mudrunner 2014- help. how do I do this?

[onemoredayplease]

My 10 yr old dd has just asked if we can do the mudrunner together next year (gulp!). she is very fit and sporty whilst I am carrying an extra 3 stone and do no sport at all. I do walk around 4 miles per day with the dog. I know I need to address my weight and I so want to be a more positive role model for her- she is desperate for us to do this as a girls day out. looking at the website the junior race is 5k and normally done in June time. so technically I have the time to sort my life out and do this with her. so my question is where do I start fitnesswise? any suggestions?.

Hi there OP.
It does sound like a bit of a marker being set down, and your dd wants to do something together that is good. Which is fantastic.
As for your question, how to do it? It depends. Walking the dog is good but won't get you fitter at all.

As a start point to lose weight its dependent on your eating habits and your willingness to raise your exercise levels quite a bit. Eating habits are usually the key to weight loss, not getting sweaty necessarily There's lots of options though from 'power walking' to begin with through to regular high beat raising, planned exercise like jogging or swimming, or bike riding. Bit that will be all a bit pointless IF you are still eating fatty foods and not cutting down on them.

What would you like to do exercise-wise?

I have joined weightwatchers to help me address my weight. I think I need to work my way up with exrecise so instead of my usual stroll with the dog perhaps I can increase my speed??? I'm just not sporty at all so I'm at a bit of a loss. I just don't want to let her down.

You need the C25k (couch to 5k) which starts off with about 30s running intervals but builds up to 30mins (5k) over 10 weeks. Tis magic!

can I do that with dodgy knees? do I need to lose some weight before I start running?

You really don't have to be 'sporty' to lose weight and get fitter. IF you are self-conscious about starting off, and don't want to start jogging too early, I'd strongly suggest some power-walking. It means having some trainers on your feet, cheap ones if must, and set yourself targets for how far and long. It will raise your heart-beat, burn calories and get you sweating - how far and hard is up to you but go a bit further each time. If there are hills/slopes where you live, head for them.
You might ache a bit afterwards so stretch your legs out afterwards. If you don't, you will be sore and not want to go again. And drink lots of water.
Youtube is full of advice about stretching. Just search 'leg stretches' and you will see them.
Nothing here is beyond you. As they say, plan the work and work the plan. And stay commited and show your dd what you are doing. She and you will be proud.

even youtube 'power walking' and see how it's done. It basically means walking at a faster speed than you would do normally, and for a good distance. You'll feel great afterwards, and want to go again.

ok, thanks. thats where I will start

for just about all hints and encouragements when starting out youtube is your friend.
Best wishes to you and your dd.

thanks you have been really helpful.