I couldn't get past the first week without crippling shin splints!

What an achievement already.

but have you got any time left for hooking

[JillBYeats]

Well done you - wish I had your gumption. Start small - inch your way up to it and be patient. It will come. Think: if you keep running 5k say three times a week (set a specific time like say 7am Monday, Wednesday and Friday and do not allow yourself to waiver from those times. No matter how much you struggle/walk/limp that 5 k on Monday June 22nd you will find it easier on Monday July 6th. Then eventually you take it up to 10k once a week then three times a week and again this will become easier and easier the more you do it. Even if you struggle for three days in a row PERSEVERE, it will get easier. And don't let it slide (speaking from bitter experience as one who was running half marathons and 10k's thrice weekly easy peasy to one who cannot manage a 5k after a lazy 6 months of making excuses). Also sign up for a hlf sometime before the marathon - then if you don't get pulled for the LM you'll still have a goal to say ya boo to your doubting DH, and if you do get pulled then it is good practice. GO HOOKED!!!

[sunshinerunner]

Brilliant!

I've also entered and terrified that I will get through !

Never run more than 9 miles and suffer ITB so can't imagine I could ever make the distance.

Good for you and well done

[HookedOnHooking]

So. 5 weeks into my insane plan I can now run 5k!!!!

Flipping amazing.

Think I might enter the local half in October.

[HookedOnHooking]

That's why I need to start now. If I leave it and by some evil twist of fate I actually get pulled in the ballot I'd be screwed. Whereas if I make an effort now hopefully I'll be a wee bit along the way.

[ImperialBlether]

Bloody hell, Hooked! I didn't realise (until looking at the site) that you won't know until October 2015 whether you've got in or not.

That would make me think I'd have a sit down for a while...

[HookedOnHooking]

Today...

C25K week 2 run 1. 90 seconds running. Easy!!!

Plus - painted fence, walked dogs, rode bike to church and back.

Knackered.

[EATmum]

Well done Hooked. I went from
Total non-runner to a half marathon last year, so I'm cheering for you. also scared as I too went into the ballot this year having sworn I never would

[HookedOnHooking]

Week 1 of c25k done.

I can run for 60 seconds!

Now..... how long will 26 miles take me?

[HookedOnHooking]

Lovely day so just been out on my for an hour. Knackered. Why are there so many flipping hills here?

[holmessweetholmes]

Liking your motivation . Nothing more annoying than being told you can't do something!

Get some support - Parkrun is wonderful and there's a Parkrunners thread on MN and a general runners ' thread, both of which I'm on. Also if you are on FB, there's a good group called Run Mummy Run - the name is a bit lame but it's actually really good. There are total beginners right up to ultra marathoners and some inspiring stories.

I'm sticking to a half marathon for now - doing my first one in early June .

[isittheweekendyet]

Well done! It's a beautiful day for running...hopefully by the time marathon training really kicks in and the weather is shocking you'll be hooked and won't let the wind, rain and cold bother you

[HookedOnHooking]

Day 1 c25k done. Also new running bra purchased!

[isittheweekendyet]

Good luck! I ran my first marathon this year. Prior to kids I'd never even run for the bus. I'm a firm believer that if you put the effort in anyone can do it.

Get yourself a decent pair of trainers (and ideally get a 2nd pair in a few months time so you can swap between the 2) and a decent sports bra and you're good to go!

Do the C25K plan, go to a park run every Sat and sign up for a 10k in a few months time. Then get a half in the diary. Having something to aim for is a great motivation. Eat well. Drink water. You'll probably find you lose some weight too which will then make the running even easier. Most of all have fun!! If you don't get into London chose another without a ballot - I recommend Manchester!!

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

My husband's in the ballot too. Gulp. He is a running fanatic very keen runner but he's not done a marathon before and he's nearly 60.

I don't run myself (dodgy knees) but from his many endless highly informative remarks about running I second the idea of joining Parkrun. They seem to be a really lovely welcoming lot, incredibly supportive regardless of your standard, and it's FREE.

Good luck!