I took the next step!

Hello lovely running folk,

I was in two minds about whether to post this on here, but I wanted to encourage everyone, because I know how encouraging I found inspirational posts when I was doing C25K not so long ago.

I have already posted a while back about the massive benefits to my mental health from running, just getting up off the couch, literally, and getting out in the fresh air, running. Being free is great, and having been known as a complete non-athletic type for years and years, the feeling of being able to run for the first time in my life and not keel over has been amazing!

Fast forward a few months. Having been a little in the doldrums after graduating, once the weather got better, I dedided to have a crack at Bridge to 10K. The distances seemed impossible, but I remembered that I felt that about week 1 of C25K, so I committed myself to it and off I went. Long story short, I graduated yesterday having run a whole 10k, without stopping, and in what I consider a reasonable time of 70 minutes.

Why am I saying this? I promise it's not to boast. There are many, many people who have done C25K and progressed much more quickly that I have, run faster, and got to 10k faster. I'm saying this because from my starting point I would never have dreamed of even running 1k. But little by little I was able to work my way up the distances, work on speed a bit, enjoy a couple of stints on the injury couch just for fun, but most importantly I eased my way up in small steps. That's the great thing about Couch to 5K, even though running for half an hour is terrifying, each weekly step is manageable and not out of reach to mere mortals.

There's nothing magical about how to run 10k. Or 5k. Or 30 minutes. If you are doing OK progressing through the weeks of C25K, you CAN do it. Flippin' heck, if I can do it, anyone can.

One more thing you already know: this forum is a Godsend and a lifeline. The love and support this forum and the B210K forum have given me is incredible. Oh - and virtual running buddies are just the best thing ever, isn't that right Sadie-runs ? Sadie has encouraged me, supported me, given me tough love when I've needed it, and just generally been amazing. There are so many wonderful encouragers on this forum.

That's all from me. Happy safe running, and remember the way to run a marathon is one step at a time.

p.s. NO I am NOT planning to run a marathon

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done, Neil. Inspiring.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you Jay, I hope at least this will encourage some people. I remember only too well what it felt like on week 1, thinking what the heck have I let myself in for?! (but maybe with more expletives!!).

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I remember it well. “9 weeks of this? And this is the easy one??” 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

I spent most of the first 5 weeks being terrified of W5R3. Everyone said I'd be ready. I doubted everyone. Everyone was right

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

what a fabulous post Neil..You are so lovely..and now a 10k Graduate too. xxx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Awwww thanks Jan. It all starts with the first step though, right? It occurred to me the other day, running down my familiar towpath route, what a difference 10 months make. I remember really struggling with Week 1 on that exact same stretch of towpath. The thought of running 10k would have been overwhelming. 10k was fun though! Once my legs have stopped screaming at me for mercy, I might even do it again

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

He is lovely. 😁

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Now stop it you two, you'll make me cry, and I don't do that

[Hidden]

Very well put Neil! Inspirational indeed. Great to witness you taking down that 10K. You have proven that with enough motivation and perseverance, it's all possible!

🏆

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hidden ! I'm glad that came across as inspiring as that was what I was aiming for. I feel so much better mentally from running you know, I am actually doing something I feel I can be proud of. The icing on the cake was when I was chatting to one of my real-life running friends, far more experienced than I am, who said that was a decent pace for a 10k. I nearly cried!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You should be proud!! You did this, you, yourself just by putting one foot in front of the other and taking something for yourself! Listen to your friend, for he is wise! 🏃‍♂️💨💨💨

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

“Nearly cried” = he cried. 😂

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Not at all, I just got something in my eye, OK? xxx

[Goforitmama Graduate]

A lovely post. Inspiring and honest. I'm glad running has helped you (it helps my head too). A HUGE well done on achieving your 10k graduation. Stay smiley and keep it real 😎.

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

I'm definitely smiling, I haven't stopped since yesterday, even in my sleep I suspect! But I'm ever so aware of the journey I've come on, and the wonderful wonderful people who have helped me through.

[Hidden]

Ah - that’s so helpful & inspirational- thank you. Just what I needed right now. I too am somewhat “in the doldrums” since graduating- my motivation has packed it’s bags & left. I’m hoping I will find it in France when I go at the end of this month.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I'm sure you've already discovered the C25K+ podcasts, which were great for getting my confidence back, but I did find having a plan and a goal was great. I'm sure you'll find your motivation again, and probably when you least expect it!

