This view is not the norm - I must have been about seventeen the last time I ran seriously. And by seriously, I do not infer any enormous commitment on my part. But at my school, we were all obliged to run cross-country, the season hot on the heels of the hockey one, which thankfully left me with enough residual fitness level not to disgrace myself.
But it has never been something I would choose to do for my own enjoyment. Give me a team sport and I'm a happy camper, appealing as it does to my social side. But somehow the opportunities to play with others seem to drop away as we get older and lives get busier with jobs that mean travelling and offspring to factor in. Team sports require commitment and juggling of schedules and I guess at some point it all got too much hassle.
Couch-potatodom seemed so much easier to squeeze in. But I have Lina's post to thank for a bit of an about-face on the matter. She was talking about a running podcast C25K. I actually misinterpreted it as running about 25 kilometers (c.25K - see how important punctuation is?) when I responded to her in awe. And then I went to check it out.
Without that panic inducing full stop, the podcast's full name is Couch to 5K - a running plan for complete beginners. It's free and in a moment of impulsiveness my urge to join in overcame my laziness and I downloaded the Week 1 plan and put on my trainers. The cheery woman was very encouraging and only required me to actually break into a run for 60 seconds at a time. You can do just about anything for sixty seconds, so I did. Around the deserted Recreation Ground where I thought there would be no witnesses to my bizarre stop-starting and increasing levels of sweatiness.
And I managed the 30 minute cycle just fine, no collapsing or gasping like a guppy. And the endorphins must have kicked in, because I didn't feel ashamed when I bumped into a neighbour and my postman on the way back home and had to explain what I was up to.
Thirty minutes does not a runner make, I know. But I've also learned this last year that if you build something into your routine for long enough it becomes a habit. And I also know that when I have a challenge in front of me, my stubborn streak kicks in and sometimes I surprise myself. We'll see if this is one of those times. Don't suppose anyone else wants to join in do they? Just 60 seconds at a time.
Ooh this might be just the thing! I've been thinking about running. Have just started daily use of an exercise dvd, so maybe if I survive this for a few more weeks I'll venture out into the outside world!
Posted by: domestikate | 25 January 2012 at 19:25
Well done you! I am very impressed. I'd love to join you but unfortunately since I broke my leg running is out of the question. I would otherwise though ;-) Cathy XX
Posted by: pinkgreen | 25 January 2012 at 19:27
How strange, I took a very similar photo myself today! I too started (or should I say re-started) running a couple of weeks ago. I used to be quite into it Before Children (nearly 5 years ago) and I am now probably more unfit than I have ever been. So I will be getting red-faced and puffing and panting too! Thanks for the tip-off about the C25k programme, I'm off to look it up!
Posted by: Caroline | 25 January 2012 at 19:30
Ah yes...why does the stop starting embarrass us so?! My husband regularly listens to comedy podcasts when he runs. I think he must be even more embarrassing and somewhat scary, running in a balaclava in winter time and laughing outloud hysterically!
Posted by: lina | 25 January 2012 at 20:10
My 65 year old mother and my 42 year old sister both just ran (seperate) half-marathons. You can do it. They did it for the Liver Cancer Society, and themselves.
Posted by: Kashi Griffith | 25 January 2012 at 20:29
I did a Couch to 5k a few years ago - I loved it. But it revealed a hidden problem with my knees, so I had to abandon it and now I am all about the swimming.
Ahem. I mean I will be.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 25 January 2012 at 20:33
Now there's a challenge worth taking on!
Posted by: Amanda | 25 January 2012 at 20:47
well done Ali! I am so not a runner but I have taken up nordic walking in an attempt to balance to all the time spent sat on my sofa knitting. I love exercising outdoors (rather than in a sweaty gym - I tried zumba last year, once, and that was enough!). Good luck with your running, I'm sure your stubborn streak will come in handy!
Posted by: Julie | 25 January 2012 at 22:18
Sports bra.....that's what stops me.
Posted by: Jodie | 25 January 2012 at 22:19
Sent from my iPhone
Posted by: domesticali | 25 January 2012 at 22:21
you are the second person today to challenge me to this. I guess someone is trying to tell me something....
Posted by: driftwood | 25 January 2012 at 22:46
I did this a couple of years ago and have maintained it on and off every since. It made a huge difference to my fitness and I love the freedom that those moments of running represent. I can't encourage you enough.
Posted by: Tracy | 26 January 2012 at 01:01
Wow, I am IMPRESSED. But I will never, ever have the right kind of body to be a runner. I'll just have to settle for cheering you on from the sidelines. Possibly with a chocolate bar in my hand.
Posted by: Lynn | 26 January 2012 at 01:04
I've been reading Run Fat Bitch Run by Ruth Field. It's a great, easy read - she speaks sense! I am at the 'walking your route' stage and feeling good! I really want to get to the point where I can run without thinking my shins are going to snap (ie more than 100 yards!).
Posted by: Anita at Bishty | 26 January 2012 at 10:54
really?
Well done!! I knew you could do it!!!
I looked at that too. I should re-start running... I must. I must.
