And so it begins

Just starting out with Get Running? Chat about the basics of running, what clothes to wear, where to run... anything you like!
flyboy
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2012 5:29 pm

And so it begins

Post by flyboy »

Evening all.

I've been flirting with jogging for 10 years now. I've attempted various plans on a number of occasions, but never got past week three. Lack of motivation, pain, smoker's lungs...whatever the reason, I've always quit. But recently I've discovered some fire; a number of things in my life have basically collaborated to say "pull yourself together".

I discovered this app via a Charlie Brooker column. I must admit to being a little tense about it, because it seems much more demanding than many other running routines (e.g. walk three minutes, run one minute, repeat four times). But there are so many success stories from all types of people that I'm just determined to give it a bash.

I went for my first run last night and got through it successfully. I must admit it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I ran as slow as I needed to in order to complete the workout. The legs felt a little heavy towards the end, and I found myself needing to spit a lot (sorry for the graphic image!) Perhaps the most satisfying element was the sweat - the forehead, neck, back, chest were all glowing with a cold sweat. Again, not the sexiest of images, but a real sign that a real workout had just taken place.

It's early days - the earliest of all days - so I'm not going to get ahead of myself...there's just too much failure in my history to get cocky. But I'm going to take it one run at a time and will give it my best to get to the end. Hopefully I'll keep this little thread updated from time to time.
saltedlolly
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:40 am

Re: And so it begins

Post by saltedlolly »

Congratulations! I was a 30 a day smoker in December but quit on Jan 4th. I discovered Get Running a month or so later and managed to get through the whole course with only having to redo one week! It was a great feeling! I am now on Week 3 of Bridge to 10K and I recently did a Parkrun (google it) completing 5K in 23.5 mins! A great feeling!

Keep at it and don't be discouraged by the odd set back. We all have off days when your heart jusn't isn't in it. Just redo the day in question.

Lastly, I recommend using Runkeeper to track your progress. You can run it at the same time as get Running. It's fun to be able to see yourself improve over time.
flyboy
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2012 5:29 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by flyboy »

Thanks so much for the reply, saltedlolly. I've made a mental reminder of your advice concerning "we all have off days when your heart just isn't in it"; it's particularly important for somebody like me to really take this on board, because I often fall victim to an all-or-nothing mentality, which makes ANY kind of regime a house of cards.

I have now completed the first full week of running and feel great for it. I actually wish I'd started a couple of months ago to take advantage of the summer weather! My legs feel a lot stronger - and ache a bit, in spite of post-running stretching, but I expected this after spending so long sedentary.

The biggest observation I have so far is that the legs felt very heavy for most of my W1R3 run, like I was landing on two lumps of concrete. I had thought that lung power would be the issue for me, but it's actually turning out to be leg power. Having said that, I did feel myself seemingly improve as the run got deeper - perhaps something to do with loosening up the muscles?

Either way, I'm looking forward to a two day break and then onto week 2 :D
flyboy
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2012 5:29 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by flyboy »

W2R1

Quick update for my first run of the second week.

It was tough. It really felt like an upgrade. Unlike the first week, this run really hit the lungs - I was deep breathing throughout, and never really felt like I had the time to completely catch my breath before the next run began.

No complaints though. I was able to complete the run, and was damn thankful for the cooldown walk! The biggest difference I've noticed after just four runs has been the emergence of muscles in my legs; it's quite freaky (and fantastic) to accidentally hit a large, hard lump of muscle! :D
Cusheybutterfield
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:17 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by Cusheybutterfield »

Hi Flyboy - I discovered this ap because of Charlie Brooker too - he made it sound doable!

I ran my w2r2 yesterday and it was definitely more bearable than w2r1 - the first thing I said when I got home from r1 was how much of a step up it felt! R2 was easier, although I did mess up picking my route and the last 2 runs of the session were uphill. I felt every second of both of them! W2r3 for me tomorrow and I can honestly say I'm looking forward to it.
flyboy
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2012 5:29 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by flyboy »

W2R2-3

Cusheybutterfield: you were so, so right. The second run was much more bearable. It's hard to believe it came just two days after I had struggled so much with the first run. Heck, it was a breeze.

I completed the third run of the week this morning, and that too was absolutely fine. The interesting thing about that run was how I was absolutely flying on the final, sixth run. I'd have thought that's when I'd be at my weakest, but I was running almost at full pelt instead of "chugging" along in my normal fashion. I hope it's a good omen.

Anyway, that's the first two weeks done and I'm proud of myself. I have all the confidence and motivation I need for week three, which I believe will be a big, big week. Not only in terms of how long I run (I have not done any program where I go for longer than 90 seconds), but also in terms of sowing a habit (don't they say it's three weeks?) I will admit to some trepidation about it considering my recent memory of the first run on the second week, but shaking that off right now.

Onwards and upwards!
Amyg5576
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:48 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by Amyg5576 »

I just completed my 1st run in week 3... Legs felt a little heavy at the end, and was getting a little winded during the last three minutr run, but felt great after and even lifted a little lite weights after my run this time (we will see if i regret that in Wednesday!)
Looks like we are about the same place in the program and a lot of what you said about your history and experience in the past reminded me of myself! Would love to stay in touch and compare notes as we finish this journey! How's week three going so far?
Marieinnottm
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 7:56 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by Marieinnottm »

I have done my first run today having never run and always joking I can't even run for the bus. It was hard but I can't believe I actually did it!!! Legs a little bit tender this evening but the worst thing is blisters already. I especially went and had my feet properly filmed etc to get the right shoe for my totally flat feet and although they were comfy ish my heels are ragged up. It's going to really put me off doing Wednesdays run 2? Any advice anyone as I can't be doing with blistered sore heels!! Going to get blister plasters tomorrow and hope it may help.
NicAshley
Posts: 18
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2012 2:13 pm

Re: And so it begins

Post by NicAshley »

Hi marieinnottm

When I got my trainers from specialist running shop (Sweatshop) they told me if I had any problems with them I could take them back within 30 days and they'd exchange for a new pair. Could you do that with yours? As it sounds like your trainers are not a good fit. You shouldn't have to suffer with blisters. Hope you get it sorted cos it sounds like you're off to a great start otherwise :)

Nic
Catgal63
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:02 am
Location: Ohio

Re: And so it begins

Post by Catgal63 »

Hi! I just finished my W1R1. I really like this app! I found it mentioned on a Weight Watcher forum and thought I would give it a try. I have tried others but never made it passed week 3. I want to run, but have some kind of mental wall that always makes me give up...I just have to keep going so any support I can get would be great. I will be tweeting my runs if anyone wants to give an encouraging retweet it would be helpful and MUCH APPRECIATEED! :D
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