Recently I have embarked on a running programme in an attempt to boost my fitness, stamina and overall wellbeing. I am doing the NHS Couch to 5K programme - probably for the 3rd or 4th time. I’ve never got further than week 4 to date, but I am determined to complete it this time.
I felt much the about walking in that I worried people would judge as I’m a larger person, unfit and easily red in the face. Getting a dog changed all that for me. Waterproofs are never flattering, woollly hats don’t suit me, windy weather tends to draw out red in my cheeks - but I don’t care, the dog needs to be walked (& I need the exercise).
Well that’s a relief, I thought it was just me who hated every sweaty, dragging, mind numbing minute! Hurrah. I am also doing same Couch 25k and am getting through it fairly easily as I have a couple of friends, and a work colleague group, to make me accountable. My choice but it’s working. I know I have to do it or slip into decrepitude so I’m on a ‘suck it up and get out’ mindset! Come on, we got this.
Keep going! I did it back in 2018 and got to be able to run 4 miles, then I stopped. No idea why, but regretted it ever since. Slowly working my way back up to it, but it’s a little harder now I’m older!
I really got into this and fortunately we have a long Promenade which is flat. The first time you manage to run for 20 minutes is such a game changer. Well done on getting yourself up and out. You deserve it!
Keep up the great work Louise!! When I was running I'd often look at others and admire their running style. I was conscious of how I looked but like you say, no-one really observes in any great detail others around them. I go bright red with exertion and I can't change that. I recognised I was running to improve my health and prove something to myself, that I could run!!! And I was determined not get caught up in listening to that little negative voice, who never had anything helpful to say :) Once I became fitter, the pure rush of endorphins that I experienced was glorious.
As someone with a recently diagnosed condition that explains my life long aversion to exercise I’m having to re-evaluate my attitudes. I thought I was lazy but it turns out that POTS does actually explain why most strenuous exercise makes me want to be sick or pass out. I’m lucky, walking is fine for me so I’m not totally unfit. Still I need to take reconditioning my body in hand. I’m starting working through a recommend programme and reframing it as ‘me time’ is really helpful. Thanks 😊
I am doing couch to 5k at the moment. I have just got back from the last run in week 4. I did complete it a few years ago but then stopped running during one of the lockdowns. I have enjoyed reading your c25k posts about how you are getting on. I feel I am not alone!
I used to force myself to run and always hated every second of it. Then I discovered power walking and everything changed. It’s much kinder on my joints and there is time to take in my surroundings and the birdsong (I do it early morning). It’s been a game changer for me and helps me focus for the rest of the day. Good luck with your 5k run.
I’m walking….. running is no longer an option with a replaced hip. Walking is something I couldn’t do without pain for two years so the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. I’m hoping to build it as a habit before it does, so a daily walk is part of my recovery.
I started getting serious about my health a few years ago because I wanted to do everything I could, to be here as long as possible for my daughters. I felt guilty about taking this time to do it (the mom guilt never ends) but in my head I reasoned that the "me time" to work out and exercise actually translates into "we time" in the long run.
I think your best bet is to pick an activity you actually enjoy and there are plenty of choices. Personally, I like yoga and walking and occasionally playing tennis. Most of the time I don't have to talk myself into doing it. If you pick something you have to psyche yourself up for, you'll burn out and quit.
There are lots of Haruki Murakami quotes about running, but the one that sticks with me, and is definitely part of the reason I run (though not every day!) is 'When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can't do without.'
Go Louise! I restarted C25k (for, as you, the third or fourth time having always been unsuccessful) in November and completed it 12 weeks later having repeated a couple of weeks and had a bout of pneumonia.
Yesterday...I ran 10km. I ran. For 1 hour and 4 minutes. A quarter of a marathon. I have literally never ran for more than sixty seconds before November.
I honestly still can't believe the magic that takes place in our bodies. Even though I coach fitness for a living 🤣
This is so realistic! I am so bored of seeing people say they "got the bug" with exercise and now just love it. Admittedly, I do love running, but I'd always rather be in bed 😂
I don't agree about conserving energy, I think that we are meant to move just like we are meant to create things. Doing nothing either with your body or your mind is not a path to contentment. I only started running 6 years ago at the age of 52. I've done a couch to 5k every summer and I have the intention of keeping it up all year but so far I've always stopped and had to start again the next summer. (I don't have to start at week 1 though.) But I did get to the point that I sort of enjoyed it. Not as much as I would enjoy reading a book, but I wasn't always hating it and longing to stop. I have podcasts that I only listen to while running so that is my incentive.
