One year on.........

[lardofale]

Hi running family!

1 year ago today I wandered out of my front door into an unknown world. Clad in a pair of old shorts, a cotton tee shirt and my trusty old Nike Air trainers this was to be C25K week 1 run 1. What would it be like? Am I mad? Will it be painful? Will I regret it?

Well a couple of days later I found this website and posted thus:

"Hi gang! I completed my second c25k session of week 1 yesterday and am thoroughly enjoying it!

The app has sat on my phone for almost a year whilst I plucked up the courage/motivation to use it. Chiefly I felt that being badly overweight would lead to me just giving up quickly and just deleting it as a bad job.

After sensibly losing 49lbs since May 2016 I took on the challenge. Well 1 minute doesn't seem so long now! Good music hides the heavy breathing and regular encouragement from Michael Johnson feels personal!

The sense of achievement and the energy I feel for the rest of the day make it thoroughly worthwhile! "

Wind the clock forward a year and 1 half marathon, 36 park runs, umpteen sub 30 minute 5ks, dozens of 10ks later you could say that the answers to my first day questions were all positive! The changes in clothing to include running shoes and figure hugging lycra (Oh yeah, it's as bad as it sounds!!) are the minor changes, my physical & mental well being are in a different league and my thighs can bend lamp posts!

If you're starting out on the journey, well done and good luck. If you've finished the programme and want to continue then there are loads of friends on here to keep you on your toes.

Good luck everyone!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

1 word WOW

[lardofale Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

That's a good word for it! I still think that when I tie my laces up and think back a year!

Good luck for week 9, looks like your on course!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to lardofale]

I will have more than one word this time Lardofale, but as you say to have had thought to yourself as being mad that first week and then go on to achieve all you have in that past year is amazing. To complete a half marathon, 36 park runs with so many sub 30 minutes is as I wrote on my first post a really big WOW. Tomorrow I start on my final week of C25K, so far I have kept 100% to the program and not needed to repeat any runs. Hopefully, once I complete run 3 and graduate, I will as they say consolidate with a few 30 minute runs then up it to 40 minutes gradually by the 10% rule which I think is increasing the running by 3 minutes a week. Once I am up to 40 minutes I will run on a recognised 5K route that I know and was a spectator at last year near to where I live, but I doubt if I will be able to run a 30-minute sub 5k on that course, more like 40 minutes despite my weight at a reasonable 10st 5 lbs.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

It sounds like you've hit on the perfect formula. Precisely how I did it, no biting off too much too soon. This programme not only sorts out your ability to run for certain amounts of time but subtly tunes your brain into sticking to a tried and tested formula, an ability which should carry on after graduation. It worked a treat for my half marathon training and stopped me from trying to run 10 miles before I could run 5! Best of luck for this week, that graduate badge is within your grasp!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to lardofale]

An update to you Lardofale, this morning 13th June between 9 am and 9.30 am I completed run 1 of week 9, the 30 minute non-stop run, according to my app I ran it at a 07.13/km pace compared to a 08.44/km pace for run 3 of week 7 which was the 25 minute one.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Fantastic, well done! Once you settle into a nice comfortable rhythm you'll find that the pace increases bit by bit, great work so far!

[mrrun Graduate]

Rock on, man!

[lardofale Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Still rockin' it fella!

[Grimreaper]

Just wow... 👍👍 amazing and nice way to put it across ... you are role model for ppl like us who are still on crossroads of going ahead or going back ..

thanks a lot

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Grimreaper]

Thank you! That's nice of you to say. Believe in yourself and enjoy it, don't try to be Mo Farah or Kelly Holmes. Those folks are robots!!!

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate]

Inspirational - thank you

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Dizzysmum17]

Thank you! If I inspire people then I'm delighted and a little bit humbled! Enjoy your running, that couch is a thing of the past!!

[WineLover99]

Well done you that is amazing 👍

[lardofale Graduate in reply to WineLover99]

Thank you! Good luck with your C25K journey, looks like you're on track to smash it!

