Just wondered if anyone else has had some really positive outcomes to running.. That you didn't expect? I certainly have and it's delicious ... ??? Just wondered if its only me?
Unexpected outcomes ?: Just wondered if anyone... - Couch to 5K
Unexpected outcomes ?
ju-ju-Graduate
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ju-ju-
Graduate
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DavDGraduate
That I would ending up loving running was the most unexpected outcome I've experienced! And many other positive ones too! An increased confidence which I experience during my workouts and personal life as well, healthy eating (why would I keep eating empty foods if I take the step to get fitter?), toning and weight loss (I'm in the obese category) and so on...
Running really changed my life and after years of negative self image, I feel that my body is mine again. 
I thought that running would only help me getting fitter so all the other positive outcomes were unexpected!
When I asked the question I just knew that there would be so many benefits.. And yours are fantastic... Of the many benefits for me has been that my asthma/ hayfever has all but gone... Others are a renewed energy, which is great since I'd got so low when I turned 40 thinking it was all downhill from there ( mid life crisis)!
Thank you for sharing and enjoy your running!
When I asked the question I just knew that there would be so many benefits.. And yours are fantastic... Of the many benefits for me has been that my asthma/ hayfever has all but gone... Others are a renewed energy, which is great since I'd got so low when I turned 40 thinking it was all downhill from there ( mid life crisis)!
Thank you for sharing and enjoy your running!
My asthma has improved, not gone, it never will but my breathing check with nurse surprised both of us, over 40% improvement. I'm much more confident and will try just about any class at the gym these days and manage to keep up with the rest no bother (most are students, 40+ years younger than me). But most of all my pride, I'm proud to say when people comment on how well I look these days, my reply is "Thank you its because I'm a runner" I'm not just fitter but I look healthier too, my face has a glow which is unavoidable when you run outside.
Icing on the cake yesterday, I met up with a very dear friend for lunch, we haven't seen each other for about 18 months as she's been out of the country. OMG she said you look wonderful and at least 10 years younger. I felt as if I was floating on air, wish I could do that when I next run 
sofaqueenGraduate
What DavD wrote could have been written by me - I really can't believe how many benefits there have been but in addition to all those already written by DavD running has really helped to improve my mental state, as I have suffered from depression for many years and after 12 weeks of running I feel better than I have done in about 15 years (post 2nd child where it triggered post natal depression which continued). Also finally feel like I'm not totally exhausted all the time and have the energy to get through a day easily. And it feels so good to be doing something for me. Running is awesome - and at 2.5 stone overweight and never having enjoyed exercise before I NEVER thought I would say that!
From Couch Potato to Sofa Queen in 12 weeks, be proud, very proud. Wishing you all the best
Thank you so much Oldgirl - another thing I should have added as a huge benefit is how great it has been to see there are so many genuinely kind, thoughtful and supportive people there are on this forum. Everyone's help, support and advice has really inspired me and kept me going
pingleGraduate
I think the most unexpected benefit for me has been how running clears my head and allows me to think straight. I always knew that when hubby came in tired, grumpy and down from work the very best thing he could do to cheer himself up was go for a cycle but I never guessed that this could happen to me too. Now when I've had a rough day or am worrying about something I try to go for a run and it's amazing how much better I cope. Before I would have been reaching for a glass of wine so the running is much healthier! My other favourite thing is that there is now no such thing as bad weather as I love running in the rain!
OldNedGraduate
I think my most unexpected outcome was how how much I enjoyed it. I expected to get a bit fitter (yes, lots) and lose a bit of weight (yep, lowest for 20 years) but as a lifelong cyclist I'd always thought running was a bit, you know,....slow. But I love it and have realised that although slower than cycling it has it's own rewards just at a different pace. And I just LOVE running in the rain.
Get some of your favorite dark chocolate down you Ned its good for you!!
danzargoGraduate
When I turned 50 my assistant at work told me about C25K after hearing me moan about being out of breath coming up the stairs each day. This was the perfect time for me to try it. Running. I'd never run in my life - in fact I'd convinced myself I couldn't because of my age!! Pathetic!!! Now I feel fantasticly different. Slimmer, more confident and generally healthier. I've always eaten extremely well and NEVER EVER touch junk food, so that side of things were and are fine. It was my sedentary job. 10 hours per day in a chair. Eating lunch "Al Desko" instead of walking round the block a few times. THAT'S what was turning me into a blob of alarmingly radical proportions!
Listen to me going on! Sorry!
Off running again tomorrow at 6.30am. 5K. Sorted.
LOCKJONLOCKGraduate
Running helped me to give up smoking( or did stopping smoking help me with my running). I now also complete a Parkrun every Saturday and I enjoy it.
Parkrun is just the best... And I never knew!!! Well done you!
AftabsGraduate
The biggest thing for me was that I have enjoyed it so much. Initially beginning C25K was another way to get fit and continue to lose weight. I expected it to be very difficult but I would do it because it would be good for me. I have enjoyed it so much that running in itself is an enjoyment and the improved fitness is a plus but no longer the main aim.
I think the most unexpected outcome for me was finding out that I love something new, and what is so wonderful is that it was totally unexpected.
I always thought Running was a pain, and that I would love to hate it, but now I just love it. The feeling of being out there and knocking off kilometre after kilometre and its all down to C25K .
Also found out that there has been something hiding away inside of me for all these years & I never knew. Apparently there IS a runner in there after all.
SarahP0003Graduate
Better skin for me! I've always had really bad skin and get spots all the time despite not having been a teenager for some time! Running has really helped to clear them up. I've not been able to run for a few weeks due to a bad back and the spots are back so I can't wait to get back to it properly!
As well as the usual, weight loss, improved confidence etc, what has really surprised me is that I want to try different things, like cycling, triathlons, mud running thing...anything really...
Also my taste buds have changed and I now like some foods that I didn't really in the past, like all different types of nuts.
wow...what on earth is mud running???? and different types of nuts? Thats really intriguing. I know I am enjoying my food more but not exploring new flavours, but maybe I should!!!
in reply to ju-ju-
Take a look, does this look fun toughmudder.co.uk/
And I never really liked nuts (expect peanuts) really, but now I eat coconut, almonds etc.
runningnotwalkingGraduate
I wasn't expecting to enjoy running so much but I do and it is now something I do rather than aspire to. Going off alcohol was also a surprise (not completely) as was realising how good water tastes after a run.
Regularly posting about it to a bunch of very nice people is also unexpected but very welcome
Wow I'm impressed about the going off alcohol.. What's the trick with that one? I know my running would be do much better if I didn't but I love red wine it tastes so nice after a run!!!!
I celebrated graduating with some champagne but up until then took it quite seriously. I guess realising it made running harder helped me focus. Bit more relaxed since graduating though but try to avoid the day before a run. Red wine is supposed to be good for you
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