Why do you run: join our poll πŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ»πŸ˜ - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,407 members β€’ 158,560 posts

Why do you run: join our poll πŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ»πŸ˜

Millsie-J profile imageMillsie-JGraduate952 Voters

Please select one:

150 Replies
β€’
Archieandme profile image
ArchieandmeGraduate

Because I want to surprise my son on a park run

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina in reply to Archieandme

That's so cool!

mahen07 profile image
mahen07 in reply to primaballerina

hmm

mahen07 profile image
mahen07 in reply to mahen07

ok

bananahead profile image
bananaheadGraduate in reply to Archieandme

Me too! Good luck!

VgangVal profile image
VgangVal

I am training for a Marathon

Tbae profile image
Tbae

All of the above.βœ…

Best thing I have ever done for my health.πŸ’₯β˜„οΈ

Getting fit was the initial drive, but the mental benefits of it, I never expected. If anything it's done for me Mentally and emotionally than it has physically.

Ask me again in a few months as I suspect my answer would be because I love it...

Late-Starter profile image
Late-StarterGraduate in reply to

My initial drive was the same as yours and I too was pleased to find I got mental and emotional benefits, but it wasn't long before I found I loved it, so prepare for that. For me, loving to run somehow now trumps all the other benefits, but I'm so glad for them all.

ForestGrump63 profile image
ForestGrump63Graduate

For both physical and mental health

NigelS profile image
NigelS

I am in the 'other' camp, the reason being that I took up running on the advice of my doctor to help combat a high(ish) blood pressure. Running helps.

slowdave profile image
slowdaveGraduate

I run for all of the reasons in your poll

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

No better life changer, innit?

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

I run because it gives me a childish escapism. In my head when I run, I can be anywhere or anything, my mind flows freely and leaves all my worries behind me. I run because nothing in my life before comes close to this and makes me strong and healthy at the same time. I run to feel young when My body tries to tell me I’m getting older. My mind wins that battle because I run πŸ˜€.

JellyJac profile image
JellyJacGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

Wow that sounds amazing.... hope I get into this headspace soon x

lilyb2014 profile image
lilyb2014 in reply to Realfoodieclub

I think of nothing when I run, it really empties negative rubbish from my head space.

jpipw profile image
jpipwGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

I'm with you, I'm much close to 25 when I'm running.

RunningGeek profile image
RunningGeekGraduate

I run to manage stress & because I enjoy the feeling at the end!!

Womack profile image
WomackGraduate

I put other because I could of ticked all of the answers.

Linhert profile image
Linhert

I run for my mental health

Heli100 profile image
Heli100

Clears my mind and lessens anxiety

Rushty profile image
Rushty

It helps me mentally and has been a goal of mine to start running after having counselling to help with my anxiety. I have a renewed positive attitude, in part thanks to the C25K running program, with the additional benefits of losing a lot of inches and a couple of pound in weight.

Eyelash1 profile image
Eyelash1

I’m 40 this year and want to do a half marathon in October

Fatdad71 profile image
Fatdad71Graduate

All of the above and to help balance my mental health.

JoP61 profile image
JoP61Graduate

I ticked other - I run for physical fitness but also because it does wonders for my confidence and mental health. πŸ˜€πŸ‘

Tonkabella profile image
Tonkabella

Hoping to keep jogging faster than the Grim Reaper can ..... if he wants me he’s going to have to work for me πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

Scampiedoodle profile image
ScampiedoodleGraduate

For a sense of achievement

Poptru profile image
Poptru

To lose weight not just maintain it.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to Poptru

Alongside a healthy eating plan it will help.

Galbos profile image
Galbos

To help fight off Type 2 diabetes

Edlene profile image
EdleneGraduate

All of those apply to me 😊

Joemink profile image
Joemink

And to keep fit and feel free.

horsename profile image
horsename

I’m training up for ski touring. But I am really enjoying the running anyway!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

All of the above and more - depending on which day you ask me (yesterday's was definitely primarily motivated by "I need to do something with all the adrenalin generated by all these Tribunal orders, the 'yippee' and the 'oh-oh there's a mistake I need to sort out' alike") The more? Pain relief sometimes. Because it made my Dad happy. To enjoy more views and satisfy my curiosity about places.

Oh and as a big fat middle finger up to those influential but ignorant people who think that people like me are all simply unreasonably afraid of exercise.

And of course, Google airing! She runs in (vain) hopes of catching squirrels or ducks I think.

