Just felt the need....

[ADR2009]

To say again how amazing C25k really is! Apologies for the "me" post but just had a real moment this week of realising how much I have gained from it.

I've always been one of those people that enjoyed exercising but couldn't run! But that's all changed!

The facts are that I'm now completely hooked on running, I've lost over 2 stone somehow and while I don't think I am a fast runner I have just managed today a 10k in just over 1 hour and 5 mins. Last May I looked with awe at people running a 10k at our village festival and this year I'll be there with them (the day before my 40th birthday!) and I will be looking forward to a glass of something fizzy after crossing the finish line

But that's only half the story! After 5 years of trying, I had a little boy just over 4 years ago and he is the truly the light of our lives. But the process of trying (and lots of failing!) managed to dent my confidence a fair bit and small panic attacks crept in. When I went back to work I found it really difficult when I was put into a position of having to be the centre of attention or presenting and it has been a bit tricky trying to work round it. But recently I've realised that I have really started to overcome this - last week I had to do a difficult presentation and while I got really nervous (cue red face and sweaty palms!) but I did it! I controlled my breathing and got through it - something I am convinced is down to running and learning how to put one foot in front of another and still breathe at the same time! It's not always pretty, but hey!

So thank you C25k - it really has changed not just my fitness but my confidence too...

[waletta Graduate]

That's really wonderful. Running has changed the confidence levels for so many of us & the sense of achievement is really something special. Thanks for sharing this. I'm sure it will resonate with a lot of the folk here.

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Your wee boy must be such a joy for you It is funny how running gives you confidence in other areas in your life .10k sounds great way to celebrate your 40th . Happy running

[Tinyrun Graduate]

What a lovely story to share. I've often hear about the confidence boost that exercise gives people. 10k is fantastic. So many on here have felt that running has changed their lives. Lets hope it seeps through to others. Well done. You should feel very chuffed.

[Hidden]

What a great post. Who would have thought that something so simple and natural as running could have such a major positive effect on our lives?

[RoRoMama]

It's great to read posts like this. I'm third of the way through c25k and find such stories very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

That wasn't a self centred "me " post, it was a sharing of your new found confidence and we all share your joy with all those unexpected benefits that come from running. If only the rest of the non running world could understand.

Keep running,keep smiling.

[Hidden]

What a lovely post and many congratulations on you achievements!

[aliboo70]

well done on the 10k, thats fantastic! ! Sounds like all aspects of your life are coming together, a new found confidence is appearing. I found you story inspiring and positive and wish you all the best. Like you i didn't think i could become a runner, and i'm not there yet! but little by little each week things are looking up and the programme does put a positive swing on things. Plus the bonus of this site is you connect with lots of like-minded people, i had never been on any kind of forum since a week or so ago, but its becoming a "cheery" bonus of this plan and i find i'm checking every day to see how everyone's doing!

[LSBeech75 Graduate]

I loved reading your post - thank you for sharing it with us good luck with the 10k

[Mum2run Graduate]

Fabulous!

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

Lovely post, thanks for sharing it. It's lovely to read your experiences of the positive impacts of running