[Hidden]

Fabulous & very inspiring- thank you.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! The running bug took hold pretty quickly, I wouldn't even run to the chip shop before so it's a massive change in my lifestyle. If my story inspires you and others then I'm chuffed! Good luck to you! ;0)

[Lola333 Graduate]

Great to hear your positive experience and that your enjoying and keeping going, thank you for sharing, happy running x

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Lola333]

Thank you. I'm a pretty positive chap generally but the running certainly tests it at times. It's all for the better though, well I tell myself that at 5 in the morning when I'm running up hill in the rain!! Good luck to you ;0)

[Reeves32]

So inspirational!

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Reeves32]

Thank you! Glad to be of service! Good luck to you :0)

[Susietirzah78 Graduate]

Well done! I hope to be where you are in a years time too!

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Susietirzah78]

Thank you! Well you've done the hard bit, that's a fantastic achievement well done to you!

You might like to check out the Bridge to 10k group on here too at some point but just enjoy basking in the glow of success for now!!

[Ang33333 Graduate]

You are inspirational. Thank you! 😀

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Thank you, you're too kind. I remember reading the stuff written by people who had done it or were doing it when I started last June and thinking the same thing. I'm chuffed to think people are using my story in the same way ;0)

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Happy first runniversary lardofale😎...

You are doing fantastic things with your running...a real inspiration of what is possible.

(I remember your first post😆)

Happy running always 😊x

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Hey Jan! Thank you for that! Time flies when you're having fun doesn't it! My graduation runniversary is in August so I'm going to be greedy and celebrate that too!

Hope all's well with you and happy running ;0) x

[Jojobe71]

Wow what an achievement and definitely an inspiration. I’m on w6 R2 and I’m definitely starting to get the feeling of becoming addicted. I can definitely tell what a difference it is making both physically and mentally and this is from someone who just couldn’t run for toffee. Well done.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Jojobe71]

Thank you! You're on the home straight, strange to say that when the time increases but I found that to be the fun bit with those pesky walking bits finally out of the way! Allow yourself a smug smile as you power past the initiated pedestrians! ;0)

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fantastic! That's exactly what we need to hear 👍😁

[lardofale Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you! I hope it helps, I'm still amazed that I've done it. I've even entered another half marathon for this October, perhaps I am mad after al....! ;0)

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to lardofale]

Not just you... my sister in law does Ultras... makes my measly 10k look like a Sunday stroll! 🤣🤣🤣 it's whatever makes each of us happy... we can't all be the same 👍😁

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Wow! All that within a year! And Lycra too! Well done 😃

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

Thank you! I wouldn't imagine the lycra bit, it's not a pretty sight even for me! ;0)

[Cianalas]

What a great post. My thighs can bend lampposts - that's hilarious!

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Cianalas]

Ha ha! Almost broke my hand slapping them the other day! ;0)

[Hidden]

Happy Runniversary lardofal!. This running business is epic and so are you! I just had my 1st running birthday the other week too. I cant believe how starting with one little minute run has been the first step in changed lives

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and you're too kind! Happy belated runniversary to you!!! I couldn't have put the rest of your comments any better! ;0)

[amalthea52 Graduate]

This is awesome inspiration, thanks

[lardofale Graduate in reply to amalthea52]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. It's been a long and sweaty journey but it's worth it! Good luck to you, that graduate badge is in sight!

[lardofale Graduate]

Ha thank you! It's mad isn't it?! It's almost as if I've taken the lift in Westworld from lazyworld to running nut job world! Fewer killer robots though! ;0)

[icklegui Graduate in reply to lardofale]

aaaah I'm catching up on Westworld while reading the forum ...! Great post lardofale. Happy running!

[Rignold]

Well done, fellah! that's an impressive life turnaround. We'll even forgive you those gloves.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Thank you sir! It was a slog to start with but it's definitely been worth it. As for the gloves it's chilly by the sea............slopes off wishing he'd uploaded a no gloves version :0)

[Kar43]

Happy runniversary 🏃🏃‍♀️lardofale

Very inspiring 😊

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Kar43]

Thank you! A celebration which baffles normal people 👍😉

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Thanks for sharing. That’s inspirational.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you! I hope people can get some inspiration from what I've written. My other posts follow a similar pattern but that's because I'm so pleased with what I've got out of C25K👍April 2016 I was 18 stone and a non runner, now I'm 13 stone 12 and love running 🤘 as I say "If I can, anyone can!!"

