The reluctant runner!

[Hazel at the Hill]

And I'm with you in actuality, Snadge.

Well done for keeping up the plod - you'll know already that the more you do, the more you can do. And even if you do nothing to change your diet, two/three runs a week will be enough to burn a pound or two off per week. Suggest you pencil in a 10k for - say - Easter, then every 3 or 4 months. Keeps up the motivation to have something in the diary.

If you can do a couple of 40min runs in the week, and an hour or so at the weekend, that's pretty balanced. Even better if you can do an additional 'other' too - I'd suggest swimming, but I think that digging/gardening counts at that one.

Oh - and if you do nothing else, find out your nearest Parkrun - free 5k runs at 9am every Sat morning that you can just turn up to and join in. Fab community spirit, and you get your time/place logged each time so you can see your progress.

I've found that the grapes are excellent cheerleaders from the sidelines - think of me as your running buddy on the route. Wednesday is in my diary too!

[Florence Fennel]

Well done Snadge. I'm sure we'll all watch your progress with interest

Well done I am very impressed.
I think I will be another virtual runner to burn off the virtual cake

[arpoet]

I love exercise... i can watch people doing it for hours.

[mothhawk]

That's very impressive Snadge. Especially as it's so cold outside right now.

I shall accompany you in spirit, as I couldn't run to pick up a fifty pound note. However, I reckon by the end of 6 months training I could probably virtually run 10k

[veggiechicken]

Wednesday hopefully Veggie so you've plenty of time to get kitted out with your virtual running kit.. I haven't got many aches and pains at the mo but we'll see what tomorrow brings!

OK, its in my diary. Meet Snadger, Wednesday for virtual run
I'm sure you won't ache much - I know I won't

[Thelma Sanders]

After anything resembling exercise, I find that the aches and pains gang up on me during the night

[Snadger]

Well done Snadge
I couldn't do 5 yards so I'll shall run with you virtually
When's the next run, so that I can warm up?

Wednesday hopefully Veggie so you've plenty of time to get kitted out with your virtual running kit.. I haven't got many aches and pains at the mo but we'll see what tomorrow brings!

[rustylady]

I am impressed. Don't think I could run to save my life (never mind catch a bus) so well done you

[veggiechicken]

Well done Snadge
I couldn't do 5 yards so I'll shall run with you virtually
When's the next run, so that I can warm up?

[Trix]

This is inspiring. I have been planning to restart to Couck to 5k plan since Dec - really have to get out there!

I'm very impressed that you managed to run the whole 5k after such a long break.

[Snadger]

Went for my first jog in six months today. Ran for roughly 5K and it took me 42 minutes. More of a waddle than a run I'm afraid but was pleased I managed to do it (up some hills as well) without stopping.Seem to remeber was doing the same in 37 minutes last year.
Must admit that getting to the top of the first hill where it plateued out and thinkings "Sod it, I'm turning back before the next hill" didn't happen. I was pleased I stuck with it to the end!
At 16 stone and 2 stone overweight some form of dieting would appear to be a necessity.
My ultimate aim is to do 5K each midweek and 10K each weekend slowly building on my strength and quickening my times as the year goes on. 5K's will be on tarmac but 10K's will be 'off road'
I might do a couple of 10K races later on in the year as any longer entails devoting too much time to training.
I may use this thread to keep you posted on how I get on and as a motivational tool for me, but I welcome others comments and feedback of how they are doing.