Hello Everyone, :-)
I have just started with the C25K program yesterday after eyeing it for about 2 years now and loosing about 20 kg before my apprehension about any joint troubles from running has decreased enough to seriously give it a go. It also helped to have moved to a place where there is a nice runner's track just within a half hour's walk from my home that allows to run on very soft surface.
I was not really sure what to expect as I used to hate running in PE classes, I was always slow, falling behind, out of breath, the typical symptoms of an overweight teenage girl and thus it has never been an experience that I associated with success.
So I was apprehensive of running, the other runners - the real ones
- who might get angry at me for using the track while not really being able to run yet and still concerned about joint issues due to the extra weight.
But I went and I am so glad that I did!
Because my joints feel fine for now, I was able to do W1D1, there was no negative feedback or angriness directed at me that I would have perceived and a girl running by even gave me a thumbs-up. I thought that was pretty awesome of her.
When I see people biking, running to that track, especially people who are not in perfect shape yet, I always think good for you, respect. But getting that kind of support from a complete stranger felt, very motivating.
So overall, I just wanted to share that starting out slowly and carefully can be a very good experience and far less intimidating than I had imagined and I would like to encourage anyone who might be reading this and pondering whether or not to give it a go.
My lesson's learned were the following:
- Good quality sports bras are a very good investment - try different support levels, there is a world of difference there I would have never thought possible in the first place!
- Water and some sugar tablets are essentials for me as a carry-on
- It pays off to read up on what kind of shoes to get
- And having shared about my plans with those close to me really helped to sway me into starting when my courage crumbled a bit
- I can actually do this!
My goal is to complete the program by end of September, making it my summer fitness challenge. I wish everyone much enjoyment and fun in working on their own goals and look forward to participating in this thread with you!