It is six months to the day since I set off on my first C25k run. I had tried this running lark, once, without any guidance and felt bemused by the fact that I was probably going to fall flat on my face, because of the constant need to check my time on my watch to see how long I had run and walked for. Then I found this magical thing called C25k ….....and the rest is history.
I still start most of my home runs from the same spot as in Week One. The difference now is that I sail up the ramp from one footpath to the other, even on a second lap, whereas in Week One I remember thinking “For god's sake (gasp), Laura, tell me to (gasp) stop running (wheeze).” That is the benefit of running the same old routes; you can see your improvements and recall how far you've come.....literally.
The time in Week 6, when I realised that my route needed altering, if I wasn't going to end my runs going up a hill, is a distant memory. That hill, christened Long Slog by me, is now part of my 5k home run and despite it, I have in the last week, managed to get my time for the whole 5k down below 30 mins, even though the hill knocks my pace well below 6m/k.
Running twice at 5.30 in the morning at WOMAD festival is a strangely joyful memory. The cold and bleary eyed stewards on the fire watch towers must have thought they were hallucinating as I jogged by with a cheery wave, disappearing into the enfolding morning mist. Maybe they were...
Discovering the inspirational movement that is Parkrun is another highlight. All around the planet,thousands of friendly and supportive runners, of every conceivable age, shape, size and ability, gathering together for a morning 5k run for the sheer fun of it. All run by volunteers. Brilliant! It delivers Pbs too. I just knocked mine down to 26:18 last Saturday.
Offroad running has been my aim from the start, mainly to try to prevent any damage to my knees, the creaky state of which I used as an excuse for not running for several years. My knees are stronger than they have ever been now, and I have discovered some wonderful runs from home in the beautiful Devon countryside. I have pushed up my duration and distances gradually and a month ago I did my first ten mile run, running for one hour and forty seven minutes.
Probably the best thing about starting C25k is that my wife, a vehement denier of any possible interest in running, has also graduated and running is as confirmed a part of her life as it is in mine. We celebrated our wedding anniversary recently, with a long weekend in North Devon, which included two runs, one along the coast path and also along Saunton Sands on a cool but sunny day. Picture this, we were the only people running on this vast beach, three miles long and about 400yds wide at low water, even though the firm sand is a perfect surface. That is the benefit of running new routes.... beautiful wide open spaces to yourselves. In the past I have walked many sections of the South West Coast path, but now I am seriously considering running it!
I have seen more sunrises in the last six months than I normally see in six years. I have discovered that double knotting your running shoes is an often overlooked bit of advice. I have found aches and pains in parts of my anatomy that I didn't even know existed and have learned how to deal with them. Most surprisingly, I uncovered an empathy in me, of which I previously had no inkling, through this very forum.
My previous posting experience had been on technical message boards-ask a question, get an answer- very little human interaction. However, the support proffered on this forum, along with the second hand endorphins and the shared experience of finding out just what our amazing bodies can do, has meant that I find myself running every step with you, my fellow runners. And you put up with my ramblings!
This training plan is one of the best things to have happened in our lives. We are fitter and happier and have another shared interest. If this post seems boastful, then I apologise, but I also have to say that I am very proud of my running accomplishments. Six months ago I had no idea what I was starting, having not run since school, and if anyone considering doing C25k reads this, then be warned, your life could change too.
So, six months of golden memories and personal achievements to look back on and all before my 58th birthday, in two days time. Thank you C25k.
Keep running, keep smiling.
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IannodaTruffe
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Great post as ever, keep on running have a great Birthday and Christmas, greetings to Mrs T as well - and thanks for the tip on Saunton Sands - am spending New Year with friends in North Devon and whilst they suggested a walk on the beach I will take my running kit as I need to get a few runs in ahead of Great Winter Run on Jan 11th.
I wonder what else we will all get up to in 2014, having never dreamt we would be doing such things in 2013.
There is a really nice 9k run (opportunities to shorten also) from Croyde Beach to Baggy Point along the coast path, then on to Puttsborough and back along the spine of the headland. Glorious. Good luck with GWR and Happy Christmas, c4ts.
We could never have enough of your ramblings & as for boastful, you have a lot of which to be proud. You seem to achieved such a lot in such a short time. Happy birthday & hope you have many more happy anniversaries.
Hi, waletta. If you told me six months ago what I would be achieving now, I honestly would not have believed it. I did n't think I was actually going to enjoy running.