[owmeknees]

Amazing, truly inspirational post. Thanks for sharing 👏👏👏

[lardofale Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

Thank you! Lots of people are saying that, I'm a little bit blown away by the responses 👍 I've been lucky enough to stay injury free too which has allowed me to do all of that stuff. C25K is a game changer, hope your post graduation running is going well 😁

[Eiralas Graduate]

Thank you for sharing your story - really inspirational and encouraging

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Eiralas]

Thank you, there isn't a big enough drum to bang for this programme is there?! Hope you're still enjoying lacing those running shoes 😉👍

[Eiralas Graduate in reply to lardofale]

Yes this programme is really fantastic Only just graduated so finding my way, via a small detour to the IC. Hope to be back out there as soon as I'm allowed!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Hi lardofale, Thank you so much for your one year on post. It is lovely to hear from those who have continued. I have just read many of your posts to glean come more about your journey. You certainly seem to have found something you enjoy and have progressed amazingly. Wow! And double wow!I think that I particularly noticed how you stayed slow and steady for quite a while. I'm in week 3 of post grad and run before 6am. It is amazing how one's behaviour can change. I was wondering what cold dark mornings would be like, so can see that audio books would help. My tech skills are lacking, so I have shall have to look into that. All the very best for your onward running journey. 🏃🏃🏃

[lardofale Graduate in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you for your response, that's a fantastic piece 👍 I was full of doubt at first but being a determined chap I persevered and managed to get through the programme in 9 weeks. The post graduation stuff I just got on with without any real plan but quickly settled into a routine. The odd goal or two helps give a little extra focus. Good to see you are getting going post grad, good luck and happy running 😁👍

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Ah... so YOU are responsible for the vandalised lampposts...😂

Great post thanks - what an inspiration and encouragement.

Happy, happy runniversary! 😄

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Damn, rumbled! 💪😁 Thank you, very happy to help my fellow runners keep their mojo 👍😉

[carmour1983 Graduate]

Wow, loved reading your post and seeing how far you have come. Posts like this definitely help me stay focussed on my journey 👍

[lardofale Graduate in reply to carmour1983]

Cool! 😎 i got so much inspiration and encouragement during my C25K experience that I thought people might like some back, glad to help 😉

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Great post 😊!

[lardofale Graduate in reply to DebJogsOn]

Why thank you mam! 😉 Hope you're enjoying the running life, there are plenty of us mad folks about! 😁

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to lardofale]

I'm loving my 'new life'. I run every other day and have enjoyed getting to 10k. I'm fitter, have lost weight, look better and best of all manage my work stress and feel more positive about everything.

Would never have believed it last August when I shambled out for Wk1 R1 in leisure shoes with zips on!! 😊😂

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

So good to hear about your amazing journey. That’s so inspiring. Half marathon! Go you!!! Well done and thanks for sharing your story and encouragement! ❤️

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you mam! It's worth being freaked out by reflected cats eyes (real ones in hedges! 😱) at 4:30 in the morning in darkest winter when training for a half marathon, honest!! 😀

Good luck with your running journey 😉👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to lardofale]

I’m in awe Sir! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[Debsy2008 Graduate]

It’s fab to see such long term changes, that’s what I hope for having just completed, a few weeks enjoying 30 min then new goals 👌🏼

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Debsy2008]

It's totally worth it, you'll love it. That shiny graduate badge next to your name is a thing of beauty isn't it? ;0)

[Hidden]

Brilliant stuff it is such a great program and happy runniversary.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jan, hope all's well with you. I don't have the tunes with me as often as I used to but I do enjoy dipping into your lists from time to time!

[Decker]

Fantastic, man! Happy runniversary! What an epic journey you’ve had.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Decker]

Thank you! It's been a blast! My next target is to join the sub 60 minute 10km club with the elite such as yourself!! ;0)

[Decker in reply to lardofale]

With the path you are on I am sure you will do that and so much more!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Well done on all your acheivements. Its great to be able to reflect over that first year. On that first day. I bet you never though you would be completing a HM?

Your post shows those just starting just out how much this program can change lives.

[lardofale Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thank you and absolutely, what a difference a year makes! That HM experience was an eye opener, I'm looking forward to the next one!

Hopefully people reading this post will take some inspiration from it.