[owmeknees]

What a lovely post. Amazing! Well done and thank you for sharing. Stories like yours are so inspirational 👏

[Hidden in reply to owmeknees]

Thank you! I'm just trying to tell it like it is. I'd be lying if I said it was all roses, but taken as a whole this experience has been brilliant on so many levels, and I wouldn't swap it for anything!

[Kar43]

Great and inspiring post Neil

[Hidden in reply to Kar43]

Awww thank you Kar, I just wanted to share some of my journey and encourage people. Hopefully I've done that! I never had myself down as an inspirational speaker though lol

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

And now I am crying! I am not joking when I say it was more important for me to see you reach the 10k mark than reach it myself and I really mean that. Such pluck! Such spirit! And such persistence! And sharing your story so that it gives others inspiration is wonderful. Thanks Neil. You are a top running buddy, the best a gal could hope for, and my ever-present cheerleader. With Pom-poms. xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

I honestly don't know how to reply to that, that's a lovely thing to say! But just because I'm not saying much doesn't mean I'm not feeling it. Thank you doesn't even cover it, dear Sadie.

p.s. I'm rocking the pom-poms, don't you know

[Hotheels Graduate]

That's it.....I'm saving this down to read again and again on my "down" days....

My reason for taking on C25k is twofold:

1) Mental & emotional wellbeing

2) Physical fitness & health

And I'll take weight loss as a bonus if it happens

Your journey is very inspiring - thank you for sharing, I know I will find it the exact "kick up my a*se" on the days I feel like giving up or simply can't be bothered.

I love the peeps in this community......I feel like I've known then for yonks when it's only been a couple of weeks in reality. I've yet to find my "running twin"....but even that doesn't matter much.....the support I've found here has got me this far and I'm confident I'll get fitter both in mind and body - slowly and steadily.

Very amazing what you have achieved since you started.....massive well done mate!!! 👍👍👍🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

PS: Who are you kidding? Of course you're going to plan to run a marathon!!!! 😉😉😉

[Hidden in reply to Hotheels]

Thank you, and I'm glad what I said is helpful. And I totally agree with you about this community. To be fair, most real life runners I've encountered are lovely, my pastor at church (who is a runner) is lovely, but he's telling me all about his preparations for an ultra marathon, so he's a bit out of my league. The people on here just "get it", what it means to be a novice runner, and how the little victories mean so much.

No marathon though! Not this year anyway

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Just Wow! This is so inspiring and just what I need to hear right now! Congratulations Neil, and thank you x

[Hidden in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thank you so much, and if anything I've said encourages you or helps you then I'm thrilled. You can do it!!!

[Flaraflarkin Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Then be thrilled 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Inspirational. huge well done and a great post

As for the marathon.. well... what about half?

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, my favourite running snail!! Don't you forget that you have played no small part in be becoming a runner. Your wise "slow and steady" has helped me turn my life around, turn my mental health around, and turn my general fitness around. I often wonder if you have any idea of the wonderful running legacy you leave behind you? You're wonderful! I really can't wait to see you spring into life off that IC again. You deserve to be running, I know you love it so much.x

[PaulBrad Graduate]

Fantastic post mate - we’ll done!!😀😀😀👍🏻👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to PaulBrad]

Thanks PaulBrad , I really appreciate that. Just trying to give a little back from the huge amount this forum has given me.

[TheGoodWillOut Graduate]

Massive congratulations on reaching 10k. I can completely agree on the benefits of running to people’s mental health, I had a crap, stressful time at work today and as per usual stressful days wasn’t in a great mood when I got home and getting annoyed with the smallest things. Decided to put my trainers on and get out into the fresh air, within 2 minutes it was like a huge weight had been lifted, 5k later got home and I was the complete opposite to how I departed.

This running lark is mentally brilliant for you and I’d recommend it to anyone

[Hidden in reply to TheGoodWillOut]

Thank you, and YES! I totally agree! Mentally, it's fantastic. And hats off to you for running after work, as I often struggle with that due to being too tired. Brilliant!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant post Hidden ...just what the C25k’ers need...I know posts like this worked for me...and still do! Keep going everyone you’re all doing fab x

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks Mummycav , yes you are all doing fab! I've not forgotten how encouraging it was to see your own progress too, I remember being thrilled when you graduated x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

How lovely that we’re all so interested in reach others journey?? Graduate 10 next eh??!!! Not long now Hidden 😉

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Yes indeed, graduate 10 for you! I was thinking you'd gone quiet, then I noticed all these posts on your profile. For some reason even though I'm following you it didn't tell me. Grrrr!!! i will catch up, I promise!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I thought you’d gone quiet too.....I’m not known for being quiet!! 😂

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

😂 I didn’t picture you being the shy retiring type for some reason!!

