How much of an impact has being part of this c... - Couch to 5K
How much of an impact has being part of this community had on your running journey?
It was this community that kept me going. I’d have given up almost straight away if it wasn’t for everyone here. 😊🏃♀️
The helpful comments from others, advice from those ahead of me and knowing there were people watching out for how I was doing was vital for me!
Big for me. I initially signed up when I got the w5r3 jitters and had some really good encouragement. Since then I didn’t use the forum a lot but since signing up for the magic 10 I’ve been here regularly.
There’s so much help and advice readily available. I realise that in the couple of years since graduating I could have done things better. I’m now acting on advice and new methods and seeing the benefits.
I did exactly the same, came here because of week 5 run 3 🏃🏼♀️
The people on this forum are so helpful, knowledgeable and encouraging. It's a really good website.
I don't think I would still be running without my running family on the c25k forums. So much support and motivation and friendship from everyone makes such a difference to doing this by yourself. Love love love the forums!
(I'm in my fifth year of running since graduating!) 😊xxx
Never post but read it every day - beefs up my (weedy!) motivation. Thanks to all.
Didn’t find the forum till wk 6 I think but visit most days since. It has sure helped me through and hopefully I can encourage runners behind me.
Do you want people to respond once they have completed the programme or while doing it?
Hm, good question. I thought everybody is addressed. I have not completed the C25K, yet, and voted here.
Both please! We just want to find out how the community helps people on their motivation and running journey, regardless of how far through it they are. Thanks so much!
Big impact for me, just the encouragement of posters to keep going, all the advice on such a wide variety of topics PLUS the incentive of the "Graduate" badge must not be underestimated.
Everyone is so positive, I've not seen any negative or derogatory comments. Hats off, it's great.
The community is a huge moral boost, Reading the comments of the graduates, and the fellow C25K runners, made me think, it is possible to run 5k in 9 weeks. I completed week 7, run 1 and I wouldn't have believed that its possible.
I have just completed W7R1 so am now a Runner. It has taken me a little longer because of time & I have to admit I could not motivate myself last week when it was wet & cold. That said I expected to drop back but to my surprise found it oka. I am running outdoors in the countryside & the. bumpy ground & somewhat hilly terrain is the more challenging. But such great satisfaction when I’m finished
That's encouraging to hear you are running outdoors. All the best, roll on week 7!
It is possible to run 5k in 30 minutes by week 9 achievefitness, but the large majority of people don't so don't feel disappointed if you've not been able to, you will in due course if it's something you put your mind to achieving 🏃👍👊
Two things really helped me, the motivation I got from community members and the knowledge and tips passed on to me. The FAQ's are absolutely excellent and the reassurance I received from experienced runners was invaluable. There are a couple of regulars on here (you know who) who are fantastic. Many posts say the same kind of thing usually about it being scary but the replies are always comforting. Thank you!
I didn't find this forum till week 7 of C25K, but without it I think I would have lost motivation after graduating.
So many ideas on here on how to progress, and so much advice. Everyone is hugely supportive and non-judgemental (even if you've done something stupid!).
Love it!!
Big impact for me- the advice and support so far has been invaluable
Have found this forum massively helpful and positive, especially when I’m having a wobble! In Week 9 now so nearly there! Thank you everyone 😊
Well done for reaching week 9! Your graduate badge is not too far away now! 🏆🥇👍
Thank you! I’ve been plugging away since January. Can’t believe graduation is in touching distance 🥳
I think it might just feel that bit more rewarding because you've taken your time to complete it!
What are your plans post-graduation? If you're not sure maybe check out healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Wish you all the best for your FINAL 3 runs! 😄
In a fit of insanity have signed up for a 5k race with my 3hr multi marathon running brother. It’s 2 laps... Secretly hoping he only laps me once 🙏😬🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♂️
🤣 unless it's a quite short course he might not be able to lap you more than once lol
Nice one signing up for that, it's some good motivation to get this course sorted and consolidate your time. 🏃👍👊
I started c25k in Jan this year. Never run before. Now running 3 times a week regularly. Have lost weight, stopped drinking, saved money and feel tremendous. Now on weeks holiday in Majorca running here every morning, bar 1. So yes, helped change my life.
I rarely post but read the Forum every day. It has really helped when I lost confidence and it's very reassuring that folk have the same problems and issues as me
For me it was reading other people's posts and seeing how they started and how they got to running for 30 minutes made it really believable and made me think I can do this . Being able to talk about all things running as everyone is interested where as if you talk to people who don't run I think they find it boring.
