One year on.

[Encantada]

I thought I’d write a few lines about my experience over the past year to encourage all you folk out there doing C25K as part of your New Year’s resolutions.

That’s exactly how I started a year ago. I’d never done running before, so a bit of a late starter at 61years, and definitely didn’t find it easy. However, I did stick with it and completed the programme. I continued running three times a week. At first I ran for 30 minutes (which isn’t 5k for me) then slowly built up to 5k. Then I worked on improving my speed. This has been slow progress but I have definitely improved my speed over the past few months. Today I did my best ever Park Run time of 32:28.

I have continued to do the 5 minute warm up and cool down and also do a few stretches when I’ve finished. I use a free App called Map my Run that gives you your speed every kilometre. I try to vary where I run but stick, whenever possible, to the same days and times. I usually download radio plays to listen to which helps distract me.

I feel fitter and stronger than I have ever done. I didn’t have a weight loss goal but I have slowly lost weight and my middle age spread has disappeared.

I rarely feel like getting out of bed to run but I’m always glad I did after. One tip that works for me is to tell myself that all I have to do is put my running gear on and that, if when I’m ready I still don’t feel like it, I don’t have to go. Of course I always do!

Good luck to all you New C25K folk. Trust the process. It worked for me and I’m sure it will for you too.

[damienair Graduate]

Great post. And congratulations on you new Parkrun PB. I’m the same as you, still running 3 times per week. I had to take a few months off last year due to a back injury. But I’m back now and loving it.C25K is an amazing program. And Parkrun is an amazing gift. Wishing you many many years of happy running.

[Hidden]

Thanks for posting. I’ve just finished week 2 and have found it hard.... i will battle on but stories like yours help to motivate me 😀

[ktsok Graduate]

Fabulous PB Encantada. Well done 👍

[dwt_]

Well done. Great to hear your story and really inspirational . Thank you for sharing 😊

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi Encantada, what an inspiring post thank you- and a fabulous PB, good for you. 😀

[Womack Graduate]

Hi I'm just starting W8 loved reading your post I'm determined to make this a lifestyle changes and to continue after I graduate. Wish I'd done it years ago. You have inspired me and I look at the app you use. Although I really lie hearing Jo ticking of the minutes.