C25k changed my life!

[CarolineLou71]

So I'm back again

It was wonderful to get through the C25k programme and then the 10k stuff after that. I attended a few park runs but at the time there wasn't one in my town, so found a local running group most helpful and ended up really investing into that. We motivated each other and eventually ran a local marathon relay together, which was over 9 miles each! Never beyond my wildest dreams did I think I would achieve that

Soon we were plucking up courage to join an 'official' running club at our local sports centre, which was all very exciting and I loved that too - so if anyone reads this, please believe in yourself! I'm so happy with the path C25k put me on.

The effects were wider than getting into the world of running too, for me. I had been asking myself the predictable 'middle age' questions regarding what life is about. With the children growing older, expectations of me changing, health issues cropping up... looking ahead, what was in store for me?

Regaining mobility helped me back into 'life' in so many ways. I rediscovered that life wasn't over (that may sound extreme, but it's where I was finding my thoughts heading) and even dared to dream of things that had been in my heart as a child and long forgotten. I guess I'd become stuck in a rut with the relentless onslaught of everyday life.

Running allowed me to raise my eyes from the ground in front of me and look to the horizon, so to speak.

The running club I joined took summer runs out into the local countryside. This was the beginning of major reminiscing for me - I imagine I'm not the only one who thinks a lot as they run?! Running through fields and past farms took me right back to childhood memories and hopes.

This has led to the difficult but rewarding path of pursing some long forgotten dreams. Running gave me enough fitness to get back on board with horse riding, which I'd always hankered after, but diminishing fitness had caused me to resign myself to give up on all together. This pretty much took over my life and although I should have kept running too, couldn't manage to fit it in. However, beyond my wildest dreams, with my daughters, we enjoy our own ponies now. So dreams can come true - keep trying!

There have been awful set backs along the way, especially for my husband and running partner. For both of us, the challenges still continue, but that's life. For mental health as well as physical, though, it's great to have been on this positive track throughout everything because the goals have pulled us through.

I am now back here using C25k again this week because the physical strain of the past couple of years has taken it's toll. Time and energy haven't allowed much fitness work and consequently levels have dropped. KNOWING that I made it through C25k before and the amazing things I achieved in a relatively short time, have brought me back and I hope reading this might encourage even just one person to maybe give it a try.

After just 2 runs, I ache like I cannot believe and feel as though every part of my body is about the seize up!!

I'm five years older now, after all ;-P

I am determined to get back going again though - who knows what I might achieve, or more importantly, what I might hold onto rather than loose health wise?

So signing off for now, as an old timer, but just as much in need of encouragement and accountability - perhaps some pearls of wisdom for pain relief too, if anyone has any.

Let's see how this goes

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

You achieved a lot before, so you can do it again - what's 5 years! According to your profile, you are 10 years younger than me and this is the first time I have ever done running (of course I haven't completed it yet - but I most definitely plan to).

As for pain relief - Ice, legs up and (not wanting to advertise but..) Voltarol gel

[CarolineLou71 Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

Thanks so much for the encouragement nikkiwabit I will pick up some Voltarol, I've never tried that. Searching for help and inspiration, I came across another comment of yours regarding being patient, which also really helps because it's so easy to be discouraged when it seems harder than expected to get back on board but I can't fail with this - the horses aren't thanking my for my loss of core, legs or form!!

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Welcome back to the fold! You know you can complete the program - but don't let what you did before determine your approach to the running now. You are back at the beginning, so don't push yourself too hard or expect to much too soon. Go easy on yourself. Regard each run as a treat to yourself. Your time to just focus on you. Slow down. The speed will come back again later, for now just focus on getting to the end of each run without exhausting yourself.

...and you're right. The program is life changing in so many ways. You are never too old to follow your dreams; the affirmation from the program has been the kick start for many of us to do just that.

[CarolineLou71 Graduate in reply to agedsnailspace]

Many thanks, that's so beautifully worded and a valued reminder. I will most definitely be taking things one day at a time - anything is better than nothing to me. Discovering how to manage energy and pain will be a big journey now, but having been through the mental challenge of C25k, I feel hopeful that I can take it on. Yes, I am very thankful to have access to such a program

[mfamilias Graduate]

I really enjoyed reading this post, and I very much identified with your mention of the middle-aged question-asking. Running is the best remedy I have found for anxiety - apart from a stiff G&T

Welcome back and enjoy the journey. Once your legs have come round the the idea, that is

[CarolineLou71 Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Hehe, was strongly tempted to have a quick G&T last night out of desperation to ease the legs and hips! Trying to resist, at least until the weekend though. Thanks for your support

[davidhwynn Graduate]

Wonderful post - welcome back to the fold. I started out as an oldie and - like you - came to realise what was still possible. Keep posting, I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress.

[CarolineLou71 Graduate in reply to davidhwynn]

Thank you, so good to have folk who have been through it alongside. Can't promise I'll have much of interest to say but will keep updating and appreciating

[davidhwynn Graduate in reply to CarolineLou71]

Yes you will ... where are you going running this week? Use Strava or mapmyrun and tell us. Don't appreciate, DO and help other people (end of sermon!!!!!)

[Slinkymalinki Graduate]

Thanks for sharing such an honest & thoughtful post. I identified with much of what you said especially about reconnecting with dreams you once had. It's still in the back of my mind to have my own horse & running is definitely helping with the core & strong legs so maybe I'll take the plunge one day! Good luck with your running, you already know what it will bring both mentally & physically - enjoy it & stay positive!

[CarolineLou71 Graduate in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thank you so much! Every best wish with your dreams too 🐴 Life can seem a marathon / mountain a lots of the time but there's always something that makes it 'worth it', however very deep we seem to have to dig, some days.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Gosh... Not sure how I missed this! Quite a post! You are back with us... and that is great!

Slow and steady... and just enjoy the journey again...... Pearls of wisdom... errr..not sure...my husband, helpful fellow, has a saying... A little bit of pain never hurt anyone!!!But.... he is the one who told me all the way through C25K, when it was raining...once you are wet you are wet.. get out there

But.. you have started again...so... hardest step done!

[CarolineLou71 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks - was lovely reading your reminiscing post this evening. Very motivational 😊 PS 'once you are wet you are wet' - standard phrase in our family too

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to CarolineLou71]

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