Hi Geoff. Well done. Getting started is one of the hardest things to do so that alone is something to be pleased about!

I can't add to Kathryn's advice which sounds very sinsible to me. Good luck.

Brian.

Geoff, if you commit to telling us how it's all going, you'll have that motivation to keep on running!  You've done pretty well so far so you've obviously got the commitment to progressing.  Don't be scared to walk - a minute walk followed by a minute jog (repeated 3 or 4 times), then as you progress keep lengthening the jog and walk - with the running taking slightly longer than the rests.  My wife started like this five weeks ago and is now running 10 minutes with 4 mins resting (repeated three times).

Getting out is the important thing - so if you're out 3 times a week you'll find the confidence coming rapidly.  if it doesn't feel right, do one less rep or go for slightly shorter time section - there's no point in getting injured or getting that feeling that you dread the session.  If you can't talk or sing to yourself as you go along you're going too fast!

Keep on posting - you'll find you get huge amounts of support from people on this site.

Geoff, your commitment is most impressive.  As long as you enjoy it - it's not a punishment.  Make sure you've got enough in reserve after the run to get through the day - although a good run is a great excuse to fall asleep at your desk at work.  Keep on posting - we all want regular updates!  You're putting some of us lazy and less dedicated souls to shame.

Geoff, if you're on grass don't worry too much about your footwear.  Grass is forgiving so the Silver Shadow is absolutely fine (and,to give you some confidence, that shoe was the standard issue trainer to the British Army some years ago so it isn't that bad a shoe - just not the best). If you look at shoes dedicated to fell and off road you'll see that there is no support whatsoever.  When you've done some more miles, and you feel more confident and know your style, then look at getting some shoes.  Before you part with your hard earned cash, definitely ask the forum for some advice - there are plenty of running shops out there that will happily take 120 quid off you for a shoe you don't really need, when people here should be able to guide you towards something more reasonable.

Keep it up!

Hi geoff,have been reading your posts,i was overweight and unhealthy before deciding to get off my big a*** ,my first day out was mid December last year,really struggled with running any distance at all,stuck with walking,2.89 miles took me 57 mins.This i carried on with,whilst still smoking!!,on the 10th jan,stopped smoking,as i was breathing like a steam train.Carried on trying to run/walk,really struggled with my breathing,eventually had xrays and tests done,was given asthma medicines,but these did not improve my running much.Increased my walking distances up to half marathon length.Entered st.albans half walking came in 46th out 300.well pleased.Tried to stick walk/run programme but became really frustrated with not being able to run any distance without walking.eventually reached the magic mile without stopping,with no astma medicine,went back to GP,had further lung function test,20% better!.Now completed 135 exercise sessions,=446 miles,average time for 1 mile=12mins,not fast,but a year ago just walking a mile was an effort.One piece of advice would be to start out really easy with your pace,as looking back,i was pushing myself too fast,and you end up frustrated and in pain which knocks you back,wish you all the best with your new healthy regime,Positive Mental Attitude,be lucky :)

Quite possibly, I don't know how these early bird types manage early runs. Later in the day everything has loosened up and its much easier, that's what I find anyway. I also find I run much better in afternoon races than morning ones presumably for the same reason. Well done and keep it up.

Could never describe myself as an early bird but quite a few races require unpleasantly early starts!  I find each part of the day has its own rewards - the tranquility and coolness of the first part of the day in the summer, or racing the setting sun back to the car in the winter, or even out with headlamps in the woods in the dark. Each has its own mood and gives a different experience.  So try them all, Geoff - and you will find that if you can match your mood with the right time of day, it can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy the run - don't think your regime has to be to strict down to the precise minute you walk out the door.

I can honestly say that I am bowled over by your progress.  5 lbs is a huge amount so don't be disillusioned if you can't match that for your next weigh in.  Just concentrate on being out on your feet.  Some weeks won't go to plan but in others you'll make more progress than you ever imagined.  Though I'm sure Andy would agree - it never gets easier, you just find yourself going for further and/or faster and enjoying it more!

Hi Geoffrey,

Not been on the forum for a couple of weeks, so only just caught this thread! Just wanted to say a massive well done, as someone who battles the food and booze demons too, I know how incredibly hard it is. Keep going slowly and increase gradually, if you can continue the sheer determination showed so far, you'll be amazed how quickly you will progress with fitness and that will help a natural, sustainable weight loss. I've lost 5 1/2 stone with Weight watchers and running. I only started July 2010, and in October 2011 did my first Marathon. You are doing SO SO well keep it up!! God Bless

Can't see that as 'messing up'! If it felt right, and you didn't hurt yourself, then nothing lost.  Sometimes you need to push yourself to see what you're capable of - and you should be pleased with what you've done.  You've come a long way in just a few weeks - did you ever imagine yourself doing this just 4 weeks ago? 

What's the weight loss - we're all waiting! Don't forget, though, that the running improvement is the most important thing - it'll get easier to lose weight as the running gets stronger.

Brilliant stuff Geoff. Reading this thread and seeing the progress you've made is really inspiring! You must have a great deal of will power to have kept going and now you can see the results you really should feel proud of your achievements. Keep posting, we're all willing you on.