Energy

[Sadie-runs]

Feeling a bit reflective today, thinking about when I first started C25K back in August 2017. My very first post on here was when I got to week 4, and it was all about how knackered I was! I felt energised after each run in the morning, but by lunchtime I was yawning at my desk, exhausted. Also, it took me a couple of days for the muscle aches to abate. I posted because I wanted to know if it would always be this way. I now smile fondly at my former new runner self, because of all the energy I have now!

Not sure when this transformation happened, but have really noticed this week how zippy I am the day of my run! I run early, at around 6:15am, then shower and dash to work for 9:30am. At 4pm I am still buzzing from my run, and full of energy. I feel much sharper mentally, but best of all, I feel calm and measured - which is excellent as I generally have deadlines most days and lots of demands and stresses.

My legs no longer ache for 2 days - if anything, they feel strong and bouncy.

All this from just going for a run three times a week.

I don’t post this to toot my own horn. Thousands of us do this every week. I am posting to encourage all new runners to keep going, no matter how tough it can feel sometimes, because it does get better, and the rewards of sticking with it are HUGE!

Have a lovely day you lovely running people. 🏃‍♀️😘

[misswobble Graduate]

More springy is how I described myself.

Well done! 😃💪👍🏃‍♀️

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks Miss W. All credit goes to this forum and the invaluable support I received (and continue to receive) when I did C25K! x

[Nictwit Graduate]

This is just what I needed after my morning run, confirmation it will get easier! Thank you ☺

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Nictwit]

😀 Not always easier (I still have a duff run now and then when it feels hard - that’s when mental stamina and stick-with-it-ness comes in handy!) but definitely more manageable and pleasurable! Keep going, it gets very exciting! x

[TedG Graduate in reply to Nictwit]

Not getting easier, it’s you getting stronger 💪🤗

[Hidden]

I had that tiredness too. I've got it back a bit after my 6k run last Sunday, plus the slightly twingy knees and calves, so I know I need an extra rest day or two and to back off a bit. I suspect, if we continue to push, the goals will keep opening out and the opportunity is there to improve more and get knackered again to a degree. Mostly I have the energy buzz nowadays though.

Thank you so much for posting this. It's inspirational and a great motivation for those moving up to graduation and beyond xxx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I think you suspect correctly! I will start to push myself a little more in the spring. For now, I am pretty content where I am, in the happy zone. 😀 Extra rest days are a great idea, Flick! You are doing grand. xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks you dearest Sadie xxx

[davelinks Graduate]

After my midday runs I'd be knocked out and would have a kip in the afternoon, not now though, nearly always feel more energy, after the recovery of the run I feel swifter moving and walk faster..😊

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Lovely post Sadie . I am increasing my mileage in readiness for a HM so I am often knackered at the moment. It will be worth it though.

For those doing C25k and feeling it - as Sadie says, it does get better!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks Whatsapp. Good luck with your HM training – I am impressed! You will certainly be getting fitter, so maybe the knackeredness will abate at some point...x

[Hidden]

You are so right on the increased energy and coping with stress better. For me both have made my life so much better. Nice post and ice running too

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I have to say, this is the most positive change I have made in my life in years, Jan. x

[bitseybloom Graduate]

I usually feel great after a run, maybe not really energized, but relaxed, and happy about what I'm capable of. The only thing is that I can suddenly get very cold within an hour after a run, even though I take a hot shower immediately on my return, and sometimes I keep shivering for several hours, despite being dressed as warmly as I can.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to bitseybloom]

Oh how strange! I have not heard of this phenomenon before. Does it worry you? If so, a chat with your GP could be helpful. x

[Squeakypoptest Graduate]

Thank you! How long did it take to feel like that?!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Squeakypoptest]

Not entirely sure – but think it was towards the latter end of C25K, like week 7 or 8. I also started to drink loads more water during this period, and I think that has also had a positive effect on my energy levels...x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go you... well done... and this is why this programme should be prescribed by GPs

Very well done... and how super that you are getting so many benefits from this... good for other people to read this too

Thanks for posting this

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Indeed, couldn’t agree more, Floss. 😀 And thank you. x

[SlowLoris]

Great post. I often feel like I'm not really progressing until I look back. Everyone knows how much this Loris hates hills. So why did I detour down to the beach yesterday just so I could run back up the hill? Weird.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to SlowLoris]

Because you loves to run, Loris, you loves to run. 😀

[TedG Graduate]

A very inspiring post as always Sadie 😊

You joined the the forum at the same point as me, W4 and I too was concerned about being breathless!

All the help and support I’ve received from this forum has egged me on on my continuing journey 🏃🏃

Happy Running Sadie 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to TedG]

This is a fantastic place, indeed. Happy running to you too, dear Ted. 😘

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

This is so nice to hear. The benefits that you feel in just a few months since graduating are amazing. Long may it continue.

Liz x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

Oh I do hope it continues, Lilybeth! x

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Toot away! You should, you are doing amazingly, in spite of your IC set backs an' all. It's good to reflect, we can take it all for granted, powering on for the next big thing, sometimes without realising how blinking awesome we all are! Getting up early, getting it done, improving, getting stronger, dealing with injury. And most of us just ordinary peeps with very little prior fitness. I definitely wouldn't be running now if it wasn't for this forum and all the support we give each other x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Hi FPF! Weirdly, I think my stint on the IC has actually helped me, mentally. I definitely pay more attention to what my body is telling me (apart from when it yells “hey lady, eat more cake!” That I ignore.) And it has taught me that even if you are out with injury for a period of time, it’s okay, you can work back up again. 😀

Managed 28 mins in the pouring rain this morning. Felt like Wonder Woman again. I want a Wonder Woman running outfit. Or Captain Marvel. Her outfit is cool!

Hope all is well with you, dear Fishy. xxx

[Fishypieface Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Haha! There is so much to learn from this running lark. So glad you are back on track me dear and loving it! 😊xx