Proof c25k works!: So about 3 months ago I... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Proof c25k works!

gwrunner18 profile image
gwrunner18Graduate
8 Replies

So about 3 months ago I embarked on c25k. I could barely complete the 30 second stints and the 90 seconds in week 2 weren’t great either but I stuck at it.

Before c25k, I was anything but fit. My only exercise was walking from the house to the car, car to the office and back again. I was in no way active and was always going to start ‘tomorrow’, ‘ on Monday’, ‘next week’, ‘next month’, ‘next year’ etc.

In February/March I decided the only way I was going to do this was to sign up for an event to get me motivated. Probably should have done a 5k or something but went for a half marathon 😂 It did the trick and got me going!

C25k has been challenging. The 5 minute run, the 8 minute run, the HOW AM I GOING TO RUN 20 MINUTE RUN?! All challenging in their own merit, but each run is building you up for the next one. There were times I wanted to pack it in, the alarm went off and I couldn’t be bothered, I was tired etc etc. But I stuck at it and 3 months later o finished the program and boy does it feel great!!

Over the course of the program I had a week or two off with things like holiday, illness, work, general life etc but each time picked off where I left off and got the end 😁 I think these little rests meant I could go that little bit futher when I started again. Over the course of the last few runs, I pushed myself to finish the next mile at the end of the allotted time, getting a little further each time and sometimes failing to do more than the program asked.

The end result? I have posted my first post graduation run below. This Is proof that c25k works, I could not have gotten to where I am without it and owe it all to c25k and Laura for coaching me through it.

If you are reading this for inspiration, I hope it does that. I know not everyone will get to the same distance at the end, there are those who will achieve way more and there are those that think I am mad but whoever you are, keep going and enjoy the journey!

Some additional benefits - I have stopped snoring (my wife’s favourite part of it all 😂) and lost a stone in the process. I sleep better and feel better when I get up in the morning - most days anyway 😂

🛋 2 5 k 🏃‍♂️

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gwrunner18 profile image
gwrunner18
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8 Replies
Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate

I found your post very inspirational.....I have a real issue with believing that I can complete C25K......that's simply because I've never engaged in any type of sport before (willingly, at least!!!!)

But...."hearing" real people like you talk about their journey is very reassuring for people like me.

Thank you for sharing!!! 👍

gwrunner18 profile image
gwrunner18Graduate in reply to Hotheels

I honestly can’t remember the last time I did any physical activity before doomed c25k. I think it’s great for people of all capabilities to get running.

Good luck 😁

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to gwrunner18

Thank you.....I'll need it today for sure!!!

Fountain profile image
Fountain

Well done!

Gives hope to us all especially those at the start of our journey...

gwrunner18 profile image
gwrunner18Graduate in reply to Fountain

Enjoy the journey. It really works!

Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
Robert_IS_a_RunnerGraduate

Thanks for sharing your experience- it really does give hope that one day I will be in a similar position. Tomorrow I will be exactly half way through the programme so it seems possible!

gwrunner18 profile image
gwrunner18Graduate in reply to Robert_IS_a_Runner

Amazing. There were times in the program that I thought I would pack it in. One day it will just click and you will be a runner! Good luck for the rest of the program :)

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate

Congratulations! Hope you're still buzzing!

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