Have you felt any positive mental health benef... - Couch to 5K
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It is the #1 reason I run!
It's one of the most uplifting things I have ever done 😀
I'm only week 2 but from the very first run (which I never thought I'd ever do) I have loved it and every time I finish a run I can't wait till the next one. So glad I joined C25K.
Yes a great boost to general well-being, I'm finding. I thought my running days were long gone. The programme provided a good framework to believe it possible. So now the rest is going to be up to me. Thanks for the leg up.
Yes running helps me with having a positive attitude
I was suffering from depression and on a daily dose of 60 mg citalopram when I started c25k. The positive attitude, the regular fresh air, the daylight, the endorphins released while running, the feeling of achievement, etc, etc, all means that I have now been off the pills for a few years, I run regularly, and I'm happy. Definitely one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
Amazing testimony.
Just been for a (very slow - but then I am 67 and a half!) run. Graduated in April and have run three times a week since. Still find it very hard and don't really enjoy it - the only satisfaction is in keeping going and doing it. Have never enjoyed any sport or physical activity or been very fit so even this must be a big plus!! Just wish I enjoyed it more!! But I do find reading everyone else's posts very encouraging.
I hate running but my body loves me afterwards for the whole day!
Well done 'jaunty6' on your running achievements and especially your graduation back in April, you should enjoy running even if it's only about 1k rather than a 5k every time you run.
I am 71 and at 10stone and a BMI of 23 reasonably fit for my age, I have mentioned on other posts that I have been a cyclist since I was 7 and also go long walks, especially during the winter months when my bicycle is not in use, however, I sort of got the running bug and found couch to 5k a inspiration to try out some running. Even with my fitness, the change from cycling to running is quite hard, I'll see how it goes in the next few weeks.
Well, its not the #1 reason I run, but my progress on this program has definitely helped in my positivity and mental attitude to other aspects of my life ... loving it ...
One of the best things I've ever done. I wish I'd known about it years ago as I'd tried interval running on my own without success. Having Michael Johnson in my ears really pushed me along and helped improve my stamina, so much so that I completed a 10k last week. I recommend it to everyone!
Its helped to make me feel more positive about the future - had a heart operation - and last week did my first 10k (slowly but ran!). But I do feel physically tense a couple of days after running - and this has made me a bit quick to react until I find time to get out running again - maybe its because I haven't managed to get my head round the stretching after a run, which is the part of the programme I wish had been included on the podcasts.
Best thing I ever did. And where I've let it slide, I've noticed that I don't feel so good. So I'm starting c25k again. And this time I'm going to keep reminding myself of both the physical and mental benefits. And keep reading all the inspirational stories on here to keep me going.
I went into sudden ovarian failure at age 39-40 and it plunged me into major menopausal symptoms. It was mentally hard to deal with particularly with some anxieties. Obviously I take a form of HRT but the mental health symptoms remained. Running has made me better able to deal with issues and my mental health has improved hugely. I still lack confidence in myself though..........
Brilliant for chilling out and clearing your head! Even in the rain!
Especially the rain for me.
I've rewired my brain to include more 'can do' phrases and deleted a lot of 'give up' phrases!!
My mood is always much more buoyant on the days I run. I think running outside is a factor with this too.
Definite benefit. People at work have commented on how much more relaxed i am since i started running. I find it great to relieve stress and actually started running after months of hesitation as a result of a very stressful situation at work. Feeling almost immediate relief helped me to progress.
Running is like sex you feel good for the whole day. Running has one advantage in that you only need one body to cooperate. But sometimes I find it impossible to get any cooperation from my body.
I love it, simple as that. I only wish I could persuade my other half of the benefits. He's still very firmly on the couch, although he gives me lots of encouragement.
Running helps me deal with the stresses of everyday life. I get outside and I have time alone.
I suffer from depression. Have done for so long. Even worst since I hit my 40s.
Because of this I've Sat, done nothing and eaten loads.
At the beginning of the year I decided to do C25K. And I was really proud to complete race for life in July even though I generally hate running but all the tips are grealt and programme isn't too stressful. Even got one of my colleagues to join me.
Depression got the better of me over the summer and I've put on a lot of weight again so now I'm back on C25K. Just started week 3. Bloody hard work but so effective
It's on of the best programmes I've ever come across and sense of achievement is amazing
Definitely - loads of stress at the moment & running keeps the physical aspects under control.
I always feel good when I have been running it has been noticed at work that I seem totally chilled instead of stressed
It certainly helps lift my mood felt happier in the last few weeks than I have done in years! Am even thinking of asking Doc to reduce my dose of tablets at Xmas now.
I'm a 62 year old overweight woman and I've taken up running with C25K and I'm now in the final week. I run indoors on a treadmill and find it better than outdoors because of the amount of hills around my location. It definitely improves my anxiety levels and helps with my sleep patterns.
I wouldnt have got through the last 10 weeks without c25k. 3 times a week I get outside, think of nothing and everything, experience all the weather that can be thrown at me. I lurk on the forums for advice, guidance and humour. It has really given me focus during some difficult and challenging circumstances. Now graduated and consolidating, as advised!
“think of nothing and everything” I like that.
Running for me is about headspace. In the beginning I was too exhausted to think about anything other than my burning lungs - now whether I actively think or not everything seems that little be earlier to process after.
