Side benefits

[Hotheels]

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!!!!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️😍😍😍👍👍👍😁😁😁

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Nice post... we overlook the side benefits so much I hadn’t noticed patience! I’ve sat on the IC twice in quick succession and yeah, I waited, the old me would have pushed my knees too far and been out for weeks.

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Yes lots of benefits, both physical and psychological 😊 Important to remember also that no 2 days are ever the same, and therefore no 2 runs are ever the same 😊

[Hotheels Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Yes!!!! Onwards and upwards.......can't wait to smash my next run!!!!👊👊👊😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Wise words Hotheels! You’re right in every respect. 👍🏻 I’m just generally a more relaxed person, and I wasn’t even stressed before! 😀

Sorry your run wasn’t up to scratch today, but at least you know why! There will be more lovely runs, you know that! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️❤️

Drink loads of 💧💧💦💦💦💦 whenever you, especially after 🍷!! 😀😀🏃‍♀️

[Hotheels Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

The memory of today's run and that gutted feeling will make sure I keep drinking water to stay hydrated.....I'm really rubbish at drinking water....this will definitely reach me as I am so excited about running!!!!😊

[Runip Graduate]

It's not a bad run if it teaches you something 😊 and 25 minutes is still plenty of running.

Your next run won't know what hit it!

[Hotheels Graduate in reply to Runip]

That is the hope, Ru!!! 😊

Really itching to run tomorrow....but I'm going to be patient and save it for Saturday when we're back home......

Fingers crossed.....will be a run that I can be proud of!!!

[Runip Graduate in reply to Hotheels]

I have every confidence 👍

Have a good trip home 😊

[Hotheels Graduate in reply to Runip]

Thanks my sweets x

[Christianne57 Graduate]

Great post! Wholeheartedly agree!

Doing C25K has definately been life changing for me, physically and mentally.

Completing C25K and sticking with it after graduating was a huge achievement for me as I have, in the past, been very quick to give up because I felt I was too old/not good enough/Not capable etc.

Me ... a runner. . . Nah! That's what other people do....... glad I was wrong 😊😊

[Hotheels Graduate in reply to Christianne57]

Yes!!! That's exactly what I mean.....

Never being sporty ever......finally finding something that I can do and enjoy....and keep doing to improve.....I have finally understood why some people love exercise!!!!

I can't believe that in a mere 2 months, I'm adapting my routine to fit my running in like a clockwork!

Running has helped me realise that I CAN put myself first and be happy about it.....as all too often I tend to put the kids and everything else first...

There is so much C25k has given me......it's definitely a life-changer!!!😊