What a lovely post that made me smile. C25K has changed so many lives as it takes you by the hand and whispers that 'yes you can do this'. And before you know it, you're surfing the net for headlamps, high viz jackets and trying to work out how you will fit in your three runs next week. I am a plodder - PB 35.28 and love every second! Jog on........
Slight bit of licence there. There were no other runners, but there were other people, but seemingly miles away. I remember being motivated by reading others achievements, when I first found this forum and I still am. It is a great site.
You have had an amazing months Congratulations on all you have achieved You are so right in saying how prog has changed so many of our lives Just wished there was a c210k prog ... Did I really say that
That is an inspirational post, and one which mirrors the experience of so many of us. Running changes lives, and who knew? It's great that Mrs IT has also graduated. Mrs OldNed is a vehement denier too and I'd love to see her join in running. Perhaps in 2014? Keep on running (sure you will!)
As you know, I didn't try to persuade Madame Truffe, so I can't offer you any wise words of persuasion, but I hope for you that she succumbs to the lure of the run.
I'll let you into a secret OldNed. Truffe carried on when I turned back, and a highlight for me was dancing to 'layla' in the sunshine in the middle of that huge, empty beach. Glorious.
Such a wonderfully motivational post. It makes me eager to continue on my running journey, thank you. Wishing you a happy 58th birthday for two days time.
Your life is in a state of flux, Jenner78. If you keep running then your life will change in so many ways. You sound like you are really enjoying it. Don't overdo it and good luck.
Great read. It's good to look back at your achievements like that - and I think there is something extra taking it on in your 50's. Well I tell myself it is an extra anyway. A whole new world opened up! Linda
That was a great post, thank you for sharing, for all the encouragement you give on this forum and for a brilliantly timed post to encourage me in my final week! Two runs to go!
Wow fabulous emotional post. Hope I'm still going in 6 months time. As a very recent graduate you have encouraged me all the way. Thank you. Happy birthday. Re-post your thoughts on jan 1st and inspire a new set of runners
It is such a buzz to follow someone like you through the course and see your graduate badge. Well done, you. We all know how much it means on a personal level. I don't think reposting would be tolerated though. You will have to wait for my twelve month round up. Of course you will be running in six months time. Don't let go of what this course has actually done for you physically and psychologically.
What a great post , I hope I feel the same about running , & achieving such great times as you in 6 months ( lol I can't see it ) your love of running shines through , & proves to me that even at 50+ we can reach our running goals . You are inspirational & I wish you & your other half many more years of happy running
Great post, IannodaTruffe. It's amazing how much a life can change in just six months, my own half-year anniversary is coming up in two weeks' time and I agree with everything you said. Well done on those great morning runs, fast parkrun PB and new memories.
Thanks. Fitting in three runs a week doesn't really take up that much time, but it does transform your life, in a way that non runners cannot comprehend.
Wow, what a lovely post! I am only on week 6 - never run before - was 50 this year and scared at how unfit I was - can't believe in 6 weeks that I can run for 20 minutes having puffed and wheezed through one minute a few short weeks ago - maybe I will be able to run along the Devon sands in 6 months! I am so chuffed with this programme - it really has made me a better person - so much happier and less stressed - I do hope I stick at it!
Look how far you have come and at all the benefits that you can see already. I think that once you are in your fifties you are unlikely to let that newly found vigour slip away again....it is too precious.
Fantastic post as always. I love reading your posts. It's been great hearing about you and your wife's journey. It is amazing what this forum can bring. I never imagined I would be organising a quest anywhere let alone a running one. It's. Afforded me so much, so I totally understand where you are coming from. I find it such a privilege to part of all this. You put it all so well.
Thanks RFC for your comments and also on taking on the admin role. It is great to have one of us acting as an intermediary and encouraging us to further challenge ourselves.
I started about 6 months ago too and feel very similarly. I am much slower than you but can run for an hour and 20 minutes and feel good doing it. It's a great hobby and I agree with you about this forum.
Great post IT! It's important to sit back and reflect on what we have all achieved sometimes. It's so easy to think we're not running far enough, often enough, etc. and to forget just where we started out and what doing this programme has brought us in terms of fitness and pleasure (well, usually pleasure!).
Well done to everyone on your achievements in 2013 and thank you for sharing them with us all.
Here's to many more great runs and life-affirming stories in 2014!
