I actually did 5k :D

Hello you lovely lot!

Well for the first time ever, I actually achieved 5k in a single run. I feel like I should have got here a long time ago, but since graduating, injury, busyness, weather, random stuff have all transpired to stop me running as much as I would have liked. But off I went this morning into the mist.

I was going to do about 20-25 minutes, given that my winter route is quite hilly, but it seems I'm getting used to the hills now, because after 25 minutes I felt fine, so I kept going to 30 minutes. I still felt fine, but I'd only managed 4k, though I don't feel too bad about that given the hilly route. So - I continued on, just another 5 minutes I thought, and of course at 35 minutes I checked and I was at about 4.6k, so it would have seemed rude not to do the full 5. So I did. For the first time ever I ran 5k non-stop (well apart from crossing the occasional road), and in a rather slow time of just under 38 minutes. But I did it, and it feels good! Cup of tea definitely earned.

When I think back to me starting this adventure 4 months or so ago, I never really believed I could do it. Me - the unfittest person on the planet, so be encouraged. If you're considering C25K or just starting out, this is a brilliant fun way to get fitter.

Oh - and as others have said it's not a weight loss programme, and I wasn't overweight anyway, but I have lost about half a stone through the process, and more importantly I can now do my belt up one more hole

Happy running everyone!

[TJMazz Graduate]

Great news Neil 🙌🏻 Lovely to see your post. That must of been a great feeling. I remember the first time I ran 5k I was so pleased with myself and I’m still amazed every time I do it.

Like you say it’s not for weight loss but I’ve certainly found I have lost inches and people have commented on it. Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄🎅🏼🎉

[Hidden in reply to TJMazz]

Haha yes, my boss commented asked me had I lost weight... I extolled the virtues of C25K of course, though working at a bike shop, I should be extolling the virtues of cycling really. Just a little secret, too many hills near me, cycling was too hard!!

[SueKen Graduate]

That very first 5k is rather special isn't it? Well done!

[Hidden in reply to SueKen]

Yes it is, and I was surprised at doing it, and that I managed to run for nearly 40 minutes. This programme never ceases to amaze me, even after graduating!!

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Fantastic Neil 😀 merry Christmas x

[Hidden in reply to Shelby1973]

Thank you Shelby1973 , merry Christmas to you too

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A run to be proud of and one for the memory book.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Definitely! And the best thing is I wasn't expecting this to be a landmark run, I was just getting out to clear my head and keep up the fitness. Hitting 5k was an unexpected but very welcome bonus. Thanks for all the support, it's really appreciated

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Wahay thats brilliant Neil 😄...and a great way to do it, no pressure or expectation just a little bit more and see....

So pleased for you, 5k✔and one very happy chappy with a trimmer tummy😆..

Great work well done you.😊xx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yes indeed - another chunk of the old middle-aged spread removed I guess Thanks so much for your kind comments over the weeks and months.

[Hidden]

Well done - very exciting and very encouraging. I've just come in from W5R1, and I'm buzzing, but 5K seems a bit far off at the moment, so its great to hear from those who have been through the same and reached that stupendous goal. Happy running, and happy Xmas!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden , thanks for the kind comment. Week 5 - I loved that week. I think of all the runs, W5R2 was one of my favourites, but that's nothing compared to how you'll feel after run 3 of this week. It's truly amazing. But I promise, it's totally do-able.

And how do you get to 5k? One step at a time! In week 1 I couldn't see how on earth I could ever run for 90 seconds let alone the 38 minutes I did this morning, but the plan really does work. Just gradually increasing your fitness really seems to work. Go for it!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Well done Neil. That’s a great milestone ticked off and you did it right, building slowly until You felt ready!

Lovely early Christmas present to yourself🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻

[Hidden in reply to Millsie-J]

I know!!! I never ever thought I'd see running achievements as something I would ever want, but now I'm really chuffed. Thanks for the support

[siobhp Graduate]

Rather slow?! It sounds rather good to me! I still can't do 5k in less than 36 mins and I have done quite a few since graduating. You'll be whizzing past me in no time! 😀

[Hidden in reply to siobhp]

Oh good grief, I don't know about that. I'm sure going to try though You never know, things may well get faster when I'm back on my nice flat towpath route, if it stops raining long enough for it to turn back to a path rather than an extra canal lol!

[Richard7 Graduate]

Congratulations Neil. Happy Runner Dance time. Glad to see you have managed to pick your way through the injuries to get up to 5k - well done.

[Sandyscroll]

Well done Neil! You've done it, and in a decent time too. What a fabulous achievements, and just in time for Christmas. Go you! 😎

[Sarakc Graduate]

Well done!! It’s such a great feeling! 😀🏃👍

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Lovely! That 1st 5k is very special, and I am happy it happened that way for you, you know, feeling good and just trying for a wee bit longer. Brilliant!

Happy running and a happy Christmas to you, as well.

Sadie-runs xx

[Polly2810 Graduate]

Hey well done!! I will never get there I’m sure but it doesn’t bother me...just trying to get back into it.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

Well done Neil! Glad you had a great run and that it is all coming together despite injuries and other obstacles. Good to hear about the trim waist too!

[Anthie Graduate]

Great running, Neil! A brilliant 5K Christmas gift it is! Enjoy and wish you a lot more like this one.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done Neil!!! Your first 5K.... and run with style

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

That's brilliant, well done you 👏

[quirkybee Graduate]

That's fantastic Neil, fantastic. When you least expect it, it happens, bet you were chuffed though.

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Way to go Neil! 😊

[nhs2015 Graduate]

Well done, magic. You must be proud of yourself. I thought the psychology of it was pretty good. 👍