For all you struggling people who don't see the end of the tunnel....

[running-dutchman]

I started running with the C25K app nearly 3 years ago. Followed the program to the letter, or better say minute. I remember after all interval runs you suddenly had to do 20 minutes non stop or so which was a massive barrier I didn't know if I could do (think I did it though in one go). I just never could do 30 minutes of constant running, so just before the end of the program, I did give up (only being honest).

With my running watch I set out a 5k course and just went for the distance, even if it was with a bit of walking. 50 minutes became 45, 45 became 40 (and I remember saying YESSSS!!! when I did another sub 40). I never lost the enjoyment through the years, and remember my 1st 5k non stop just over a year ago. It was about 34 minutes and I was over the moon. So it took me 2 years, but I got there!!!

Now, a year later I run every other day with a triple mix:

1) normal 5k (currently 31 minutes flat.)

2) a run at the 5k-30min pace (6min/km), currently 3.5km

3) a longer run (currently 5.5km) as I now want to go to 10k

-- this all 5 times before shifting it a notch further

What I am trying to say, do never give up. Walk if you have to. Take your time.

If I can do it , everyone can! 8 week program? It's a guide, you run to get healthier and better, so it does not matter how long it takes, as long as you keep trying and keep doing it! I am 48 now and never been healthier all my life, lost 15+ kg and feel amazing.

Few tips (and many will agree with me):

- Most important, listen to your body at all times, as it prevents injuries.

- Don't give up if your brain tells you to, this is the magic of running, listen to your legs, not the brain! (its an everlasting battle between the 2)

- Invest in good running shoes (there is a world of difference between them)

- Treat yourself with some accomplishment goodies (running clothes / watch etc)

- Sign up for local runs, if not for the medal, just to see your name with all the other runners. Even when on the bottom, you're up there!!

Really ... you can do it! Most of all: ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

[SnailRunner71 Graduate]

Thank you 👍👍😁😁😁

[runningseahorse Graduate]

Thankyou! This is really inspiring, well done 👍 I am on W4R2 and feeling like I can do more at the end of every run, but not pushing it, as I am a beginner. I am disappointed at not experiencing any weight loss, my BMI has stayed at 27 even with healthy eating for 4 weeks

[running-dutchman in reply to runningseahorse]

Do not be concerned about the weight loss. It took a while for me as well, I guess you're burning fat, but building muscle at the same time. It's the same now for me. No change in weight, but as I do gym workout on my non-running days, I see my tummy slightly go smaller and my upper arm muscles grow. Scales are deceiving. It is all about how YOU feel like within your body.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Well done, what a journey! Glad you are still running.

[Tinker5393 Graduate]

Great post, I agree if you take every run at your own pace and run distances you feel comfortable with, it all comes together slowly but surely. Happy running. 😀

[damienair Graduate]

Great post. I graduated last year but after an injury in March I had to stop running over the summer. I got back into it in September and like you, just started on a 5K route and ran/walked it. Back now again to running 5K without any walking breaks. Feels great. 35 to 37 mins at the moment for 5K. It will take a few months to get down to sub 30 mins again, but I know I’ll get there. I will also train to get back up to 10K again too. Thanks again for your post, great message to everyone out there.

Damien

[owmeknees]

Really great post, lovely to read and a comfort and inspiration to me as I lie here on the IC again! 👍😊

[Hidden]

Great read. Just started on my first week and enjoyed reading your insight. I have COPD so am finding it hard but not going to give in. I already cycle a lot so I'm not unfit. Though it is different muscles. I will take your advice and listen to my body. If it takes a few years then so be it. Thanks

[Tony_68]

Very sincere post , great advise, I graduated in September, been running 3 times a week since, mixing it up, park run interval and one distance run slowly building up, at 7.4 k i am really enjoying it, life changing ! I still don’t consider myself a runner yet, I still have fear of failure each time I run similar to the C25k, did you have similar thoughts, how long before you considered yourself a runner ?

[running-dutchman in reply to Tony_68]

Love the question. Every runners forum talks about that as soon as you get out there, you are a runner. To be honest, I did not feel that way. I guess the beginning of C25K is hard for non-runners (it was for me to run 30 seconds), but at that point it is a health challenge. I think the moment you change your thinking from health change to actually a sport (what running is), that is where i felt a runner. I think it was about the 10 minute runs in C25K I bought my first Garmin watch and some running gear. But to be honest, this will be different per person, and I dont think there is a correct answer, but more a matter of how you feel about it yourself.

[bluepanda Graduate]

Thank you for this brilliant post! Very inspiring