Couch to 10K (not a typo!)

[Equi-geek]

Hi everyone!

Just thought I should post in here that I ran 10K last night for the first time in my life - and I started with W1R1 on 14th May 2018.

I was knackered after my first run, doubting I could get to the end of the programme and wondering how on earth I could have let myself get so fat and unfit. I started out of spite, because I am an equine consultant, my horse had just died and I couldn’t ride a horse anymore through arthritis. But the NHS said the hip wasn’t bad enough to replace - so I set about making it bad enough. Not a great attitude, but it’s true.

End of week 2, I power-walked the whole way round Park Run in just under 48min. End of week 3 my knees started complaining after I ran some of the ParkRun. My hip was in sympathy with my knees. I was still running with a backpack or bum-bag and the trainers I walk the dog in. Then I came into the forum and I was hooked.

Over the next few weeks I started using new stretches for my knees, I got gait analysis done, new shoes, loads of ideas about how to make the next run better and before too long I was celebrating a 20 minute run!

Weeks 7-9 were just about doing enough to make it to the end, stay off the IC, but I also started to find the mental space during a run. My knees were complaining, my hip was aching, but I kept learning from the people in here, being careful, exploring different ways of running and I kept going. The weight finally started to shift.

When I graduated, I ran the whole Park Run: 5k!! In about 38 minutes - and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Then I met the wonderful Fabulous450 in person at the PR and got to know who was local to me on here. I switched to the Bridge to 10K and started training for the Great South Run this month.

I’ve now burned off about 18lbs of lard since I started running and nearly 3st since last Christmas. When I weighed myself today I’m no longer classified as ‘obese’. But, while I started out just wanting to be thinner and a bit fitter before my 50th birthday, next week, I’ve gained so much more by running and hanging out in here with you lovely people.

So, stay curious when things don’t go to plan, not disheartened. Focus on your health, not your weight so much- the weight loss WILL happen, effortlessly, when your metabolism wakes up. Eat to help you run and the rest will follow. And remember ‘the only one who can beat me, is me’ - as Michael Johnson so brilliantly put it. You are the only one who can decide whether today will be progressive, or regressive. You have a choice to keep going, keep repairing, and planning to move forward with your running or another fitness plan. Or you could choose to go back to the couch - and we can all agree that the couch wasn’t working for us.

It wasnt easy, there was frustration, pain and disappointment, but it was temporary and I’ve made it. Ain’t none of us going to the Olympics, so relax! Happy running everyone!

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate]

This is amazing. Such an inspirational story - thank you for sharing.

Did your arthritis improve at all?

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to SubterraneanAlien]

Yes it did! I regained my range of movement and strength and I can now ride astride with jump-length stirrups, and even had a go side-saddle! And my knees are better than they've been for years too... 😃👍🏃‍♀️

[mountaindreamer Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Wow, EG, that’s amazing to hear! What a great inspirational story to share. 😊❤️❤️❤️

So, The Great South Run is next then! (Have to admit I’m eyeing up a HM as a longer term goal now. Going to keep at 10k + 2x5k per week for awhile, though. Trying to cautiously avoid that IC like the plague!😂😂 Would hate to have to stop running at this point...)

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks mountaindreamer, yes the GSR is next 😬 slightly mad but blame my running buddy, Stella, who used to be friends with Laura Hyde - the nurse the foundation is named for. Laura was born in my hometown and also got Stella into running. No-one could believe someone that worked in the NHS, where there are mental health and OT services and should be an awareness of clinical signs of depression, could become so low that they would take their own life. The Foundation is new this year, and is raising awareness as providing independent support to emergency services personnel. My brother works for the police in a job where he routinely deals with some awful situations. So, when the opportunity to do something special arose, close to my 50th, I couldn’t refuse!

[Oldlady57]

Inspiring Equi-geek. Fab journey..........keep going👍🏻

[BGirl70 Graduate]

Love this - well done 💚

[Pickles1234]

Inspirational, Thankyou

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Fantastic achievement , well done.

And thank you for sharing. It's easy to loose sight of where we all started.