Weymouthgirl profile image
WeymouthgirlGraduate

To manage my recently diagnosed psoriatic arthritis.

Richyrunslow profile image
RichyrunslowGraduate in reply to Weymouthgirl

Lucky it's just in my hands...I hope the running keeps it just there. :)

The_Fat_Controller profile image
The_Fat_ControllerGraduate

Initially, to lose a bit of weight, now, because I enjoy it as a bit of 'me' time and to help clear my head.

BobR1957 profile image
BobR1957

I run for all the reasons in the poll. I am attempting to reverse type 2 diabetes. I underwent heart bypass surgery so fitness is of great importance to me.

JohnT32b profile image
JohnT32b

Last Sept I had a Radical Prostectomy Operation to treat my prostate cancer. For 3 weeks I used C25K to get fitter before the Op. All’s well now. So now I restarted the program as a personal challenge to get fit and raise a little money for cancer charity when I reach 5k target. Currently on W7r2. It’s tough but making good progress. PS: I’m 67 yrs. young. Enjoying your app too. Thanks.

lizzierunning profile image
lizzierunningGraduate in reply to JohnT32b

Similar story, 66, post sarcoma surgery, over weight, health issues, now off all meds except essential thyroxine. Hoping to do sponsored events for the Tenovus Cancer Care charity. Isn't this running thing bloody marvelous!

JohnT32b profile image
JohnT32b in reply to lizzierunning

Hi Lizzie, thanks for your post. Yes this C25K programme has been a great way for me to recover from my cancer treatment. Like most folks its been tough re-learning how to run / jog again albeit β€œslowly”. But isn’t wonderful ! I’ve gained confidence and upped my fitness. I feel years younger and full of vim. So pleased it’s working for you too. Well Done. Life’s Good! JohnT

Laggard profile image
Laggard

To deal with stress

Laggard profile image
Laggard

To deal with stress

All of the above!

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate

All of the above 😍, and one other thing...to do a charity run!

Arialret profile image
Arialret

Because I’m over 40 and I’m changing to a healthier lifestyle

Elisabetta profile image
ElisabettaGraduate

To keep my mind calm

CandyCool profile image
CandyCoolGraduate

Because it seemed like a good idea and then I applied and got a place in a marathon. And now I think it’s a bad idea but I’m not a quitter!

RubyTiger profile image
RubyTigerGraduate

Gives me a real sense of achievement-proves to myself and others that I can do It!

Circle_On_Legs profile image
Circle_On_LegsGraduate

I need to be fitter to help with weight, joint mobility, slow down Osteoporosis and improve mental health.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

Because I never thought I could. It’s taken a long time, but now I know I can, it’s absolutely fabulous! ❀️

bobziz profile image
bobziz

Keep fit, feel free, have me time, get outside

I wanted to be fit enough to enjoy an active retirement after a career based in an office. My confidence to walk up big hills, mountains and have long bike ride etc. is high! I also like to surprise/impress people by telling them I run 5K three times a week and am up to 8K on longer runs!

Bigg_Dogg profile image
Bigg_Dogg

to lose weight and get fitter and achieve a personal goal of running a 5k. Still on my journey.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to Bigg_Dogg

Along side a healthy eating plan it will helpπŸ‘πŸΌ

grenoble12 profile image
grenoble12

To help maintain good mental health.

Nannyhen profile image
Nannyhen

Non runner but was stupidly overawed by great north run when I went as a spectator in Sept....came back and entered and told lots of people do can't back out 😁

MutleyShuffle profile image
MutleyShuffleGraduate

For physical and mental health

Achy4days profile image
Achy4daysGraduate

All of the above for me. Plus I was planning to get enlist into the Reserves

To loss weight, get fit and for good mental health.

mummybowles profile image
mummybowlesGraduate

To slow the ageing process

For a stronger heart

For firmer thighs

x

Jani65 profile image
Jani65

Lots of reasons..but the main one is it helps me mentally..great for releasing the endorphins x

Hereandthere profile image
Hereandthere

Completed C25K to get fit for skiing but found I felt much better all round as a result.

AngryFlower profile image
AngryFlowerGraduate

I run for the challenge. I’m naturally a short distance sprinter so this is something that doesn’t come easy but I do like a challenge!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

Because my everyday life is kind of mundane for quite a while now so running helps me cope with that :)

dmb0058 profile image
dmb0058Graduate

I honestly don't know ... :D

Redcyclist profile image
Redcyclist

For the challenge

RachG1978 profile image
RachG1978

I'm doing it for weight loss as I started walking but not losing any lately so I decided to step it up a bit

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to RachG1978

Alongside a healthy eating plan it will help.

