5 years ago today I put on some trainers I happened to have, wriggled into the ForthBridgeBra, slung on some old trakkie bottoms and a scruffy t-shirt, stuck my MP3 player and my house key down my bra, and pressed 'play' on Week 1, Day 1 of the NHS Couch to 5k programme. I didn't quite complete all the runs, but I managed enough to think that I could perhaps do this if I tried again.
Yesterday I completed the Brighton 10k. I quite enjoyed it. It wasn't a particularly special run, although the bling was nice, but what was best about it was that I was there with I don't know how many other friends, all of whom I have met through this programme.
I think I probably posted last year about the health benefits, the difference in strength of character, determination and blah blah blah. You'll know all about that for yourselves. I never expected the friendships that have resulted from this running, or the distances I've traveled to meet up with people (or, let's be honest, for a bit of metal on a ribbon). But the friendship was exemplified at Brighton where people supported each other round the course, perhaps running at a slightly slower pace than they could have achieved on their own, but it was more important for them to stay with their C25K buddy. The supporters were fantastic too, cheering everyone on, making sure that everyone was accounted for, and for those broken by Brighton, making sure that everyone was looked after.
All this from running. I went out for a very quick run today - only 1.5k, because I had been sitting in the car for 6 hours, and my daughter had kindly put tea in the oven, and my legs knew that I'd run yesterday, but I was determined to run on my runniversary. So whatever stage you're at, whether you've been running for a long time or whether you're sitting there looking at this programme and wondering if you're too unfit/overweight/busy/brave enough, get some trainers on and give it a go. You never know where it will take you. You can do this. Happy running
Written by
Anniemurph
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Thank you! It will feel like the merest blink of an eye before you are posting your second, third, fourth, fifth runniversary posts... and I shall look forward to reading them x
Thanks, Pops! Ee, it were grand! Come to think of it though, there was no cake. Why was there no cake? There was super food afterwards, but I failed to provide cake at the end of the run. Hmph.
Aww, thank you for your kind words *blushes* It's hard to be anything other than nice with all these fab people on here - kindness breeds kindness. Although I might make an exception for Nagging Nancy
May we all have many happy runs, long or short, fast, slow or slower - just in good company and good health xxx
Congratulations! 5 years - that's a long time! Is there anyone still active on here who has been running longer? Or are you our "oldest" veteran! I hope I'm still running in 5 years time🏃🏋🏻
There are probably some lurkers and some who disappear for long periods who may or may not have been running during those times, for whatever reason there's me. And me! (5th runniversary at the beginning of Feb... I didn't do anything as sociable as running in a 10K event... although it was Anniemurph who helped me get my first 10k)
Thanks, JCS! No, I'm sure there are people who started before I did, although quite a lot of us started in 2012, I think. Look at GoogleMe below , she started earlier.
You will still be running in 5 years' time... and 10 years' time... and... Happy running!
One on my inspirational friends.. there for me from when I joined the forum family, with advice, support and friendship, given in generous helpings. Thank you.
What an amazing journey..from "scruffy t-shirt" to sensational ten K!
Happy 5th runniversary. Brighton sounds like it was a lot of fun and, I agree, running on THE date has got to be done even if a mere 1.5k (just over a mile sounds much more!). Here's to the next 5.
Great post! Congratulations on your runniversary and Brighton race. 5 years - inspiration to all those starting out and beginners like me. Folk on this forum are BRILLIANT!
Thanks, IP! Five years, I know - I feel old now! I hope we're all still around on here long into the future
Yes, there was bling but of course I can't post it here in a comment, can I? There must have been about 25 C25Kers altogether - possibly more? It was a great day although far too hot for the poor marathoners. My phone said it was 22C when we were supporting them after our run. There were people dropping like flies and ambulances and cycle paramedics whizzing everywhere.
This forum and all the friends I've made through running - the best! xxx
Happy runnervesary to you. 🎉🎉🍰🍰. I read some of the reports from the Brighton run. It was tough weather conditions. Well done for getting round. I agree, I love going to the Winter Run even if I'm not running. I stand there looking Into To thousands of faces and then see the smiles as I see somone I know, all from running. It's great.
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