Posted by: Monica | 26 January 2012 at 15:25
I started this 3 weeks ago - it is ACE! I was just about to start week 3 (moving up to some serious, in my opinion running time with 3 mins at a time) when I hurt my back. I have to say I am MISSING it completely and will have to start back at week 1 when I go back!
Good Luck
Clare
x
Posted by: Clare | 26 January 2012 at 17:44
Very impressed! K x
Posted by: kristina | 26 January 2012 at 17:52
Go for it! I took up running between child 1 and child 2, at first I couldn't run to the end of the road but eventually I worked up to running for an hour which made me feel amazing.
Posted by: French Knots | 26 January 2012 at 21:46
I started that this time last year, and went on to complete a half-marathon last October. Honestly, if I could do it, most people can. I haven't run for a while, because of a problem with my feet, but my doc just gave me the go ahead to start again. I may have to take Laura out with me to help me along. Good luck! You can do it!
Posted by: sarah | 26 January 2012 at 22:05
My body isn't made for running but I can imagine the sense of achievement involved. Please, please, for all of us, keep going? C.x
Posted by: noknittedknickers | 26 January 2012 at 22:58
I've been running these last few weeks (most reluctantly, but they're refurbishing the local pool). By running I mean a run / walk mix. I even drive to the park so I don't have to bump into any neighbours. Not much progress has been made yet - but I've had several days of not being able to go, as I'm looking after an ill kid etc. Still, have yet to collapse in a heap, which must be a good sign...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 27 January 2012 at 05:38
Well done - I am impressed (says she, from the depths of the sofa, coffee mug to hand...)
Posted by: Louise | 27 January 2012 at 07:41
I am so impressed. I try to do regular dog walks. That's about as far as I get.
I like Lynn's plan of running with a chocolate bar.
Posted by: Emma | 27 January 2012 at 07:57
So great that you're starting! The beginning is the hardest, and if there's one thing I'd stress as a lifelong-but-ageing-runner/former coach, it's
BE KIND TO YOURSELF!
Some days a walk, or a stretch, or a 10 min. run (plod/jog/crawl), can be enough. Don't get hung up on all-or-nothing, and don't judge yourself by others' standards.
That said, a road race can be a huge shot in the arm because the people there are ALWAYS so supportive. NO ONE ever says, "What are YOU doing here, you pathetic. . . " and the mood is so uplifting and pride-inducing. Plus, at least in the US, there are TSHIRTS.
So good for you! I hope running/jogging/getting outside and sweating can become a hugely positive part of your life!
Posted by: Rebecca | 27 January 2012 at 14:51
I'm suitably impressed but no, I won't be joining you...Mr TH runs & I run the bath...
Posted by: Thrifty Household | 27 January 2012 at 17:41
Well done for getting started! I used the C25k starting last May and it was amazing how quickly I improved. Now I'm running a 10 mile run in a couple of weeks and am loving it. The races are great: every seasoned (and much faster) runner is always really encouraging as I flail my way towards the finishing line.
Posted by: Elaine | 28 January 2012 at 19:36
I'm started week 4 today after 2 years of just wanting to be able to run around my block! The program is really manageable and not overwhelming at all, I am enjoying it! Hope you love it! Jane
Posted by: Jane | 30 January 2012 at 10:17
wowsers... inspiring... need my sports bra!!!!
Posted by: suzie sews at Dotty Red | 30 January 2012 at 12:18
Your post came at just the right time Ali - I bought myself my first pair of running shoes a week ago and went for a run-walk under cover of darkness with Dot then did nothing more for a week but with Dot's encouragement I downloaded the first podcast and went out again on Saturday. I'm so unfit and found the 60 second runs hard hard work but I survived the 30 minutes and just have to gear myself up to going out again tonight!
Posted by: lucylocket | 30 January 2012 at 17:53
P.S. I forgot to say thank you for linking to the podcast - I wouldn't have found it otherwise :o)
Posted by: lucylocket | 30 January 2012 at 17:54
Well done you! I am very impressed. I'd love to join you but unfortunately since I broke my leg running is out of the question. I would otherwise though.
Posted by: Car Insurance for Women | 02 February 2012 at 14:23
I've been wanting to do the couch to 5k thing for ages. If you can,I can.
Posted by: Megan | 04 February 2012 at 06:22
I know I'm late to join in with this but I started running on 31st December on a similar plan and did a stop-start run/walk of 4 miles the weekend before last. I have always loathed running, runners, running gear, running shoes but it's the best thing I've ever done. I'm a complete convert and total evangelist. The best thing about it is how good it makes me feel. I couldn't care less about losing weight or going faster - it's the endorphins that keep me going back. Would love to hear how you're getting on! I can't stop blogging about it either...
Posted by: Janice | 20 February 2012 at 09:40
Hi there,
I have only just come across your blog (I've enjoyed browsing through it - lost an hour of my day :-0) and I too have downloaded the couch to 5K podcast, but have yet to actually do it. I will make an effort tonight to get out.
Just wondering how you're getting along with it and have you kept it up?
Posted by: Gemma | 24 February 2012 at 15:44