Best of luck with the GSR xxx

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thanks! Yes, I think it is - and sometimes when you're part-way through you start doubting yourself and whether its working, so I wanted to let people know that I felt that way too, but it can be done if you look after yourself and keep going 👍

[Marcia-H Graduate]

Love it!!! Food for thought-curious not disheartened, and the only one who can beat me, is me!! Such good advice!

Well done on a great post and congratulations on the 10k! You’re doing amazing!!

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

Thanks Marcia, good luck on your quest and maybe see you on the Bridge 👍🏃‍♀️

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Thank you! Hopefully!!! Post like this make me want to do it!! 😊

[DianeU Graduate]

Marvellous to hear about the progress you’ve made. I too have arthritis and although my knees ache after the running I have found that it is starting to improve so you are and inspiration to me to continue on this mad roller coaster we’ve all decided to take a ride on good luck on your big run. Well done! X

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to DianeU]

It’s about not to inflaming anything isn’t it? I found if I was careful and used anti-inflammatories in the right way while my body was adjusting to running there was good progress. I didn’t use much ibuprofen but I don’t need to use it all at the moment.

[Tartancat Graduate]

Beautiful- who needs hip replacements when you can cure it yourself! Well done 🏃‍♀️

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

Well not quite cured, but I never imagined I could lessen the pain with running - I expected quite the opposite!!!

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

This is so wonderful to read Equi!! 😍😍 You’ve had an amazing journey and the photo just shows how exciting and happy this running thing makes us. You’re right it isn’t always easy, but it’s all about going out there and seeing what you can do!! And when you do....boy it feels like a touch of heaven, because you realise that you can run after all! It’s been a real pleasure to be on my journey with you too!! ❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

It’s more of a relief/grimace/smile/ohmygoodnessIstillhavetorunanother6k kinda smile 🤣🤣

It’s been brilliant to have share the journey so far with you too - you help keep the joy in running for me, a constant reminder to be kind to myself. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Glad we are both a source of strong encouragement!! It’s not a vision that comes about easily at our age. Still feels amazing that I actually took that first step and we’ve done it!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 The transformation and it’s rewards are huge!! 😁😁❤️

[Shakywakey Graduate]

What an inspiring read. You have done brilliantly 👏👏

[telford_mike Graduate]

Huge congrats Equi, it's a great achievement 😀👍👏🏃‍♀️

What next?

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Thanks Mike! Glad I could join you with the grad badge! The Great South is next - eeeeek! 16.1km 😨 but once I get past that I intend consolidating with a 10K each week and two shorter runs. I’ll also start cycling over winter in the gym using C25k (replacing 1 or 2 swims), because next year I want to do a sprint triathlon and I currently feel the same about cycling as I used to feel about running 😬. I already easily swim 1600m+, 3x a week, and I don’t kick, so the HR stays around 130bpm. What are you going to work on?

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Fantastic Equi! An athlete you most certainly are!! 🤩 Enjoy!! 😁😁❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fabulous 🤗

[telford_mike Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Good question. At the moment I'm just repeating the last week of the Magic Number plan, which is ok as I can mix up different routes. The problem is the snow will be here soon, and I might have to look at joining a G-Y-M (can’t bring myself to say it). Still can’t decide 😂

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Yes that part of the world does get a bit of snow doesn’t it 🤣⛷🎿🛷🥌⛸ your only running option might be the treadmill but Nordic skiing?...

[Hidden]

Brilliant , great progression and inspirational , well done 😊

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Rob, I hope my experience helps others feel it will all be ok, if they keep finding ways to repair, plan and run. 😁👍

[Taffinator Graduate]

Well done you!

That’s the inspiration I need to get back on track, a 10 day hol with 2 attempts at running in 34 degree heat and a killer cold when I got back means I ain’t ran in almost a month, time to dig the kit back out and go back a few weeks, gonna try week 5 and take it from there, thanks for inspiring me again! X

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Taffinator]

That’s great Taffinator! Let me know how it goes 👍 Life happens but you’re still here and planning to run ❤️👏.

[Sybilw Graduate]

Well done you - and in case I don’t notice (although I hope you’ll remind us!) I hope you have a great celebration next week.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

Thanks Sybil 🙏

[Dralimc Graduate]

Super impressed and inspirational. Well done! X

[Hidden]

Loved reading this, great post! Thank you so much for sharing, really gives me a buzz to think what could be achievable after C25K...