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate

Started as I wanted to lose weight & has gone through every other option in the vote! For all of the reasons, it makes me smile ☺

angelbetty profile image
angelbettyGraduate

I'm doing it for myself. I'm a parent carer and volunteer. I spend the majority of my time doing things for others. By doing this, I get a sense of achievement and self worth unlike anything that I get from my other activities xx

Givemealift profile image
Givemealift

Training for tough mudder with the kids don't wanna hold them up

Newyorker25 profile image
Newyorker25Graduate

Getting married I want to know Iv have done my best to look my best, also starting to enjoy it .

LazyCat profile image
LazyCat

Fitness and weight loss are all bonuses but I’ve started to help with anxiety and needless worries. When I’m panting around the place and listening to ace music with Micheal J saying how well I’m doing is just the best!

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

I chose, to keep fit, but really as others have said, all of the options apply....

Mx

Steveheidi profile image
Steveheidi

Lose weight, get fit, mental wellbeing

SmashedPotato profile image
SmashedPotatoGraduate

Health check with Practice Nurse as pre diabetic symptoms and advice on weight loss and exercise - Nurse mentioned C25K and I went home and was hooked! Unexpected benefits - another way to enjoy the countryside and changing seasons, listen to music, improve my mood and sense of resilience - caring for my lovely mum 3 days per week who has moderate Alzheimer's (and when the inevitable happens I hope the running will help me cope better) and that we do not have to accept the limitations others and we place on ourselves- we have one life and I want to live it.

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

I could only pick one thing on the poll but I actually run for all the reasons listed 😊

Starshipsox profile image
Starshipsox

I voted to keep fit as that was my initial reason. But like lots of you here, all of the above applies now πŸ’•

Setters profile image
SettersGraduate

I started because I needed a challenge and goal, now having achieved my initial goal, it’s because I love it. But Yes all the above reasons and options are part of it, which just goes to show what an useful exercise it is πŸ™‚

Agelesslass profile image
Agelesslass

To keep my health anxiety at bay

Bigg_Dogg profile image
Bigg_Dogg

I'm doing slimming world ATM.x

Langley-Loper profile image
Langley-LoperGraduate

All of the above, of course.

Does "getting away from day to day life and teenage children" come under feeling free?

How about being a role model to others too?

richard_l_watson profile image
richard_l_watsonGraduate

Initially it was to reduce my waistline and get fit, now I tell people I run for chocolate as the more running and walking I do the more chocolate I can eat and still maintain. :-)

hmthomas273 profile image
hmthomas273Graduate

For mental health; it provides structure when I need it most

mx5mada profile image
mx5mada

I do it to keep my brain alert

MikeJones68 profile image
MikeJones68Graduate

All of these reasons!

Empem profile image
EmpemGraduate

Initially to keep fit as I was beginning to get grumpy and bulgey, just that, but then another important thing for me is to have a reason to go outside.Just getting out, be in all weathers, notice nature.I've enjoyed learning a new skill.Understanding my body a little and the sense of achievement. Also I really enjoy the purposeful solitude.I like time on my own , my worries fall away and I feel happier.

mad-bad-glad profile image
mad-bad-gladGraduate

To do something for me

RainhamRunner profile image
RainhamRunner

I’m mid 50s. I have a physical job, and need to be fit and running is just the ticket to maintain a good level of mobility and fitness for me.

Domolos profile image
DomolosGraduate

I run because of all of the above

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

All of the above 😊 Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy time with the dogs.

Julesk1 profile image
Julesk1Graduate

Getting fit was my initial reason for starting running... But now I love it and the getting fit part is a bonus!

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroidGraduate

Why do I run? A question I often ask myself since I think that truthfully I don't like running very much. :)

1) The scrambled egg and the coffee at the cafΓ© next to parkrun are the most delicious I've ever tasted, and the other runners are so nice and I love all the chat with them.

2) When I run I feel smug for the rest of the day.

3) I hate sweaty gyms but like fresh air. Hillwalking is my thing, really, but I can't go and climb a hill in my lunch hour so a run does the job.

4) I'm trying to make up for spending 50 years on the couch.

5) I like the feel of my firmer thighs. That might be a little weird...

