Photos for Bazza and newbies.....

[CKC1]

I haven't quite worked out how to photo or video myself whilst running (as it takes all my coordination skills just to stay upright and moving!). However I thought I'd share some photos which mirror my progress over the last 11 months.

I started C25K in June last year, not really sure whether I would continue, as I almost couldn't run for a full minute when I started. But, motivated by the enthusiasm from this forum, I kept going, and I discovered my local park for the first time (despite having lived here for almost 20 years!). The park became my regular running route, and I started taking photos with my phone each week as a memento of my progress. In June, some baby swans (cygnets?) had just been born (top pick) and I started following their progress - their journey from 'ugly ducklings' to adults has mirrored my own running journey - wobbly starts, some setbacks, but keeping going whatever the weather!! My 'babies' are almost fully grown now (just recognisable in the middle pic), and just last week this year's new nest appeared (bottom pic) to begin the cycle all over again.

I'm not yet a fully-fledged swan - I graduated in September but am still running just short of 5K. However, 11 months ago I definitely was the ugly duckling, struggling with my first run. Like the swans, we've both come a long way!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Aww what a lovely post CKC. I love your photos too. You and the swans have definitely come a long way. Happy running

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Yes - a lovely story - the ugly duckling who has turned into a beautiful swan I love swans - where I live they are smaller and black!! rateeveryanimal.com/wp-cont...

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Wow, black swans! They would probably be too much of a distraction and cause me to stop running! Ironically, running has helped me to slow down and actually notice my surroundings! 😄

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

We have black ones here too, but they are rare. Do swans in your country belong to Queen Lizzie like they do in UK?

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

No - not to my knowledge anyway.

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thank you, AM. My family are completely fed up with my swan photos! 😄

[dawncoates34 Graduate]

Ahh brilliant post x fantastic journey keep it up x thanks for the inspiration 😀

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to dawncoates34]

Delighted to provide any inspiration! I don't think I would have completed C25K without this forum. Happy running!

[poppypug Graduate]

Aaah what lovely pics ! With a quack and a waddle and a quack xxx

Fab post xxx

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Ha! Confession - I do actually talk to them (quack, quack) when I run past! Only if no-one else is around though!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

What a lovely, lovely post. The photos are so cute and you've done so well! Keep the photos coming.

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh no, you shouldn't have said that.......que swan photos for the next year!! Happy running!

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

I agree, what a great post.

You'll manage the 5k in time if it's what you want to do - no need to hurry.

xx

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to pinkangel16]

Thanks. Yes, I will definitely get to 5K soon. I was only running weekly over the winter months because of the weather and darkness. Determined to increase my stamina over the next few months, working up to joining a park run! Happy running!

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Brilliant post and journey thanks for the post and I'm reassured to read a slower route to 5k as I think mine will also be gradual.

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to Northernspirit]

This forum has definitely taught me that everyone has their own path - I'm happy that I'm running for 30min, even if the pigeons are still overtaking me! I couldn't have even dreamt of that a year ago. Will be working on getting to 5K though! Happy running

[old_git Graduate]

Hi CKC,

Lovely post and pictures. Funny how it takes something like C25K to get us out enjoying our surroundings! You miss it all in the car.

[CKC1 Graduate in reply to old_git]

You are so right, OG! I had driven past the park thousands of times but never once stopped. Now the simplest things (swans!) actually make me smile as I'm running!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

What a lovely way to track your progress x