I have found reading about others experience with C25K inspiring enough to try harder and reach the end of each run!!
So helpful! All the advice, shared experience, guidance on not overdoing it and how to recover when you have! And just general support each week from everyone on the same journey. Invaluable to anyone new to running. 😊
I originally thought some as I could've have done it without this community however the spirit on here is something Google can't supply
The magic forum is my main source of information/links and support resource.For me just not possible to achieve much in 15 months without it.
👊💥🏃♂️🏃♀️🌟🌟👏👏
The fact that others are in the same boat as you and view their difficulties and that administrators give good sound advice really helps
Especially helpful after straining a muscle. Encouragement to rest .. I realised I was an addict! I get huge enjoyment when running especially on completion. I have benefitted healthwise enormously.
This is a great forum, loads of help and encouragement, useful information gladly given, and above all, kindness. I certainly would not have graduated without this forum.
I think I'd have given up after a couple of weeks if it hadn't been for the support of this community. Nearly 8 months after I first got off the couch and stepped outside for Run 1, Week 1, I am still running 2 or 3 times a week, including weekly Park Run. I've signed up for another 5k in June, a 10k in September (power walking) and another 10k in April 2020 - running this time. All thanks to this forum and the support I've had from the lovely people on here - I can't praise this initiative highly enough!
So much encouragement and advice on here ☺
When I had a problem with very painful ankles I got help on this forum. Resting and new running shoes resolved the problem and enabled me to continue and graduate 😀
Would probably have completed C25K, but would not still be running (half marathons) two years after starting the program without these forums and wonderful member and admin support.
The advice the community gave when I was struggling with a few things really kept me going. Ultimately, they didn’t resolve all of my issues, but they went some of the way to doing so. And that support helped with momentum when the urge to carry on was low.
🎶Don't it always seem to go
that you don't know what you've got til its gone 🎶
Could I have done it without this community? Possibly, or maybe I would have gone too fast too soon and injured myself like I usually do.
This is a great community with fantastic advice and encouragement. It's definitely kept me motivated and disciplined throughout the entire 9 weeks. I've also enjoyed reading all the success stories, it's all very inspiring... and you can't quantify inspiration.
I would not be where I am now without this forum. To know that others have/are going through similar experiences has proved a great motivator. The FAQS and other pinned post have been invaluable.
The friendships made through shared experience and following their journey is truly priceless 💕💕💕
Only discovered forum about half way through c25k, it's a bit hidden at the bottom of the app. So glad I did. Never would have gone onto 10k and may be beyond without reading all the advice and the support and encouragment of others.
Big impact. Great support network from friendly people. Have learnt a lot.
Big time. I’m still here nearly six years later 😂😂😂.
started C25K for health reasons and the helpful advice when asking questions is invaluable. Also have made a lot of running buddy friends through this
Love reading what the community wrote encouraged makes you want to complete which I did
So much experience in this group it’s really helped develop my mindset and positive approach to running. I feel I’ve been more successful so far as a result of the friendly feel and helpful contributions from members. Thanks all
Would not have completed the plan without this site.
Most helpful was the Japanese running which I discovered here and also the importance of hydration the day before.
Seeing people have the ups and downs is also reassuring that you at not alone and support from others is amazing.
Have never posted before but I’m now 1 run away from graduating!!! Reading all the inspirational stories and advice has really helped and inspired me to carry on. Never thought I would be able to run 5k within 9 weeks but the programme is brilliant and posts and FAQs have been a huge support.
Reading people’s comments on this forum has kept me motivated and thinking positively. Thanks for the support 👍 !!
It is so reassuring to read posts from other people to know that they're struggling too and it's not just me! And then to read posts from people who are further on and knowing that they started where I am and now look what they're doing! Also loads of great tips about pace, hydration, etc. All in all, great community to be a part of! 👍
Altho I am not really into social media, I am so glad some people are, because they ask the questions, and get the answers that those like me are thinking... if that makes sense.🤔
I found it really helpful when I was struggling, the advice was invaluable and everyone was very encouraging 
As I’m only just over 1/2 way on my journey I’m unsure whether I should vote...?
Brilliant progress Bluepup! Yes you can vote, good luck with completing the program! Onwards and upwards 😊x
I lurked until I completed week 5, after that the support, advice was so helpful.
I have had such great support from people who feel like friends.
