One Year On...

[DebJogsOn]

For reasons I can't quite fathom now, whilst I know when I started Wk1 R1 of C25K, I don't know my exact graduation date - but feel safe to say that I've now been running for a whole year since graduating.

Yesterday I set out to run a route I'd planned of about 8k but it was a lovely morning, I'd hit that sweet spot of leaving all my troubles behind and because I could I decided to carry on to 10k. And this sums up how running has changed my life.

I'm not a fast runner (though I'm much faster than I ever thought was possible in the beginning), I don't have ambitions to run a marathon (though I've though 5k, 7k, 10k were all impossible distances in the past) and I don't like the idea of racing but three times a week (with the odd exceptions when life - usually work - gets in the way) I go outside and I run.

It's really that simple and it's changed my life - yes because I didn't believe I could do it and the last time I ran was in cross country at school (more than 30 years ago) and I was rubbish - but more because I make time for myself; I get outside and enjoy the seasons, the ever changing weather, the views, the sunrises the sunsets, the moon in ways I'd forgotten; I'm fitter and stronger physically and mentally; work and its stresses are more firmly in perspective, I feel more positive about myself than I have in ages and I have a virtual group of cheerleaders on here that will keep me going when the going is tough.

Running? How did I manage without it 😊

[molly1973 Graduate]

Wow, what an inspirational post! This is where I want to be 👍

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to molly1973]

You can be!

[Bloodhound1]

Simply fantastic

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

One simple little training plan...........one life transformed forever.....

Great, isn't it?

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

It is indeed. Remember you explaining the toxic ten to me in the early days - helped me over a glitch - so thank you 😊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I love this post... what a year, and it’s not all about huge distances and races, it is all about fun. Keep loving it.

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Keeping it fun is definitely the way to go. There are enough pressures in every other area of my life - running is just a joy!

[Windoze Graduate]

Awesome work 😎😎

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Windoze]

Thank you!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Great post, thank you for posting. I have trouble remembering life before running, I always went to the pool and gym but nothings had transformed my life ever as much as running has 😀. Here is to many many happy years running for you.

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I really can't imagine life without it now - I always plan my weeks with running in mind - it keeps me sane 😊.

[Goose76]

What an encouraging post! That's where I want to be! I would love to just be able to go out and run...and run!! I've just done run 3 of week 5, the 20 min one. I really wanted to give up at 10 mins, it was so hard, I was so tired, out of breath and my legs felt like lead...but I carried on to the end! I get frustrated at being unfit but I'm trusting this program! I want to be a runner 😁🏃‍♀️

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Goose76]

Do trust it. That Wk5 R3 run is a real turning point- Wk6 might still feel tough but soon you'll be running continuously and then you're really on your way.

I seriously found running for 1 minute a real challenge in the beginning yet now I have moments when I think I could run forever - one day you'll just feel like it's all working perfectly and you're not thinking about achy legs or gasping for breathing - you're just loving it.

[Richard7 Graduate]

Nicely said Debs. Well remember your comments about enjoying the seasons for my next run. 👍

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Have to confess to still learning how to enjoy the rain and mud 😂 - but I do feel much more aware of the seasons rolling in and out than I have for years (I've always been a bit to focussed on the ends of terms instead!).

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post you.... massive well done.. you followed the plan.. you carried on and you are doing the most awesome things now

Well done!

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss - but it 's all down in no small part to you admins and others on here who are all so encouraging 😊

[Suse70 Graduate]

As many have said on here, what a fantastic post, truly inspirational. Having graduated a couple of months ago and struggling a little to keep up the momentum you have helped me see the future & where I want to get to! Thank you.👍😁

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Suse70]

Congrats on your graduation! I pootled around for about 3 months not quite sure what I was doing after graduation but I did find out how and where I liked running by trying lots of variety - different distances, routes, surfaces and things to listen to - then I found the C25K+ podcasts which helped me especially with pace.

The monthly challenges on the Bridge to 10k forum also helped me keep up the momentum.

Enjoy exploring 😊

[JSnaps Graduate]

I love this post - thank you! What an inspiration. W7R3 here I come 😊

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to JSnaps]

Week 7 eek - you're so nearly there! Keep going and enjoy your graduation (and all that comes after) 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Happy Runniversary Deb!😊

I feel the same as you, I love the freedom of going for my runs too.

Well done to you for fitting running in around your work commitments, not easy but worth it. You always feel better after a run don't you...

Happy running😊xx

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yes - always 😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Happy runniversary Deb, wonderful, life changing running x

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

😊