Week 1 - What Made Me : I had to do it didn't I... - Couch to 5K

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Week 1 - What Made Me

Satsu profile image
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I had to do it didn't I? but every time I needed to go to the gym or for a walk it just wasn't happening - i had so many other things that needed my attention.. and anyway I was standing up when i'm doing all those activities.. at least I was moving, that counts as exercise doesn't it? I was convinced that as long as I was careful about my food, that's all i needed.. but the scales tell you a different story. Be patient I told myself - this is like the endocrine system, to see change I'll have to wait a few weeks.

Time went on and each time my weight only crept up a little, and one by one all my 'other options' fell through. Until I started having back ache and the physio kindly mentioned losing weight wouldn't help. Argh!

So after a tipsy Christmas evening last year two of my 'runner' friends said they were doing the Christmas run - it was just 5k and would anyone like to join? and so the energy in the room got charged and I found myself in Guildford park last Christmas morning wondering what the hell! there were many what the hell's like me that morning but so many who genuinely enjoyed it as well.. another what the hell moment.

One of my friends decided to run with me, at my pace.. which is mostly running slowly and walking mostly. I believe I managed to finish only because the volunteers were picking up the cones from behind me/us. Who cares, I finished my first 5k! couldn't believe i just got up one day and did that!

When I went back to my physio in the new year, he checked my back and said everything was fine! it seems the pathetic skiing (mostly snow-plough) and finishing last in 5k was better for my body! again what the hell?!

So I figured I'd better get on with it. Anything is better than not. I kept telling myself that I would, and before I knew it, it was the 25th of Jan and a month had passed without any run or visit to the gym or anything. I was back in my comfort zone - thinking about fitness more than practicing it. And I believe I could've continued on like this for the rest of my (albeit short) life.

I had to do it, didn't I? So I googled for personal trainers and got myself an early birthday present.. the young lady (Nic) was just what I needed! I've told her all I need her to do is make me run 5k.. but what I really needed was a motivation, because without it all this would be a non starter.

She and I started working out at home or nearby at first, then started doing short runs.. as in really short runs (1/2 k running at a stretch and HIITs afterwards). A lovely colleague of mine (Jane) wanted to walk during lunch time because the sun is out and we never seem to get out.. so off we went - she was a fast walker, so I had to catch up breathless and all. Both with Nic and Jane, I could see things improving over time.. I had to do it, didn't I?

Last week, Nic suggested we start hitting the running rhythm of the app. So we did our first run last week. It wasn't too bad.. to my surprise, and I kept up my now almost daily walking with Jane in the afternoons. Yesterday I had to go for my W1R2.. and I was looking forward to it. Baby steps, but I had to do it. Didn't I?

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Satsu
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5 Replies
telford_mike profile image
telford_mikeGraduate

It sounds like you’re making progress, mentally and physically. Keep it up!

Berksrover profile image
BerksroverGraduate

I was like that for years, running isn't fir5ne, I can't go to the gym with all those toned lads and lasses, but hey presto, 3 months later, couldn't care less what anybody else thinks, running regularly, even doing some strengthening stuff in gyms, all thanks to C25K and this community, good luck with the rest of the programme, keep us posted on your progress

Satsu profile image
Satsu in reply to Berksrover

Thank you Berksrover. I'm looking forward to being where you someday.

DeeRunning profile image
DeeRunningGraduate

Fantastic post! 😀 Great stuff, you're adding so many positive things to your life. Well done, you'll be done with week 1 before you know it. What the hell, indeed! 😁

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

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