I felt much the about walking in that I worried people would judge as I’m a larger person, unfit and easily red in the face. Getting a dog changed all that for me. Waterproofs are never flattering, woollly hats don’t suit me, windy weather tends to draw out red in my cheeks - but I don’t care, the dog needs to be walked (& I need the exercise).
Well that’s a relief, I thought it was just me who hated every sweaty, dragging, mind numbing minute! Hurrah. I am also doing same Couch 25k and am getting through it fairly easily as I have a couple of friends, and a work colleague group, to make me accountable. My choice but it’s working. I know I have to do it or slip into decrepitude so I’m on a ‘suck it up and get out’ mindset! Come on, we got this.
Keep going! I did it back in 2018 and got to be able to run 4 miles, then I stopped. No idea why, but regretted it ever since. Slowly working my way back up to it, but it’s a little harder now I’m older!
I really got into this and fortunately we have a long Promenade which is flat. The first time you manage to run for 20 minutes is such a game changer. Well done on getting yourself up and out. You deserve it!
Keep up the great work Louise!! When I was running I'd often look at others and admire their running style. I was conscious of how I looked but like you say, no-one really observes in any great detail others around them. I go bright red with exertion and I can't change that. I recognised I was running to improve my health and prove something to myself, that I could run!!! And I was determined not get caught up in listening to that little negative voice, who never had anything helpful to say :) Once I became fitter, the pure rush of endorphins that I experienced was glorious.
As someone with a recently diagnosed condition that explains my life long aversion to exercise I’m having to re-evaluate my attitudes. I thought I was lazy but it turns out that POTS does actually explain why most strenuous exercise makes me want to be sick or pass out. I’m lucky, walking is fine for me so I’m not totally unfit. Still I need to take reconditioning my body in hand. I’m starting working through a recommend programme and reframing it as ‘me time’ is really helpful. Thanks 😊
I am doing couch to 5k at the moment. I have just got back from the last run in week 4. I did complete it a few years ago but then stopped running during one of the lockdowns. I have enjoyed reading your c25k posts about how you are getting on. I feel I am not alone!
I'm sure we walked past that house in the lakes. It was near our campsite
I used to force myself to run and always hated every second of it. Then I discovered power walking and everything changed. It’s much kinder on my joints and there is time to take in my surroundings and the birdsong (I do it early morning). It’s been a game changer for me and helps me focus for the rest of the day. Good luck with your 5k run.
I’m walking….. running is no longer an option with a replaced hip. Walking is something I couldn’t do without pain for two years so the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. I’m hoping to build it as a habit before it does, so a daily walk is part of my recovery.
Cheering you on Louise! 🧡
I started getting serious about my health a few years ago because I wanted to do everything I could, to be here as long as possible for my daughters. I felt guilty about taking this time to do it (the mom guilt never ends) but in my head I reasoned that the "me time" to work out and exercise actually translates into "we time" in the long run.
I think your best bet is to pick an activity you actually enjoy and there are plenty of choices. Personally, I like yoga and walking and occasionally playing tennis. Most of the time I don't have to talk myself into doing it. If you pick something you have to psyche yourself up for, you'll burn out and quit.
There are lots of Haruki Murakami quotes about running, but the one that sticks with me, and is definitely part of the reason I run (though not every day!) is 'When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can't do without.'
Go Louise! I restarted C25k (for, as you, the third or fourth time having always been unsuccessful) in November and completed it 12 weeks later having repeated a couple of weeks and had a bout of pneumonia.
Yesterday...I ran 10km. I ran. For 1 hour and 4 minutes. A quarter of a marathon. I have literally never ran for more than sixty seconds before November.
I honestly still can't believe the magic that takes place in our bodies. Even though I coach fitness for a living 🤣
I'm cheering you on! 👏 x
This is so realistic! I am so bored of seeing people say they "got the bug" with exercise and now just love it. Admittedly, I do love running, but I'd always rather be in bed 😂
I don't agree about conserving energy, I think that we are meant to move just like we are meant to create things. Doing nothing either with your body or your mind is not a path to contentment. I only started running 6 years ago at the age of 52. I've done a couch to 5k every summer and I have the intention of keeping it up all year but so far I've always stopped and had to start again the next summer. (I don't have to start at week 1 though.) But I did get to the point that I sort of enjoyed it. Not as much as I would enjoy reading a book, but I wasn't always hating it and longing to stop. I have podcasts that I only listen to while running so that is my incentive.