Been there, done that and it's not so bad.........

[GabeC]

So yes I finally completed my c25k just over two weeks ago and if honest I’m still unsure whether to be more happy or simply relieved......

It did take an extra week but that was due to having to go back to Ireland for a funeral half way through and the fact that I chose only to run Sat, Mon and Wed due to a combination of work commitments and lifestyle.

Me, well I’m a 55 year old Irish guy and I’d NEVER EVER run over 100m in my life and that was back in my school days. The truth is, not for one moment did I think that I would actually attempt this never mind complete it. For lots of reasons my lifestyle had to change and being one who enjoys a few too many beers and full red wines, unfortunately I had to try cut such social activities back to just a couple of days a week and yes find a happy medium.

Everyone one of us has their own reasons to undertake challenges like this, some take it more seriously than others and quite rightly so. Personally and honestly I really just wanted to excuse the medical reasons and simply be able to justify to myself that if I pushed and did some hard exercise by way of running, something that was alien to me, then maybe I could still over indulge in my other great socialising hobby!

What happened along the way was a bigger shock than I ever expected as after a couple of weeks for the first time, outside of hangovers, my body started having a go at me much more than my better half by way of telling me to stay off alcohol prior to running - like FFS!

Anyway, I got there in the end and yes of course I’m still drinking and thinking I’m my sons age, but only once, twice max per week and more importantly I’m still continuing to run my 5K albeit slowly, at least twice a week. I still dread the thought of getting started but once I finish, albeit knackered, I do feel so much better.

So basically my point is no, you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle, you simply have to make an effort and everyone’s effort is different from the next person, just like everyone’s reason is different to the next one. There will be good days and there will be bad days and sure there’s no harm in falling off the wagon every now and again as long as you can get right back on after.

So yes, if an ole git with issues like me can do it anyone can.

Rules, there are no rules...............

Sláinte

Gabe