Thanks. I still have the moments that fit with your "usually pleasure" comment, but the masochist in me enjoys it even though the wimp doesn't. I think that about 2500 people have joined this forum since I started , so there are plenty of other stories to be told. Enjoy your running.
Such an inspirational post, so articulate and poetically written - you should write a book! I run in Manchester so not quite as pretty as Devon although I have friends in Cornwall who I visit during the spring so look forward to running along the beach in Hayle whilst they walk the dogs. Have a great birthday and thank you for sharing your thoughts
Thank you for posting. I would be delighted to be able to run for over an hour and a half in six months time and I'd be boasting to everyone! I've recently graduated and struggle with running up my hills, but I'm making myself include them. My son gave up running about 6 months ago due to pains in his hip and ankles. He took time off to rest and just didn't get going again. I'm planning to get his gait analysed and buy him a decent pair of running shoes for Christmas - hopefully that will provide the motivation he needs.
I'm now looking forward to the next six months running - I wonder what I will achieve?
The increased duration and distance came surprisingly easily, so just keep extending gradually and you will get there. As for hills.....you probably found running for five minutes tough when you first did it, but slow and steady gets you there, just like C25k.
Great post and thanks for sharing. It is amazing what changes you can make to your life by getting out there and running. Personally I'd like to thank you for all the encouragement and kind words you have given to me.
Fantastic post! I graduated last week and still can't believe how much I look forward to going out for a run and the sense of achievement I get when I finish. It has been a life changer and I wish I'd done it years ago
Great post as always! I envy you being able to run on Saunton Sands, I've only been there once but thought it was a lovely beach. That was way before my running days so maybe I'll have to plan another holiday so I can run there! Happy birthday and you are in no way boasting - just very rightly proud of your achievements :0)
I started at the beg of August and your posts have been an inspiration, support, at times a giggle but always warm and encouraging. This reflective summary of your time as a C25ker(?) includes things I share and agree with. The sunrises, the beautiful places, the feeling of steady progress and being part of this community. Thanks for capturing it so well. Keep running, keep posting.
Still pink and smug, but with a quicker recovery time! X and happy birthday IT!
This is one of the greatest posts I've ever read on here. Absolutely incredible in it's detail, emotion, achievements. Wow. You are one of the folks on here that has given me brilliant advice and encouragement and for that I say "Ta mate!"
A run of ten miles is magnificent. There are a few folks on here with the ability to achieve such a long distance - but I am not one of them! Wish I was though. But I take great heart from reading about your achievements IDT, and you devotion to keeping your health in good fettle.
Happy Birthday by the way! I hope you managed a flagon of ale or three? Do not EVER stop posting - otherwise I'll set JuicyJu on you.
Thanks for the praise, Dan. Your new pic reminds me of Colonel Gadaffi.
Now that you are back out there getting your 5ks back towards the 30 min mark, you can continue to be the inspiration that you are, to all those who are getting back up to speed after injury and lapses. I reckon you need to bite the bullet in 2014 and have a go at Parkrun. As for longer distances, it is just a matter of gently ramping up the duration and the distances come for free. You can do it, if you want to.
I had a quiet birthday, always do, as it gets swallowed up in Christmas. A few pints but no flagons, and a run along the estuary.....what more could a man want?. I think JuicyJu is too much woman for me! I'll keep posting.
Just catching up on old posts (as the world seems to be very peaceful today and my work level is low...) I just wanted to say thanks for your lovely post; and congrats to you and MrsTruffe for your inspirational and motivational posts.
I just read MrsTruffe's posts and have caught up on her journey so now feel I know how she has gone from silent partner mentioned in your posts, to her joining you, her graduation and your joy at running together
I too wish I had carried on running years ago but life as a single parent of 3, working shifts & doing as much overtime as possible definitely got in my way; now I am so happy to be out there running for pleasure and fitness at 50; and having inspired my daughters and son-in-law to do c25k, graduate, join gyms, Parkrun and be healthy; which included a Parkrun on Christmas Day where s-i-l beat his (and my) pb; so I now have another challenge to try and catch him up...
Thanks again, & here's to lots of lovely runs in 2014
Poppy, I'd like to say how inspirational you are in all your success in getting family out there. I had a non running related muscular spasm in my chest on Boxing Day, which meant that I missed a run with my wife, son and sister in law, but I am sure there will be other occasions. Mme Truffe and I went for a lovely cross country run/walk this morning and it is good to be alive.
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