I very recently graduated (on my 53rd birthday) and then almost immediately went on holiday to the Canary Islands. I was quite worried as it's hilly and warm - not the conditions I have learnt to run in - and was unsure if I'd be able to stick to the 3 runs a week.
On the first proper day we went to the Barranco de Guayadeque (stunningly beautiful) and began to walk 6 or 7k up the valley. I have been known to be a bit of a moaner on a walk that starts with a hill, but this time I set the pace! Marched up the hill - and loved it! My husband was absolutely astonished (and thrilled) as this was the first time he'd seen the impact of C25K! After the up, and lunch, a brisk walk down. The change on stamina, fitness and lung capacity in a little over 9 weeks is completely amazing.
I ran when I could (and had my first failure of having to stop before the end of a run), but I think that was hydration, so a valuable lesson learned. And there were many stops in hillside towns where I wasn't able to run (I live in flat as a pancake country), but I was able to walk, and walk, and walk.
Got back, and next day went to the park for my run, I was worried I wouldn't make it as I hadn't run for nearly a week, but I did and all is good. The positive benefits of C25K are incalculable, and the fitness is transferable.
C25K graduate introducing myself!
Does anyone add runs during the podcasts? How many times do you actually run? What other exercises do you do in addition to C25K?
Doing parkrun during c25k
Side benefits
