How C25K Changed my life : I started C25K in... - Couch to 5K

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How C25K Changed my life

SPIRANDI profile image
SPIRANDIGraduate
7 Replies

I started C25K in August last year. I was not fat ( I told myself) I was just immensely unfit. In fact I was overweight, and could not climb a flight of stairs without the feeling I was about die from heart failure. I was a firstime mom and had taken the view that it was all about baby and no time for myself was normal. Exercise was the thing DH did, never in a million years would you see me huffing on the streets anyway.

So when I visited my doc and realised I had put on 3 stones after having the baby I got a kick up my behind. I remembered I had heard a friend who had lost weight mention c25k when I had asked her how she did it. So I Googled it and found the podcast on iTunes. Perfect it was free. Problem was that I

had developed symptoms of SAD - seasonal affective disorder and was in no way going to go out to run in the dark.

So guess what? I bought a stationary bike and did the training on the podcasts to the letter on that bike. Nine weeks later I had done it. I was so much more fit and felt I could take on anything because my muscles were stronger and because I'd used the bike I had not placed strain on my joints with extra weight. This new me was a stone lighter and had new vision with my family being more healthy and active. No more couch potatoes living in my house.

But deep down I felt I'd cheated by biking. So this January I decided to give running outside a go. I went out on a Saturday and within five minutes of running I had to turn back my lungs were in a state. I felt as if I had placed a trailer right on top of them. But this time I knew what to do I got my phone out and downloaded the nhs c25k Podcast onto it. The next four weeks I did the training but I started from week four and instead of three days did them five days a week as I had a base level of fitness that kept calling me to get up and go.

I went on to have my second graduation in February this time when she said you're a runner now! I got teary eyed recalling the couch potato of last year. Last night I ran five miles non stop for the first time and I'm elated now as I can jog and keep up with DH. Although I do love my morning runs as they are no doubt the best mom time for me where I can just let go all my anxiety and stress built up during the week.

If you're reading this as someone considering c25k I have to say go for it. It gently welcomes you into a new life and it's a decision you'll be glad you made now.

Peace.

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SPIRANDI profile image
SPIRANDI
Graduate
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7 Replies
Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate

EXCELLENT!!!!

thinlizzyIwish123 profile image
thinlizzyIwish123Graduate

What a fantastic post! It means a lot for another mum to go through a similar thing that I'm going through. It's confirmation that the programe does work. I just have to keep on doing it. Even if I find it tough at times. :-D

SPIRANDI profile image
SPIRANDIGraduate in reply to thinlizzyIwish123

It really does work, keep at it. it's the best gift you can give youself. Running isn't fun but the life it gives you is totally worthwhile

Mum2run profile image
Mum2runGraduate

Really fab and well done :) Good on you.

renette profile image
renetteGraduate

Brilliant. it gives many of us such motivation.

SPIRANDI profile image
SPIRANDIGraduate in reply to renette

I'm glad you're motivated.happy running!

Siltoe profile image
Siltoe

Loved reading your post, it's 6.30 am and haven't run for now 3 weeks after getting to week 6, now worried how hard it will be to get back in there....your post has helped -find your space in your head and just do it..thank u, and well done on such a strong effort:)

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