It's been a while...

[Northernspirit]

I've been absent from this community for 7 months, time flies! No particular reason, maybe because that was when I made it to 5k and since then I've just been carrying on, running regularly, getting round quicker, all just now part of what I do, when I can, I run between 3 and 5k. Then yesterday Facebook reminded me, as it does, of a memory - it's 12 months since I completed C25Kl!!!  Looking back, I can honestly say it's been one of the best things I've ever done for myself.  I look and feel loads better and I'm much fitter.  I can fit into clothes without worrying about the size and I've dropped a size overall (though not in jeans but I'm working on it!) .  I've not lost much weight but I look like I have (?!) and I'm much more confident as a result.  There are new clothes in the wardrobe 😄  I'm now looking more at my diet, which overall is good (veggie) but probably too carb reliant so by ditching those as much as possible and following the 5:2 diet I'm making progress there too.  

Before running I did very little exercise and it was all a bit overwhelming, hated the gym, this is the only thing I've ever stuck with. So, if you're a newbie - keep going!!!!! It doesn't matter how long it takes you, how slow you think you are, how many weeks it takes to graduate, whether you're technique is good or not.... just move, run, do short 20 minutes if you only have limited time, keep with it and enjoy 😄😄😄😄 

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Love success stories like this. Thanks for popping back and giving us newbies an update!

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Congratulations on your first year. Wishing you many more happy years of running ahead ☺

[AncientMum Graduate]

Northernspirit how very lovely to hear from you again after so long, and how inspiring  to hear of your continued success. Sounds like you're a real c25k success story. Congratulations on everything you've achieved so far. 😀😀😀

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Helloooooo AncientMum! Glad you're still here too😄 I love this community, how could I have been away so long?!  X 

[Hidden]

Happy runniversary Northernspirit  a great year all round 😊

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hey SlowRob good to know you're still here too! How lovely to hear from people who were on the journey at the same time as me.  😊 bet you'renot slow though 😄

[Hidden in reply to Northernspirit]

Hmmm I wouldn't say I am fast ☺ but yeah very much still here and running 😊

[Maturelady Graduate]

oh I wish I was like you. I gave up last year after the Race for life and can't persuade myself to get into it again.

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to Maturelady]

Ah MatureLady lovely to hear from you too.  It's such a fab little place on t'internet full of fab people. C'mon, give it a go,  the sun's out and it's a good time to get back in them trainers.  Just a little wobble round the block, that's what I tell myself when Im having that argument, should I run? How many reasons I have including ironing not to!? X

[LessToLose Graduate]

What an inspirational post - very encouraging for us beginners!

[jt24 Graduate]

Thank you, what a lovely inspiring post

Glad to hear that you can just slot it in, keep going and see results

There's quite a wee bunch of us who've graduated over this week and reckon there's a few of us who are looking to achieve what you have.

Well done xx

[JennyH10 Graduate]

Hi Northernspirit it's always great as a newbie to read about people who are still going happily years later so happy runniversary!

I'm a Northerner (Liverpool), veggie, trying to reduce the carbs and I'm also a 5:2er!