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate in reply to AnneDroid

Love all those reasons but especially no2

I too like the smug feeling πŸ˜„ have yet to achieve firmer thighs but here's hoping πŸ™

Rainbow2019 profile image
Rainbow2019Graduate

To try tone up (I WILL wear a bikini on my holiday this year and not care who’s looking!) and improve my stamina. But mostly join the challenge to prove I can achieve something I thought would be impossible. Beginning to love it! And it’s Beginning to shift my focus and improve my mental health. Best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time

Snailspace03 profile image
Snailspace03Graduate

Great outlet for mental health

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

I voted to keep fit, I'm of normal weight and height, just a continuing of the exercises I already do, interesting poll.

Ibabyboomer2 profile image
Ibabyboomer2

Preventive Medicine for the " Bod" ...!

JohnT32b profile image
JohnT32b

Already replied earlier today

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Well I started running to get fit, but things have moved on since then. I now love getting out there and running, especially parkrun on Saturdays. So long may it continue.

hannahnotorange profile image
hannahnotorange

For my mental health 😊

DeeTray profile image
DeeTrayGraduate

Can’t remember why I decided! Think it was for fitness. Now I like the meditative effect. When I was a teen I read Wilbur Smith books and the Maasai running for miles across the Serengeti, I always fancied doing that but not enough to actually run. Now 40 years later I can pretend that’s me running across the plains of Africa ... as I plod the concrete London streets 🀣

Sdoog40 profile image
Sdoog40Graduate

I’m running as part of lifestyle changes to combat high blood pressure.

hallamfatty profile image
hallamfattyGraduate

Because I went for a health MOT and the nurse said "If you do one thing ...move more", so I started walking, then jogging in the park, then I did Couch 2 5K, now I can run 6.4K. Next thing is to try a parkrun :)

Guv2 profile image
Guv2

Training for a 100 mile charity walk in Scotland

lilyb2014 profile image
lilyb2014

All the above, to manage depression/anxiety and I've signed up to do a 5k in Edinburgh in May to raise money for Parkinson's Disease.

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate

In truth my top 3 are Keep fit, maintain weight, feel free and because I love it. Definitely the best thing I have done for my physical and mental health. I'm travelling a lot for work at the moment and its amazing what you see if you pop your head out your hotel and trot off for a cheeky 5Km.

Fioona profile image
Fioona

For the mental escapism it provides and to keep as fit, healthy and active as possible to ward off the risk of inheriting Alzheimers which runs in my family.

Elcee81 profile image
Elcee81Graduate

For fitness, weight loss my mental health and I enjoy it too πŸ˜€

Richyrunslow profile image
RichyrunslowGraduate

I'd love to say for losing weight. After 8 months of running 3 times a week i have lost zero fat, zero pounds and gained no muscle..Oh well, i will keep it up for fitness. That and i think im addicted. Ooops!!

StormyMonday profile image
StormyMondayGraduate

All of the above plus it helps manage my mental health/menopausal symptoms

Woodburner1 profile image
Woodburner1

Never a fast runner, rubbish at school, now 40 years later have found that I can do this, Parkrun each week, lots of new friends and a healthier me. Hope to keep it up as long as I can.

Connie1972 profile image
Connie1972Graduate

Hello all! When I run I feel free, it’s so unbelievable that I can do it. It just feels good, it feels so invigorating

Mixster profile image
MixsterGraduate

Helps with my moods

Runip profile image
RunipGraduate

Because I can.

Not just because I can run, but because running has taught me that if I try in life...I CAN.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate

Because I worked damn hard to get to where I am with running, why stop and lose it all?

Runawaytrainer profile image
RunawaytrainerGraduate

To be actively involved in my health, in the hope of staving off family trend of high blood pressure and diabetes, and to help with my mental health.

Basil1066 profile image
Basil1066Graduate

I voted 'keep fit' but actually as well as for fitness I love the feeling of running - especially on cool very early mornings, soon as the sun is rising I'm out the door.

Pyjamas1 profile image
Pyjamas1Graduate

I run because it's a challenge - 6 months ago I never dreamt of running anywhere for anything. I graduated C25K, next stop park run, and it's good for me! 😊

Running helps me maintain better mental health.

Lab_Lover_4 profile image
Lab_Lover_4

To get fitter πŸ™‚

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate

Well, I do it simply for: FAGS πŸ€“

Haha, not what you're thinking though, oh no......

