C25K side effects!

[DiscoRunner]

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.

[Ethelbert Graduate]

Love this ❤

I too noticed hill walking was easier over Christmas (we live surrounded by hills, no pancakes here!) even though I was only on W5 then. Curious now to get out and see if it's even better!

My 53rd is next birthday too ☺

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The benefits come in all shapes and sizes.

[welsby1967 Graduate]

This is really encouraging - thanks for sharing I too should graduate just before I go on holiday at the beginning of April ( assuming I do obvs 😂) so it’s good to hear you still could do it when you got back - fortunately my resort is flat with a walking path so I shall make good use of that before everyone in my party rises - well that’s the plan in my head anyhow

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to welsby1967]

You’ll do it and you’ll want to keep up the running! I have run with a bit of a hangover once - and it was a surprisingly refreshing way to cure it!! Even if you only manage one or two runs a week or at all - just go slow when you’re back and you’ll be as you were in no time!

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

You’re right it’s so addictive I just hope my booze fuelled holiday evenings don’t deter me 😂 I’ve not had a Sri k for 6 weeks now so I’m saying booze fuelled - I’m not start again as I’m feeling really hood atm x