I don’t normally write posts, and for a while now I’ve been hovering around this forum working up the courage to say something. What is immediately clear from reading some of the posts is how abundantly clear the respect and love people have for both each other and running. The motivation and friendliness shared has given me great inspiration at many points where I’ve felt tired, sore and down hearted both mentally and physically. This forum, besides my family and friends, has become a support network. One in which to my relief has like minded people with similar goals and struggles to my own.
Today I have finally completed my graduation run. It still hasn’t fully sunk in yet. I keep thinking back to my first run where I struggled to run for 30 seconds. It took me three consecutive tries of W1R1 to even finish it. It was no surprise really, it was eight years since I had actually exercised properly and that was only in school PE lessons. Since then I have piled on the pounds, eating too much of the wrong things and being generally inactive. The result was being placed just over the obesity margin at 14 stone and that was a serious blow to my confidence. I have always been self conscious about my weight, but the worst part was seeing how fit and healthy other people were. How they had the stamina to even walk faster and longer than me while I sweated and panted in the background. I couldn’t keep up with them and that was the starting point for my determination to be healthier. Everyone has their own story, similar to my own but that’s mine.
I stilll have a long way to go and I’m making positive changes. Today has been the first time I can fully acknowledge myself as a runner, something that was a dream before, that only fitter people than myself could achieve.
I’ve learnt a lot from this program and in turn about myself. Thanks to Couch to 5K, I’ve learnt to pace my speed and breathing, endure the psychological and physical battle of running for extended periods and developed a technique to prevent injury as I run. Within myself, I’ve discovered motivation I never knew I had, a love for running which has enabled me to challenge myself and feel the euphoria of overcoming those challenges, and the belief that I will make it.
This has been an incredible journey for me and everyone’s is different. It’s taken me a long time to finish this program, having repeated many weeks and taken an extended gap after week five when Uni and work got in the way. If it’s one thing I’m proud for it’s coming back to and finishing it. I’m now so much fitter and energetic than I was and that has been the greatest gift. Seeing my stamina, endurance and speed improve after each run is all the motivation I need.
From my first run, I started out running 1.4km at a pace of 19’12”. Now I can comfortably run 3.8km at around 11’20”. I have a ways to go yet before I reach 5K but I’m improving all the time. I followed the same route for each 30min run. I found running in laps easier as it allowed me to clearly see improvement.
Anyway, now I should finish up this long-winded-probably-longest-ever post. I babble a lot! I guess when it all comes down to it, I’m trying to say that anyone can succeed at this if they have the determination to. I’ve improved leaps and bounds following this program and you have to believe you can too, no matter how hard it gets or how unmotivated you feel some days. Just go for it. The biggest obstacle you will ever have to face is your self.
If you’ve read this far, thanks for sticking with me. I’m sorry it’s long, I’ve realised I had a lot to get off my chest! I’ll continue updating my progress with much, much shorter posts. I wish everyone, whether your starting out on week 1, running the dreaded 20min W5R3 or graduating like me the best of luck! Over and out x
Written by
GingerGirl94
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
46 Replies
•
Congratulations on all you have achieved!
I know what you mean when you feel others are fitter than you it does get you down but you have made excellent progress so well done on persevering!
A very inspiring story from you GingerGirl94, just one point that I don't agree with, you say "that dreaded 20 minutes W5R3", it should not be dreaded.
Congratulations on completing C25K with week 9 run 3, to get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the March graduate post in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked C25K home page and tell the administrators that you have ran W9R3 of C25K 🎓 🏃 😊
Haha! Yeah, dreaded didn’t come out the way it sounded in my head. More like “dreaded” as a light hearted poke at that particular run. That week was a turning point for me as with many others! Thanks so much for your feedback 😊
Yes definitely a turning point for me too! It does feel like a step up from previous ones which I think is why people fear it. When you realise you can run for 20 mins I think it changes everything. Congratulations on graduating! Six more runs for me which will def take a bit longer than two weeks, but I am at peace with that.
whoooo hooooo 🎉🎉🎉. Congratulations Runner 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️. A truly inspiring post. I hope every new person on this forum reads it, you have put what this is about so well. Speed only matters if you want it to, repeat until your comfortable, but barring illness never give up. Your journey Enjoy it 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️😊😊
Congratulations! I’m so pleased you found the courage to post... what inspirational stuff! Lots in there for newbies to keep in mind. Enjoy some consolidation work and then bag that 5k... make sure you come and tell us all about it too. Have a great celebration too!
Congratulations, it’s great to hear how you have overcome many obstacles to achieve your graduation. This is the start of another new journey. 🏃♀️👏👏🎓🏅🍾🥂
Congratulations on an amazing feat on your wonderful feet! Keep consolidating your running for a few weeks now, I actually played Week 9 again and again a few times after I graduated!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
A late post
Not too late!
I think that I am late to the party...
Consolidation Run No.5 - better late than...
Whoops a day late... what is your week April wk 4 