I do it for:

FREEDOM, ABLENESS, GLADNESS, SUPPORT.

Plus, the chance to wear my many, many running tops, which to some here is a bit of an in house conversation, haha. But seriously, it's about feeling good, better in my mind as well as feeling fitter, but for me, it's the mental health benefits overall.

Wonderful reasons here from all of you and all so worth it. Stay well my lovely running friends xx ❀️

Turtle-blue profile image
Turtle-blue

Read a number of things recently about running helping to increase bone density, which you need to do prior to actual menopause for it to be of any real benefit. So realised this was last chance saloon! An unexpected benefit has been the positive effect mentally. It's quite a powerful sense of achievement each time you get to the next level, which is not something you experience very often as you get older - well for me anyway!

lizzierunning profile image
lizzierunningGraduate

all those things plus needed a challenge

buzzards profile image
buzzardsGraduate

My answer is all of the above - to keep fit; help maintain weight; to feel free and because I LOVE it!

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate

To help maintain my mental health

Iwilldothis01 profile image
Iwilldothis01Graduate

I want to improve my anxiety and mood by channeling my energy in to something positive

Nestles55 profile image
Nestles55

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I get lots of pain including when I run but gritting my teeth I’ve got to week 7 and I think sometimes its getting easier now. I got fat through meds and illness but now my challenge is to keep this up and get fit instead! One day I’m hoping I might even enjoy it!

Chocomom profile image
ChocomomGraduate

I’m doing the C25K to challenge myself. I should graduate on my 60th Birthday.

alliebobster profile image
alliebobster

I run, walk, jog at parkrun every Saturday for the immense feel good that it gives me 🀩

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate

To some extent physical health but also for time out from the world where I can just zone out and relax

Katiepops profile image
KatiepopsGraduate

The running bug bit me, what can I say!πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ’•

Happyrunningfeet profile image
HappyrunningfeetGraduate

Running to help improve my mental health and also in preparation for the Miles for MIND in may :)

Rusty25 profile image
Rusty25

Initially started running (C25K) to give myself purpose and some kind of routine- I am a parent cater, grandma and no longer work so felt a bit lost. Now I am also running to lose weight, become fitter and have some me time! Have surprised myself- really enjoying it.

Crossbill profile image
CrossbillGraduate

I started to get fit and now I love it...

3c0Warr10r profile image
3c0Warr10r

To fight Depression.

Train the "Black Dog" as Winston Churchill puts it.

Prove to myself that I can push my limits & achieve something I never thought I could.

shellonabeach profile image
shellonabeach

Why do I run? Because I can't and have hated it for 46 years. Yet so stubborn, not even myself can tell me what I can and cant do lol. Always gone for the hardest path and biggest challenges. Think this is why I'm single lol :) Didn't realise I'd find solace and peace and the blessing of cracking dawns opening every second day.

Joanneep profile image
Joanneep

Because it improves my mental health.

OrangePeacock profile image
OrangePeacockGraduate

Initially, I started the c25k to get myself fit. I'm half way through the program and now I'm running because I love it.

peachyp1e profile image
peachyp1eGraduate

Mental health for sure. For me, running is the only activity to get those endorphins.

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao

Save money! It’s cheaper than joining a gym βœ… And more liberating, be on your own time βœ…

I’m turning 40 this year (and nervous about it!) and want to maintain my physic βœ…

I have worked in incredibly challenging environments and I have seen people break down and struggle with mental health, I don’t want mental health to get me, I want to beat it away with a stick βœ…

I’m petite and small at 4’10, my strides are shorter than the average person and it takes me longer to get to places, I want to be faster and I know that speed will come over time and I look forward to that next step after c25k βœ…

Liiia profile image
Liiia

Just came off hrt want to strengthen my bones , mental well being and fitness

Lazyme profile image
LazymeGraduate

To do something positive for myself both physically and mentally.

snagsboson profile image
snagsbosonGraduate

I’ll be 40 next year and I have a hyper 5 year old who I want to set an example for.

I want to get fit, maybe lose some weight & surprise my hubby when we go on holiday by joining him for a run πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

terrihelga profile image
terrihelga

To support my weight loss

Toastedteacake1 profile image
Toastedteacake1

I run as it helps me manage stress from work and stops me panicking. I’m really starting to love it 😍

Pepe_1971 profile image
Pepe_1971

to become fit

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

I'm an endorphin junkie.