[Tartiflette Graduate]

A lovely post. Spot on. Congratulations on another awesome milestone 😊

[Hidden]

Thank you so much Tartiflette . Actually, over 6 of them

I've just looked at your profile... congratulations on your graduation too, you must be so chuffed. I notice from your profile you mention a moor fire. Are you by any chance near Oldham or Rivington? I live near Manchester and work in Chorley, so I am quite familiar with those fires. You aren't affected too badly are you?

[Tartiflette Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Aw thank you, I am chuffed, & I found these sorts of inspirational posts kept me going when the going got tough!

I'm not far from Bolton, it's been quite smoky but thank goodness it's finally raining tonight!!

[Hidden in reply to Tartiflette]

Ooh yes you are near. I work on Buckshaw Village, the smoke was drifting that way last week, quite worrying. Glad it’s under control now, or seems to be.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Great post thanks Neil. 😃

I heard you say that you are planning a marathon with pom-poms, - excellent!! We await the photos. 😄

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

Might be a while on that one!! Not convinced I’ll be ready for a half marathon this year, need to work on strength first.

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

But thank you for replying, I love the way your kind comments just appear out of nowhere and make me smile!

[Alanist Graduate]

Glad you decided to post this and congratulations on your 10k, fantastic achievement. A very inspiring read.😊

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Well done 316neil , firstly on your graduation to 10K and secondly on your inspirational post.

I am still sitting on the bridge, not yet sure whether I wish to run further than my 5k. I don’t think this is because I am scared of going further but I’m taking account my age, my dodgy knees and ankle and experience on the IC. I am so much fitter than I was when I started this journey and that was the reason I started on it. So even if I just continue with 3 runs a week it is helping to prevent a stroke or diabetes.

Good luck with your next journey.

[Ripcurlrana71]

Fantastic and inspiring post Hidden . You have done amazingly! We all start as meer mortals and progress on in so many ways. From distance, speed to competitive races coupled with love for running, new friendships and fitter happier selves both mentally and physically. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊

[Beccym Graduate]

Running keeps me sane. If I have had a bad day I can run it off.

I have found it has made me more confident and I talk to people I wouldn't have before, as the running community is a friendly one.

I like you started couch to 5k. Now have run several 8k and 10k cross country runs and 2 halfs

Still never running a Marathon though.

Happy running

[Dralimc Graduate]

Congratulations and it’s great to read posts like yours, they help me keep going. So maybe not a marathon but a half???? I did first PG run last night, 3.8km in 33mins, so some way to go to 5k, but extraordinarily happy with what I’ve achieved. I never want to stop now. 😊🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

[Hidden in reply to Dralimc]

Thank you so much Dralimc

Congratulations on your graduation and your first run, well done for pushing to 33 minutes, and nearly 4k too. If you do some consolidation work, and Couch to 5k+ is a brilliant way to do that, you should find your pace increasing. I'm really glad you enjoy running. You have every right to be very proud.

Neil

[Dralimc Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks 😊

[quirkybee Graduate]

Hi Neil

I doubt myself before every run, but being here, friends with you Neil and all the other lovely folk on here, makes a massive difference.

I'm not on here that much as I'm laden with work, 2 pips and life in general, feeling up and then feeling quite down, as I have been of late, but each day, I see an inspiring post in my email from you, old floss, mummy cave, Sadie, Flick and all you other lovely buddies that are too many to mention but in my mind I know who you are and it gives me hope personally and for my running.

Keep the positivity going Neil, you're another champion in my eye xx 😊👍

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

You are wonderful and inspiring yourself too, you are yet another C25K mate who I really look up to actually, both as a runner, and as a person. Ok?

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Aww, most definately okay Neil. Thank you. As you've mentioned too, it's a massive benefit to our mental health, something that I think many suffer problems with, but don't feel that they can share their experience. I for one kniw what it's like to be at rock bottom and would never have thought that running would in the slightest improve mental wellbeing. BUT IT DOES!! That for me is one of the biggest improvements, so fir those of us who have these low moments let's all embrace one another and run fir ea h other each time we venture out. That's going to be my positive streak from the next run onward.

Hang in there Neil, like I said, you're a champion in my eye so glad we found each other and everyone else on here x 😁🤗