It definitely got me through to 10 k 🤩
Hi guys !! Forum has been a great source of encouragement on all aspects of our running life .At one point I thought my calf problems would finish my running for good ,but advice re strengthening exercises ,rest and running style , all helped with my being able to keep the show on the road !! Love hearing what everybody is up to with their training ,parkruns ,goals and aspirations !! Love some of those 'user names' - Baddie the pirate', always makes me smile ,my kind of humor !! Yes guys we got a good thing here ,love it ll
When i’m Loosing my motivation this site inspires me to carry on
You've got to have some sort of perspective and sense of humour to push yourself to long -distance running having previously only run to off-licence and back. This forum has both ingredients in abundance, plus massive support on top. To be here is priceless, at times.
It's funny I was just thinking about asking this question myself at work today! 😮👍
Its good to share my runs but its so good for the encouragement and direction from everyone. Thank you
I firmly believe I am still running years after finishing C25K and reaching great milestones thanks to this community 😊
Its a great community, people supporting each other is always good!
This is my first post, this is a fab community full of good advice and encouragement. At times when I was struggling, I looked at comments from other people on the same week and it helped I did not feel alone. I have now reached week 9 and cannot believe I have got this far big thanks to everyone
I had a couple of really tough runs during the program and think I probably would have given up without the support and encouragement from this forum.
A year on and I can honestly say this wonderful community full of lovely, supportive people helped me achieve what I thought was impossible when I started. Thank you all. 👍😊
Knowing that everyone is going through the same experiences as yourself is a real help.
The community has kept me going out there, even when life has made it challenging to do so. My VRB’s are amazing!! 🥰🥰🥰❤️
Big. Agree that reading about how people tackled things really helped. Probably the biggest was the “what distance did you do at W9R3”. I read that in W4, and it helped me not focus on distance. I graduated this week, still nowhere near 5k but comfortably shuffling for 30 mins... Lovely collective spirit...
Big impact in terms of advice and motivation and shared problem-solving - read it every day.
I’m 59 - knowing that there are runners in their sixties and older was tremendously important. I honestly thought I was past an age where I could take up running.
I realsied that everyone battles with motivation ... I am not alone in my struggles to get and stay fitter ...
I got to W7 before I discovered the community. I’m sure I could have completed c25k without it, but it was the bridge to 10k community that spurred me on to increase time and distance. I have made virtual running buddies around the country.
I don’t think I would have completed C25k without the community, it’s a fabulous place for support, encouragement and advice
This community helped me through the hard times, especially when I sustained an injury on W9r1 and had to put off graduating for almost a month. I found the encouragement from others on the programme and those that had already graduated got me through those weeks.
It's so reassuring to know that other people have had the same struggles as me and that they have overcome them.
This forum has been a great big help for me the people are here for you and have helped me through it so yes without it it would of been much harder and I thank the people who have helped me you know who you are 😉🏃🏼♂️🏃🏼♂️
And for continuing motivation, ParkRun!
My virtual running buddies helped me through the tough runs. And they’ve helped me reach HM distance. Without all of their support and wisdom and pressure I’d not have graduated let alone continued.
I have found this forum so encouraging. I'm on wk5r3 on Sunday. Looking forwards to the run. If I dont succeed I will keep re-running until I manage to complete it. I havent run for many years and I'm thrilled at the progress I've made in a few weeks.
Although I didn't join this community until I graduated, in the years since then I've found the support here incredible. It's been especially helpful when I've been unable to run through injury as I always feel like a runner and love reading about others' stories and inspiring runs 🙂
Running can be a solitary pleasure. Whilst I like to run alone, I find comfort in my VRBs. Sometimes the competitive streak emerges and you think if they can do that so can I. Most of the time though I am just dead chuffed for my friends achievements.
Knowing that some one else felt like a, sack of potatoes 🥔 really spurred me on, and made me smile. I got myself out there and now feel like a real runner.
As everyone says, great advice, tips and encouragement. Social media at its best.
Just recommended the group to a fellow c25k friend because she is stuck around week 4 and it helped me so much at that stage.
I would like to think I would keep running but HU has helped so much with how to run, getting gait checked, stretching etc. Top job x
It’s had a huge impact on both me and on my family. The HU community kept me going when things got tough during C25k, guided me through to graduation and beyond. They then did the same for my hubby and it carries on doing so for the both of us to this day. Meanwhile our two children have become fitter and more health aware from us being involved. The knock on effects of this community are immeasurable. Thank you!
Hard to choose on that, there is no doubt it has made a huge impact in my life, although I know I would have completed c25k without it I would have missed out on many benefits.
Having somewhere to talk about running (and life) with others is a valuable asset. Thank you to HU, our wonderful mentors and admin, and all involved 👍😁
