As a new graduate, I can definitely vouch for all the direct benefits the C25k programme brings......improved fitness, a sense of wellbeing, muscle strengthening, stamina building, gradual weight loss over time....it's an impressive list!
But.....there are equally important side-benefits that deserve a mention too.
The first of these that announced itself to me was "patience"......something I've never been good at. With a knee niggle becoming more pronounced the week before I was meant to graduate, I was forced to be patient and give my body time to heal.....it was frustrating to wait around, but it was so worth it because I ran my first 5k in 47mins, as soon as I felt able to run after a week long break.
Today I came across another side-benefit......appreciating the importance of hydration........I woke up bright and early and after having an amazing 44min run the last time covering 5.59k, I thought I would smash today's run.
But I found that I struggled.....I only managed to run for 25mins before I had to stop. My legs felt heavy, my calves were aching, my arch-pain was back and I just felt blah.
At first I wasn't sure why....but then remembered that I had a few drinks with my dinner last night and didn't hydrate enough with water later on. So, I'm pretty sure that this was the underlying reason as to why today's run was pretty rubbish.
I know I have rambled on a bit.....but I guess the point I'm trying to make is to give enough importance to these additional benefits you get with C25k......listen to your body, treat it well by keeping it well nourished and hydrated......and keep the faith!!!
Wherever you are in your journey and however you are running - stay safe and have fun!!!!🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♂️😍😍😍👍👍👍😁😁😁
Week 5, Runs 1 and 2
Week 1 run 3
With side benefits :)
Week 9 Run 3 completed.
