Runniversary

[JaySeeSkinny]

One year ago today I started the c25k programme - I think. I'd been lurking on here for a while, done the first 4 weeks of the Zenlab c25k back in August, but had given up on it as I hated the American accent and the app was completely unstable. I'd finally worked out how to download Laura as a podcast (the app is not available in Germany) and was inspired by many of you, so I set out again. It was no big deal - I'm not even 100% certain it was on Jan 12, but I wanted to finally learn to run. Nobody was told, my family never really found out till near graduation, as I was always a walker and had been going out for years for exercise on my own. Contrary to many of you I found the first weeks relatively easy (sorry!), probably because of all my walking and I skipped a few runs in the first weeks (technically I'd done them back in August) and settled in properly at week 4 (I think!). Then it was running pretty much every other day till graduation - and pretty much ever since. There are many, many days when it's still a struggle. I am still fearful I could suddenly stop and not get back into it again. Some days I can hardly run 2k, on others a non-stop 5k poses no problems and on 4 occasions I ran 10k. I am still astonished that I can knock off a 5k before breakfast. I am astounded that one year in I am still running. I don't seem to be getting much faster, but I'm still a darned sight faster than walking. Rain and snow can't stop me. I have had no serious injuries - but at least 4 falls with scars on my knees and elbows to prove it. Since graduation at the beginning of March I haven't even had a cold.

So to all of you just starting out, part way through the programme or struggling just after graduation, keep going. The health advantages, both mental and physical, are huge. Thank you to all my new found friends on here for inspiring and encouraging me. Thanks also to Laura and her AWFUL taste in music!

[Elissy]

Wohoo, you've come so far!!!

💃🎉😊

I can remember when you started - you must feel so proud of the distances you can do now!!!

Your attidude is really inspiring -10km?!!!! Well done, Jay 😊

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Elissy]

You'll get there too. I think it's great the way you're getting back into the programme!

[Elissy in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Hope so 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Congratulations on your runniversary jaysee and I'm sure your journey and success will be an inspiration to many, including me.😊

Running is definately 'your thing' and you have acheived so much in a year...

I enjoy hearing about your running adventures and am hoping to get to 10k myself in the next few months in your footsteps...

P.s we have a light dusting of snow tonight in Surrey. xxx

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Our snow is now busily melting - it makes running a bit easier, but putting my foot in a puddle of ice-water this morning was very "interesting". I enjoy reading your adventures too!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

😨😨😨xx

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Good post. I share that fear of suddenly stopping as well - it's often what gets me out when I can't really be bothered. Happy Runniversary

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Same here - even after a year! Crazy isn't it?

[McFitty Graduate]

Oh you Philistine😲 Laura's taste in music is impeccable 😂

Congratulations on your Runniversary. Awesome

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Happy Runniversary JaySeeSkinny! Lovely post and I totally agree with all you say about the benefits. Here's to lots of lovely runs this year🙂!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

You're doing some great distances at the moment - I would love to get there too. Maybe I'll manage in 2017.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I don't doubt it for a minute! - "She believed she could...and she did"🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Happy Runniversary to you!!!!

You and I... on this journey for a lot of the way together... running buddies

Huge well done on your running achievements.. and thank you for all the support given to me and to so many on your journey too!

You are an inspiration !

Many, many more happy runs x

[poppypug Graduate]

Absolutely brilliant Jaysee !

You are always so supportive and encouraging . Happy Runniversary and here's to the next one ! xxx

[aliboo70]

Great post!Happy runniversary to you! X 😆😊

[benwill]

Happy Runiversary, it should be celebrated with a bit of cake! (i would suggest a run as well but looks a bit icy out, dont want to add one more fall).

And don't worry about not getting any faster as long as your enjoying it.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to benwill]

I ran in the morning in slushy, icy snow. Puddles and heaps of old snow everywhere, but not particularly slippery. The enjoyment mostly comes after the run😎

[Razouski]

Happy Runniversary, it was lovely reading your story. X

[Fiendarina Graduate]

Inspiring! Happy Runniversary.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Fiendarina]

Just keep plodding on! There are many inspiring stories on here (it feels odd to be one of them!).

[Flossie22 Graduate]

What an inspirational post. Well done JSS and happy runniversary to you! 👏🏻👏🏻😀😀🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

[MotherPip Graduate]

Brilliant, well done.It is inspiring to read people's stories...Encouraging too, helps others believe in themselves.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Happy runniversary Jaysee - and here's to many more years running!

[Mc_guff]

Lovely to hear your story - gives hope!

[Tomas Graduate]

Happy runniversary

[PippiRuns]

Happy runniversary, JZ! [can't insert nice emoticons because I am on laptop]. For some reason, I have always felt a connection with your posts. It makes sense - we have been doing very much the same thing in 2016. It has been a great running year - thank you for sharing.

2017 will be just as amazing for both of us, I am sure.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to PippiRuns]

I'm following your running career with great interest as well - although you're now streaks ahead of me! You are a real inspiration and challenge me regularly.

Maybe there's a connection because we're both on the continent.

I'm looking forward very much to my running in 2017 - especially spring, when it gets a bit warmer. And I'm looking forward to following your adventures😎👍

[PippiRuns in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

The Continental Running Connection

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to PippiRuns]

Aka the CRC running club! All these clubs I've been in - there was the falling down club not long ago. Haven't run with them though for a good 6 weeks!

[PippiRuns in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I lost my membership card to that club too. Haven't missed it for a second.

[melly4012 Graduate]

Such a lovely post, happy runniversary to you! I recognise a lot of the feelings you describe from early on to the occasional fear of not keeping it up so it's great to hear that you're still doing it and enjoying it.

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Says it all, really. I'm beginning to embrace 'any distance is better than no distance' - it works better for me than 'any run is better than no run'. Well done and keep on running, as Spencer Davis would say.