Still a starter on treadmill now in week 2 but never thought I could run fir more than 10secinds without giving up in pain; finding this very inspirational and endorphin high at end of last run was best feeling 😍
Running definitely makes me feel better physically and mentally enjoying the beautiful country side and doing something for myself. Although i find i can feel grumpy when I can t run because of other commitments eg work/children.
Even though it’s 4 years since I completed couch 2 5k I still have to push myself to get out the door and go for a run. When I’ve completed it I wonder why I was so reluctant to get out there! I am such a different person after a run in the morning - I can’t stop talking and when I get to work I feel much more cheerful. I had a bout of depression about 10 years ago and took Prozac but I wish I had taken up running then instead. It definitely helps to keep the black dog at bay.
It has given me a sense of achievement, where my depression left me feeling worthless. It gives me head space, when my mind feels jumbled. It burns off agitation/anxiety. I feel better about my body, as I can see changes. I get a sense of wellbeing when I get home.
It really helped me in my recovery from breast cancer and other life changing medical conditions, which had left me feeling depressed. Running has helped me get a sense that I am back in control of my body, rather than being at the mercy of ill health and surgeons.
There's something very therapeutic about running in the countryside too.
Really works for me
yea pretty down a lot before i started running 
Exercise is good for mental health. Used to go to gym most days but due to finances had to stop. So here I'm am couch to 5k. 😊
I had severe mental health issues for many years, but always slogged through and pinned a smile to my face. Then I discovered that walking (alone and with others) helped give me the calm and mental control that I needed to deal with those problems, with C25K and running now showing me the way to actively enjoy life again. Feeling better now that I have done in a long time!
I think we need to send the results of this poll and the responses to every GP in the country........it seems pretty overwhelming evidence to me.
I am thinking about how best to do this...
My GP was the one who suggested I get out and go for a nice long walk 10 years ago and not stopped walking since. I am tentatively adding in the mildest of 2 to 3 min jogs but I doubt I will ever call myself a runner as shattered after covering the shortest of distances but for me it breaks up the walk and helps if I am running late but GP's are definitely aware although the time they gave me then compared to now has halved.
Just starting Week 5 of the C25K. More energy during the day. Sleeping better at night. 
Definitely less grumpy in the morning when I've achieved a run.
This is why I have started this..it is helping me..
I would not call myself a runner. I am too unfit to run constantly like most people here do but I walk for 2 to 3 hours at a time so fully understand the benefits exercise can give as I have ASD. Running is something I do in 2 to 3 min spurts as I walk to work. I enjoy it but I am not good at it but the brief jogs breaks up my walk and helps the 2 miles go quicker and I do the same at the end of the day.
PS In the last few years I have seen 2 comedians live and a significant amount of their sets was talking about the benefits of running. I have to admit to being rather jealous because as a walker I find running far more difficult. I am obviously not built for it as I have an overweight BMI. I think I can only cover short distances because for 4 years I used to catch 2 buses to work and there were days when I had just missed it but because of traffic lights, traffic or alleys I used to race it to the next stop. For me that was an achievement so I tip my metaphorical top hat 🎩 to you all.
Try the Couch to 5k training plan, which is designed for non runners. You start with a very gentle jog for only one minute at a time and slowly build up to running for thirty minutes over nine weeks.
It works.
I am in it and just completed week 4. I was doing it a few weeks ago but was not really taking it seriously just using it as if I follow this I might get into the office quicker but now I am about to move into week 5 I am taking it more seriously but I have still not put a time limit on myself.
in the couch to 5k forum you will find people of all sizes, fitnesses, post-surgery, people in their 80s, or running with pushchairs ... by starting a gentle plan like that, you can build yourself into a runner (sorry if we sound a bit like a cult 
)
"Build yourself into a runner". It's all gone Scientology .
dear oh dear... I don't know anything about Scientology so it wasn't intentional! Good luck with the rest of C25K!
Just a joke. One of theirs is build a better you so just reminded me of them. Thank you still going. I completed week 5 yesterday. I was amazed too
That is amazing. I am finding running much more interesting than gym stuff. Am new to this but definitely feel more relaxed and am sleeping better. Bit achey some days but so far so good.
I enjoy running ....since I started I don't enjoy drinking wine anymore i can do with a drink
I'm unlikely to shout at anyone from my car anymore or shout at anyone at all, or lose my temper or forget things, or wake up at night and worry, or reach for a fag and a glass, or stress over trivial things (l can go on with the list for a while).
This morning I've had one of the best runs. 5K of enjoyment at good steady pace - in the wind and rain which simply added on to the whole good vibe thing. A few years back that would have been me, face deep in the pillow trying to figure out what went on the night before
I feel I'm in a very good place at the moment!
Any physical exercise has mental health benefits for me - from yoga to weight lifting, walking, jogging/walking, biking anything is better than nothing and yoga is nice to mix in with other things since it has the meditative benefits.
I love to get out as 6am and run which is a mental benefit but the biggest plus for me has been challenging myself to learn to do something i really have never liked.
It has made such a huge difference to my mental health and I will not stop running now!
Every run on this journey makes me feel better about myself and helps with my stress and anxiety. Some runs have been tough but I have never given in and I intend to make running a part of my life for hopefully the very long term.
