Starting a new journey - Couch to Marathon

Mincher183
Mincher183 Posts: 3 Member
in Getting Started
In 2013, I lost my wife aged just 21 to Ovarian Cancer.
She was a professional footballer, and we were both in great shape.
That year I ran the Great Manchester Run - 10k without any specific training.

Fast forward 9 years, and life has hit me in the midriff. Working to provide for our 2 children meant things like football, gym etc fell by the wayside.

I've got from around 10stone 8lbs, to 14 stone 1lb.

My biggest issue has been sugar, 3 spoons in a coffee or tea, 3/4 times a day soon adds up. Couple it with a distinct lack of exercise and it has formed a not-so-lovely fat belly that I need rid of.

One of my late wife's relatives who i'm very close to, ran the Manchester Marathon last Sunday, and after some discussion, i've now signed up for the 2023 Manchester Marathon.

I'm not under any illusions here, I know it's going to be difficult, but my approach is either I train for it, or I die doing it. So i'm treating it as if a Doctor has told me I need to train or i'm going to die.

I was humbled on my first day in the gym. The plan was to walk 1.5 min and run 1 min for a total 20 minutes. Unfortunately, I only managed 13 minutes, 0.81miles. My HR was 185.

But it was a start, and i've got a whole year to get there, and I will get there.

The sugar is ditched, i've cut to around 1700 calories a day. It'll take some time to see the results, but once some of the additional weight has gone, the training will be easier and more enjoyable.

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Replies

  • fatty2begone
    fatty2begone Posts: 249 Member
    As a new member getting fit and starting to run again, I can say with conviction... YOU GOT THIS!

    Great Goal and I expect Great Results! Take care of yourself and Happy Running.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,437 Member
    You’ve got a specific goal and that will help immensely.

    But don’t overdo it to the point you hurt yourself. You’ve got kids to care for (in every sense of the word). They’re watching. Set a good example. Invite them to run with you or do other exercises. They’re old enough. Maybe explain why daddy is starting slow and building up and invite them to “help” dad.

    And be cautious and mindful of the do or die. People who start out like that get frustrated and quit quickly.

    I don’t think you’re one of those, though. I think you’ve been grieving, and had the weight of the world on you. I sincerely hope this is a period of up up UP for you, starting now.
  • Mincher183
    Mincher183 Posts: 3 Member
    springlering62 wrote: »
    You’ve got a specific goal and that will help immensely.

    And be cautious and mindful of the do or die. People who start out like that get frustrated and quit quickly.

    I think I may not have conveyed this correctly. I'm merely using the mindset of get yourself into shape, or you're going to die. So that I don't get bogged by the days that you really don't feel like doing it. I'm using it as a motivator to be active, to cut down the sugar etc.
  • jillkh36
    jillkh36 Posts: 4 Member
    So sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, even time doesn’t mask that kind of pain. Grief is a game changer in life and we all cope differently. I think the fact that you are here and trying is a great first step. Your main goal isn’t really the marathon, it’s about your health and wellness overall. The marathon is a bonus😊. Small changes every day will add up and make a difference and accomplishing anything at the gym, no matter how small of an amount of time is progress! You’ve got this and you will be a great example to your children.

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