Why I run

[JaySeeSkinny]

I started c25k sometime in January 2016. It wasn’t a New Years resolution, just a natural progression from the walks I had been “prescribed” due to a few minor health issues. I don’t even know the exact day I started off!

And I’ve been running ever since! Mostly 3 or 4 times a week, there have been some breaks, but nothing longer than 2 weeks. Sometimes I hate it - and I’ve been slacking recently. Certainly 2018 didn’t bring the highlights of 2017. I didn’t clock up more mileage, I didn’t achieve any PBs, I didn’t run any huge distances.

But I didn’t get a single cold either. In fact I didn’t have a single day off work due to sickness. It’s nearly 2 years since I was ill (end of January 2017). And at my last check up all the minor health issues that started me off had gone.

So I reckon I’ll carry on getting out there. Sometimes it’s only 3k, sometimes 9k, mostly 4 to 6k. But the thing is I will be going out in all weathers.

And to all of you just starting out or to those just graduating (and maybe struggling) it is worth it. Don’t overdo it and get caught in the trap of “further, faster” - that way lies injury, unless you’re a natural. Just being a natural plodder like me also brings huge advantages.

Happy running in 2019, everybody😈

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Jaysee,

Happy 3rd Runniversary around now. 😊... I didn't know that you started running to help with health issues, and you certainly have a lot of miles in your legs now!

I too enjoy running because I can now, c25k is the key that opens the door to our running track, and we keep going back for more...

Happy running in 2019! 😊xxx

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

The health issues were nothing serious - but a good boot up the backside. God, was I angry 4 years ago. At myself and at my GP who was very patronising. But I suppose I should be grateful, he got me moving properly!

Happy running to you, too. Isn’t it amazing that we can still run after all this time!

[Hidden]

Thanks for the update Jaysee, great reminder of the benefits of regular running. I am also a proud plodder. Sometimes I look at the fabulous speedy or distance runners on the foras with envy. Mostly though I am just grateful that I found this hobby and that I am fit enough to plod about the place.

All the best for 2019👍😊🏃🏾‍♀️

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I am sometimes envious of the others. But then I look around in “real” life and realize that I am indeed very lucky and I’m doing this for myself, not to compete with others.

[Hidden in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Also much better than lounging on the couch.....

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Your running must be the best medicine ever . I think so anyway 😊

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Great to see you JSS. Happy Runniversary for January 🙂

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

My real runniversary is March 1, the day I graduated. At least I know that date!

[gotmytrainers]

Do you have any recommendations for wet weather? Last time I did this programme was the summer and I managed the heat by doing early morning or late evening runs.

This time around I’ve been pleasantly surprised how layering up and wearing earmuffs/gloves has helped with the cold.

Do you have wet weather gear or do you just wait for a clear day? I’m worried if I miss a run because of the weather it will be harder to get back into the swing of things again!

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to gotmytrainers]

If it's not torrential, I still go, once you're wet, you're wet.

A few times I've set off in drizzle, but it's worsened, it's not so bad.🌧🌧

Avoid puddles, where I am they're likely to be potholes!!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to gotmytrainers]

Basically as Jell6 says. I have no special gear for rain, but I make sure I have a peaked cap on in an attempt to keep my glasses dry. Basically once you’re wet, you’re wet and as long as you’re moving you stay warm. The problem is if you have to stop, or walk back. If I was going for a long run in the rain I would take a waterproof jacket in a little rucksack to avoid getting cold if I had to stop. But otherwise it’s surprisingly fun in the rain!

[Skyart Graduate]

This is great to hear. I started just over 12 weeks ago and after graduating I’m still out there in all weathers 3 times a week doing between 4-5K (even during Christmas period where I surprised myself). I do wonder if I should keep pushing- (have started to do slight inclines etc) and try to do 5K once a week. But I’m an asthmatic who is out there because I want to try and get through one winter without steroids due to flu/chest infections. So far so good- this is the healthiest I’ve felt in years. So it’s good to hear I can be a proud plodder and ‘keep on keeping on’ without worrying about ever increasing times and distances.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Skyart]

There are plenty of people on here who are “plodders”. There are also really speedy runners who go on to do ultras and all sorts of things. Unfortunately there are also many who fizzle out after graduation. Those are the ones I want to reach - it doesn’t matter if you don’t get to 10k as quickly as the others, if you don’t run 5k every time, if you never manage 5k in 30 minutes. The benefits are still there. But they’re not if you stop!