One run to go!!

[Penelopesimmons]

So - I used to be a runner! Around 6 years ago I could do 10k in 54 minutes. But I gradually stopped enjoying it due to a busy work life and 8 children, plus having a partner who could run marathons trying to encourage me to go further and longer - which took the pleasure away. Since then I have tried to get back in to it, but I always failed miserably.

Looking back now the reason for these repeated failures was me expecting far too much too quickly.

I started this programme and found the first runs agonising - no wonder I hadn’t been able to manage to run like my old self as I had been trying to do!

This programme has been challenging but hugely enjoyable. At the ripe old age of 49 and three stones over weight - I decided to follow it religiously. I often needed two and sometimes three rest days to prevent small niggles and aches in my knee and back from becoming more serious. However since the end of week six I have been running a couple of extra minutes - so by week eight I was happily doing 30-32 minutes. The first two runs of week nine I carried on just a little more, but slowed down, in order not to push too hard. Yesterday I did 5k in 35 minutes! I feel really pleased and will repeat this early this week.

My point is that although I am more than one minute slower per km than at my best - the enjoyment is there. My body is coping and will hopefully continue to strengthen.

This is a truly fabulous programme that has put me back in control of my running and taught me that patience is required to get the end result!

Sorry for the long post - but I just wanted to let someone in on this fabulous feeling x

[Hidden]

Wow! Eight children, hats off to you. My three were enough. So glad you've got your love of running back. Before starting the programme I hadn't run for 30 years. Somehow I enjoy it even more now. There's something very liberating about it.

[Penelopesimmons Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It is great to have head space - I am really glad you are enjoying running again!

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Hi Penelope! Congratulations on getting so far through this program!

You deserve a medal! 🥇

It should definitely be about the enjoyment and all the lovely health benefits that come with it.

Who are you running with? I’m with Sarah. Just finished week 7. I will stick with her all the way.

As this looks like your first visit here I can heartily recommend reading some of the pinned posts especially what to do following C25K. I know I’ve not finished yet but I have read it and it is fascinating reading!

Good luck with your graduation run and beyond!

[Penelopesimmons Graduate in reply to _SimonT_]

Hi Simon - I run with Laura - found her just right for me. I also use map my run and have my playlist on Spotify - seems to take 10 minutes just to set the apps running!

Well done in finishing week seven - how you found it as easy/difficult as you thought?

[_SimonT_ Graduate in reply to Penelopesimmons]

Hi Penelope! So sorry for this belated reply!

I have found the program pleasantly challenging. Not all easy but lots of big rewards and overall a great experience!

I can see from your name that you have graduated!

Huge congratulations! Woo hoo! 🎉🎊🎉🎊 very well done!

You must be so happy and proud of yourself! I’ve just done W8R1 tonight so still a couple of weeks to go.

Good luck with all your future running! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

lovely big family you have, you could start up your own athletic club with your own children and compete with each other starting with 5k races and eventually get to marathons.