BIG WELL DONE! 👍

[johnm12 Graduate]

Well done and lovely post. Just to say you do look rightly pleased about it!!

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to johnm12]

A bit manic on endorphins 🤣 Thanks John 🙏

[Toohottotrot Graduate]

I love it, your story and your passion. If anyone ever needed hope, its right there! I graduated August and last week was my first knee pain free 5k. I have arthritis too but in my TMJ so running doesn't help. But it's my mind that this whole programme has really helped. When I'm stressed I'm itching to pound it out on a good run. It's truly amazing. And friends say well done i couldn't do it. If only they tried. They are sitting on the key to their own freedom and just don't believe it 😮.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Toohottotrot]

It's such a relief to be able to reduce that nagging achy pain, and finding the head-space as well - because the persistent 'always there' reminder of arthritis contributed to my mild depression. I don't need to spend time meditating now - I do that on a run 👍. I also had worried comments about running from friends, that I think were genuinely concerned I'd make more pain for myself, and I was a miserable enough cow to be around already 😂. A few now are taking notice and saying how did I do it? I just told them to download the app and come here if they have any worries - and just start. Do the first run. Or walk until you can do 30 minutes and then start. Alternatively it might look too easy - which is fantastic - what's stopping you?.... Then Run 2 - oooooooo - Run 1 was exhausting...don't want to feel like that again.... OK, now you know what not to do - so that's progress. Change something this time and see how you feel. Start slower, choose a different route, different terrain, you're learning - go easy on yourself and try again...

[loobsb2]

Wow well done you. I love reading the joy you have found in running. Plus all the health benefits, you have found.

Thank you for sharing you journey with us xxx

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to loobsb2]

Thanks loobsb2, keep going!

[Pete1w Graduate]

Amazing story. Thank you. 10K is my next goal. This has helped to push me a bit harder. Congratulations and keep going.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Pete1w]

I will Pete, thanks, and good luck with your 10k quest - see you on the Bridge 👍

[theoldfellow]

Thank you so much for this inspiration. I have arthritis in the knee. You gave me hope reading this just before I set out to the Parkrun this morning. Ok it hurt a bit, but I got round, and now feel fantastic.👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

Yay! Well done! I graduated in July and ran and easy pace this morning - not one twinge. I'll never take my hip for granted though, and if the pain starts to increase again for 2 or 3 runs then I know something needs adjusting. The odd bit of discomfort that goes away again is fine with me!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Well done you! Congratulations! 🍾🥂🏅👏🏻😊🎉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Delighted for you and so good to read your story. Thank you! Happy Birthday for, is it next week? And all the very, very best for your next runs and the big one!!!

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks - yes next Thursday - so 🤞 as I should be pushing to 12k next Thursday 😬 - gulp! 😂

[Sandie1961 Graduate]

Wow! Great story and a real inspiration. Enjoy the GSR - for a brilliant cause too!

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie - yes, I think the stars aligned for everything to be such a huge co-incidence. I'll try my best at the GSR and I've been told the crowd really lifts you, so 🤞

[Rooster678]

I'm left completely inspired by your post. You're amazing and your post was honest with huge bouts of truth. I'm on W8R1 on Monday, I wanted to give this running lark a go and like you I'm hooked, I amaze myself with every run and it's all because of people like you who start on square 1 like me and come back to tell their success stories.

Wishing you the very best with your health, 5k is my aim right now but I would love to get to where you are now.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Rooster678]

It's completely do-able Rooster! There's ju-ju's plan on the Bridge to 10k and it works. Well done on reaching this point though - only 6 runs to graduation 👏👨‍🎓 Run for tomorrow is my advice now, do just enough and be consistent, don't get carried away. These last 3 weeks are about conditioning your legs for constant running and while an extra couple of minutes may seem nothing, its about that cumulative impact. Loads of time after to consolidate, work on speed and push for longer distances 👍👊

[Richard7 Graduate]

Great post and great attitude .. and a great achievement. Well done.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Thanks Richard! Happy running!👍

