1 Year On...

[5kOrBust]

One year ago yesterday, I got home from work and, encouraged by my daughter, got changed into whatever kit I could cobble together, turned on my iPod and heard, for the first time, the lovely Laura tell me what was in store for me on this, my very first run on Couch to 5k. I begged her to tell me that each 1 minute running segment was over, and seriously doubted that I could ever run for 30 minutes non-stop. But she never, ever let me down. It took me a wee bit longer than some to graduate, but graduate I did, and have since run 3 x 10k races, umpteen Parkruns, have found an entirely new 'family' that welcomed me with open arms and continue to encourage, cajole and generally support me, and I look just a wee bit different to when I started too. If you're reading this and wondering "is it worth me having a go?" my answer is unequivocally "YES"! The best thing I've done in years

Run like the wind,

Steve x

P.S. My daughter just started running again after about 6 months off, and has just texted me to say she just ran 5k in 25 minutes. I can only dream of that! Love her

[turnturtle Graduate]

What an encouraging post for beginners to read Steve. Isn't it amazing how many lives Laura had helped turn around (we deserve some credit ourselves of course!) And still I wait in vain to see a poster extolling the benefits of this plan next to the ones about flu vaccinations and weight watcher classes on our doctor's notice board!

[davelinks Graduate in reply to turnturtle]

I gave my doctor a c25k poster about 2 months ago to pin on the board, and as of last week it still hasn't been pinned up!

Saying that it's because the flu posters had gone up. I shall keep an eye on this and pester them to put it up. After all, it cost me ink!

I won't be ignored!

[no-excuse Graduate]

A lovely post. What a great year you have had Steve. I still find it amazing that this programme works, but work it does, and hopefully your post will encourage others to start/continue. Oh to have young legs and run- now that would be really fantastic! x

[Rainbowsmurf Graduate]

A lovely post. I've been running just over 6 months and it's the best thing I've done in ages. I'd recommend it to anyone. A couple of friends have asked me how I've got into running and I've told them all about C25K. (Most friends would describe me as the person they know who was the least likely to take up running but there you go.) 12km trail run next month. Can't do 5km in under 34 minutes yet though!

[davelinks Graduate in reply to Rainbowsmurf]

My sister said something like that Rainbow, think it was, I didn't think you'd be a runner Dave? Yes, there you go!

Maybe I would have been a runner many years ago if there was an easier way of starting, such as the c25k plan. instead of the Gestapo like games teachers of nearly 50 years ago..😉

[Rainbowsmurf Graduate in reply to davelinks]

I was always the last to finish any sort of run in PE. Even a "warm up" run round the field left me red faced, struggling to breathe and looking like I might collapse.

C25K definitely works!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Happy Runniversary Steve. What a lovely post. I remember your journey well and it's great that you're still running and loving it.

[davelinks Graduate]

Inspiring Steve! Well done! Keep at it!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great, encouraging post Steve. Congratulations on a years worth of running

[aliboo70]

Excellent post steve😆happy runniversary very well done on everything you've achieved! 😊

[tara-j Graduate]

A year on! Well done - here's to many more.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Run like the wind Steve. Happy anniversary.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Congratulations - a whole year! Keep running 😊

[poppypug Graduate]

Oh what a lovely post, our Happy Hammer !

Many Congratulations on your Runniversary , and here's to many more

All the very best to you Steve xxx

[Girlyswot Graduate]

Brilliant ! What a lovely post and may you have many more running adventures !

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I remember your journey too, it's lovely that you're still running, and still posting here. Happy runniversay xx

[Bananabanana3 Graduate]

I love this post!!

[Atalaya Graduate]

Lovely to hear about all your running adventures. Me and you started C25k in the same week and graduated at around the same time if I remember rightly. I'm still running too but haven't quite managed as many 10ks as you! I did one straight 10k and one obstacle one so far & I've signed up for 2 more 10ks in the Spring (one of them a muddy obstacle race).

My husband has finally joined in the running - we seem to have become a fit household. It's amazing where this C25k thing can lead!