I did it - finally

[janners]

So I've been away from this site for a while but graduated c25k in the autumn after starting the programme late summer. Since then I have taken to the streets (had done training on a treadmill) and finally ran a 5k distance the week before Christmas. It wasn't fast - my time was 52mins. - my route is 5.5k (I swear if it wasn't for the uphill bits my husband who walked with me would have done it quicker!) but the sense of achievement WOW! that was it! I have been out 3 times a week at least since, including Xmas and new year. My time has reduced - PB 49 mins and the route seems to be getting a bit easier.

I cannot thank c25k enough, It has changed my life. I have lost almost 4 stone since April due to dieting as well, but know this is a change for life. (My husband has just completed week 3 of c25k and friends who are overweight have said i'm an inspiration which is really touching as all I was doing was trying to lose some weight!)

Questions - suggestions on how to improve my time and tech. I am using map my run. but this sometimes stops working and then i can't track my time- any suggestions please?

Finally, thanks for all the support from this forum. always good advice which kept me going when things were difficult

[Razouski]

I use MapMyRun on an old iPhone so occasionally have the same issues as you do. But most of the time it's ok.

There are some additional podcasts you can use to improve stamina and speed, there's Stepping Stone, Stamina, and Speed, all on the NHS. Some people like them others not. I couldn't get on with Stepping Stone as my pace was already faster than the pace it is encouraging you to do, so you might find it useful. Speed has interval running, and Stamina is a slightly longer run.

I used the Week 9 podcast to run with after graduating for some time, and then did a few runs with my own music.

Sounds like you're doing really well. Happy running.

😀🏃🏽‍♀️

[janners Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Thank you, I'll give these a go. x

[misswobble Graduate]

Great stuff! Well done 🤗

Losing that amount of weight will make life so much more comfortable for you. Being that much lighter makes you so much more mobile and energised doesn't it.

You could treat yourself to an inexpensive garment forerunner 10 running watch. Cheaper than that is logging your runs on Goodrunguide or some such tool but you would have to memorise your start and finish time. A watch would do it all for you. Loads here use the f10. I got mine from Tesco

[janners Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you i'll look at these x

[McFitty Graduate]

You've done so well. What an endorsement that you are inspiring others. All I can say is the 5k+ podcasts are good. I like the intervals one but everyone has their favourite. Also a thumbs up for the Garmin f10. It has made mapping my runs so simple. And lastly, keep posting!

[janners Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Thank you x

[melly4012 Graduate]

Amazing, you are an inspiration! Congrats on that 5k. That first 5k really is something you'll never forget.

You can't beat a running watch for times/distances/stats/etc! I couldn't be without mine. I have a tomtom cardio2 but many people recommend garmin. Perhaps a late Christmas present to yourself?

[janners Graduate]

Thank you x

[Rosie58 Graduate]

Personally I wouldn't put any pressure on yourself. You're doing great! Losing weight will bring you so many benefits as I found out. Just enjoy it and the rest will come 👍🏼

[janners Graduate in reply to Rosie58]

Thank you Rosie. Happy running X