What a cracking programme!

[Nackered]

Hi, I thought I'd share my journey through the couch to 5 k programme which I'm very pleased to say I completed a few weeks ago. I continue to run every other day and still follow week 9 as I like the markers that help you get round (my coach was/is Laura, thanks Laura). I have to say I love it and can't recommend it enough to anyone who's giving it a go.

I'm 51 years old and haven't ran since I was a teenager. I like a beer and my food so....Although I've always tried to do a bit of something to keep up some semblance of an exercise programme like many I get fed up. The gym for example - expensive, overcrowded and then the effort to actually go.

I decided to give couch 2 5k a go on recommendation and have to admit that at the beginning I was convinced I'd never get to running for 30 minutes without stopping. Are you kidding me, I was absolutely knackered after the week 1 exercises and the post run stiffness that paralysed my legs almost put me off. Thankfully for me I have my wife as a pace setter who encouraged me to carry on but despite my efforts by the middle of week 3 i developed a pain on the inside of my left knee that stopped me in my tracks and I didn't / couldn't run for another 3 weeks!

On the verge of giving up I decided to invest in a decent pair of running shoes (my old trainers were 10 years old and worn out) which provided and still do provide a cushion that lessens the impact of running and I was greatly encouraged to pick up where I'd left off. Fast forward to week 5 and I was punching the air after running 20 minutes without stopping. Amazing!

On holiday this summer up on the North Yorks coast and I found myself completing week 7 running on a beach (I downloaded an app to check low tide so I could run on flat drained beach) and despite the heat, with an on shore breeze cooling my sweating head it was quite an experience!

So for me completing the programme has been a great achievement. I feel great, can justify a beer and I very much intend to carry on. There's something about stepping out of your own front door at you own convenience that makes running so appealing. So for all of you out there wondering if you'll ever complete it, stick at it and carry on. Good luck and enjoy!

[Bowlofsteam Graduate]

What a wonderful story- thanks for sharing it.

And fabulous that you’ve completed the program and continue to run...👍

[MVBrown Graduate]

Thanks for sharing your real life experience. I too have been bitten by the running bug, currently in week 7. Personally it seems as the weeks are flying by, and I can now run for 25 minutes and enjoying it. I think this makes all the difference coupled with running outdoors.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great story. Bloody well done it is a huge achievement. If only 1% of adults can run a mile, you’re in the top half of that 1%, at 51 with 30 years plus of no running. How amazing is that?

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Thanks for sharing. Don't think us newbies can be told too many times that it will be possible to run for 30 mins. Did my first 90 sec intervals today. 30 mins still feels like a pipe dream.

[Rooster678]

That's amazing - well done you. I'm only on week 2 but generally active. The idea of running 90 seconds daunts me let alone 5k so success stories like yours keep me and I'm sure others motivated to carry on. Keep running and enjoying those beers!

[Dhiny]

Well done and thank you for sharing your story. We all have different reasons for completing C25K and reading other runners stories, the obstacles and elations of getting through those obstacles, really inspire. Happy running xx