Introduction and my story.

[Runningkp]

Hello 👋

Just a bit of background to introduce myself. I started c25k after watching Mind over Marathon on the BBC. The programme really resonated with me as I’ve had issues with depression in the past and still struggle with anxiety at times. My tendency to overthink makes me my own worst enemy.

Anyway, c25k was a way to gain some headspace and have a goal to work towards. I started using the Runner22 app in May and as you can tell (it’s now January), am taking my sweet time. I work a mixture of nights and days of 12 hours shifts and my shift pattern (or lack there-of) has hampered my journey.

When I reached week 4 I because stuck and lost motivation for a while so took to just running how and when I wanted. I have since changed to the One You Couch to 5k and have now managed to progress to Wk 5 Day 2 YAY!!

I am very eager to progress and I gearing up to try wk5 d2 today. 8 minutes seems like a monster task but I’m happy to repeat if needs be. Despite my very slow progress I’m feeling positive; when I began I couldn’t run for 30 seconds. Now I can shuffle for three sets of 5 minutes

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Hello and welcome.

Well done on your progress, you have done brilliantly well.

This forum is the place for help, advice, queries, encouragement etc. People here will do their best to support you, many have lots of experience.

Take a look at this post, there is a lot of trusted advice there.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep posting to let us know how it’s going.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Well done! You keep plugging away nice and steady. It’s relaxing but still very good for mind and body to take yourself off for a run or jog walk run. Whatever you feel like doing. It’s your session and you can use it however you like. That’s what’s so good about being able to just go 😃👍

I shuffled for a long time but it never bothered me. I shuffled in my first ten mile race but I did it. On my recent marathon I shuffled part of it but got to the end. Once you start to pick your feet up you’ll know you've cracked it

Have fun 👍💪😃✔️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done you! Make sure you keep it slow, steady and enjoyable. Pop in some non-impact exercise on rest days too. So helpful for stamina and core strength

[damienair Graduate]

Well done on your progress so far. Your over the half way mark. Enjoy.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Runningkp, trust the program, it works. Every run you do builds up stamina for the next...

Take the run nice and slowly, recover a bit during the walk breaks and go again. nice and steady..

Good luck😊x

[rolysmate Graduate]

Well done and forward you go, so many are surprised by the mental improvement along side the physical

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

Hi Runningkp. Great to read about your progress. You have the spirit to do this and that is amazing! I’d love to watch the Mind Over Marathon program too but I can’t find it available anywhere. Good luck with the C25K

[Runningkp Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

If you do manage to find MOM online it is well worth a watch. Just don’t watch it after a night shift like I did; tears flowed!

[Runningkp Graduate]

Many thanks to everyone for your kind words and support!

I’ve lurked on these boards for a while and “slow and steady” is a phrase I see time and time again. It certainly helped today - I completed W5 R2 and couldn’t be happier!

Im looking forward to following other’s progress and being part of the community.

[Nesha123 Graduate]

Well done! I also do a mixture of 12.5 hour day/night shifts and I found that looking through my diary and planning the runs and sticking to it really helped 😄 I even ran in between night shifts a couple of times... you can appreciate how much commitment that takes 🤣

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Well done for finding this forum and for using C25k - it works! Although I started running again mainly for fitness, the impact it has had on my mental wellbeing is massive. I have suffered with anxiety at different times in my life and running has helped massively with this, as well as improving my self-esteem and confidence. I have since progressed from 5k and last year, at the age of 52, ran my first Half Marathon! Couldn't have done it without discovering couch to 5k, or without the support of the lovely people on this forum. Good luck with the programme - it changes lives! 🙂

Btw I also watched Mind over Marathon - what a moving and inspiring or programme.

[Enjoyingthis Graduate]

You are doing great, keep it up Runningkp! I also started couch to 5k to control my anxiety...it really works!

I did work nights/ day shifts a few years ago and i have to say it affected me very negatively.

Its very hard if you have family at home and you are trying to sleep. Sleeping is so important.

Mind yourself, its amazing your progress!