[QannaB Graduate]

What a fantastic inspirational post! It really makes me believe anything is possible. I graduated a couple of months ago but haven’t really moved onto a new challenge yet and this might have been what I needed to give me that push!! Thank you! 😀

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to QannaB]

Being able to consistently run for 30 minutes 3 x a week is an amazing achievement. Training for longer distances for me has made shorter runs and Park Run much easier and I can settle and take it all in as I run now. So have fun exploring your next stage - whether that's distance, speed, terrain, time etc etc 👍🏃‍♀️👏

[Wimborne]

Wow what a fabulous achievement and amazing words. Thank you 💐for sharing your journey. Has made me more determined that ever to keep going.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

Glad I’m being useful 😁👍 good luck and keep going 😁🏃‍♀️

[lollytwist Graduate]

Well done! I’m similar to you in that I was amazed I could ever run 10k. It just shows what a good training plan, and a touch of determination, can do! If you can think it, you can do it! Keep on enjoying your runs x

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to lollytwist]

Absolutely! Loads of us have gone on to 10K, I’m in a great company of C25k grads, including your good self, on the Bridge and it’s totally possible 😁👍

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

What a wonderful post Equi-geek! Thank you for sharing. I'm sure this post will resonate with many and help them to push through the struggles. I firmly believe if it wasn't for this forum followed by the sister forums, I wouldn't still be consistently running well over a year later and loving every minute of it.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

That’s fab! So you’ve done the snow and rain, as well as all that heat? And still enjoying it! 🏅❤️ I went out this morning to learn about running in rain and the cooler weather - really interesting! Nice weather for running, and 🦆

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

I find running has done so much for my mental wellbeing that I can't imagine not running and how low I would get, especially this time of year. Each season definitely has its challenges and I find the toughest part, at least for this time of year, is figuring how to dress as the weather gets cooler. There is a balance between being warm enough at the start and not overheating after the first few minutes....and then of course the challenge of snow and ice. I actually quite enjoy going out on a crisp winter morning with a light snowfall, bundled up like a ninja runner 😂. Running on the treadmill just doesn't give me the same feeling of happiness as outside does.

[Shazzamanno Graduate]

Aww that's absolutely brilliant! !!! Loved reading your story of ups and downs well done for not giving up. Im just on my 3rd run of week 2 so you're an inspiration to me. What is IC? ??xx

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Shazzamanno]

Thanks 🙏 Well done on getting to the end of Week 2, hope you are enjoying it? IC is the ‘injury couch’ 😁

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

Hey EG - that’s an amazing story. I evangelise to anyone that is silly enough to ask me how I’m getting on, or why I’ve lost weight...... next time someone asks me, I’m going to tell them about you.

Reach for your dreams and good luck with training for the GSR! I’ve been a bit inactive (here and running) in last few weeks, but I’m thinking about getting a new goal of a HM!!

X

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Thanks LoungeLizaard! Goals have definitely helped me - and made me not take risks of injury. I’ll look forward to reading about your HM progress 😁👍

[johnm12 Graduate]

Fantastic. Made me smile. Well done. This is an amazing thing we are all doing.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to johnm12]

Glad I made you smile John - you’re right it has so surprised me - happy running!

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Hello Equi-geek, I don’t know how I missed your post 4 days ago, I am so sorry. Or did you mention it in someone else’s post too? Many congratulations to you on your 10k graduation. Your journey has been amazing and I have so enjoyed watching everyone flourish since those days of c25k.

There is no doubt that running is good for us. My arthritic knees are so much better now, despite everyone thinking I’d make them worse.

I am sure if you take it slow and steady, you will find those extra 6 km, especially as it is mainly flat.

Whoop whoop

🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🎓👏👏🍾🥂🎉

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Hi Dexy5- no worries! It’s an active forum and I struggle to keep up with everyone’s progress (anyone seen sallenson and his EJBs? I’m a bit worried they’ve run off together) Pleased to hear your knees are also improved these days. Mend soon! X

[Teddly22 Graduate]

Fabulous post👏👍🏃🏆xx

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Teddly22]

Thanks Teddy 👍

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

Amazing 😍