From endure to enjoy...

[Alibol]

So, here’s the thing - yesterday I completed C25K. I can’t quite believe it and of course I am proud of my achievement. Looking back, I remember thinking 90seconds was a challenge back in January. I ran in sleet, avoiding the ice, I splashed through puddles and then sweated through the February ‘summer’ runs. (In fact, come to think of it, what a crazy start to the year - running in gloves, and a double layer of long-sleeved tops to running in a thin short-sleeved t-shirt within a few weeks!) I really can see the benefits of what I have achieved as my legs are more toned, I have lost some weight (not much, but I look better) and my resting heart rate has dropped from 75 to 66 beats per minute. This is all measureable of course. However, I honestly can’t say that I have truly enjoyed my runs as I have mostly endured them. I run down a county lane near where I live and really appreciate the landscape while running so it isn’t that it isn’t an interesting run. My husband says that I now need to run with people - I am going to do a Park Run next week to try this out. In the meantime, is there any advice about how I can start to enjoy my runs rather than regarding them as a chore that I have to endure?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

This guide to post C25K running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Run somewhere beautiful and inspiring, run for fun and most importantly, forget about performance. Working physically hard is not enjoyable for most people, so slow down, appreciate your environment and enjoy your ability.

My theory is that the elevated heart rate and blood flow heightens senses and, for many, emotions too. Add in the responses caused by endorphins and cannabinoid receptors (yes, we are junkies!) and for most runners the feeling of well being is enormous.

Make sure that you can speak clear ungasping sentences as you run......if not you are going too fast and working yourself too hard.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Papillon17 Graduate]

Congratulations and well done

[Alibol Graduate in reply to Papillon17]

Thank you.

[PJRunner Graduate]

I've no advice on how to enjoy them just that your not alone. I too endure but what keeps me going is the feeling of achievement and wellbeing. Its easy to fit into my life most of the time. I hopefully graduate this week. I'm hoping that enjoyment will come as it gets easier. We're still very new runners.

[Alibol Graduate in reply to PJRunner]

Thanks. My husband and younger son are both ‘proper’ runners and enjoy their running. Would love to achieve that feeling. Yes, we are new to this and I didn’t think I would be able to do this so, yes, it should happen. But, to quote The Smiths (yes, I am that old) ‘How soon is now?’

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Alibol]

Congratulations on completing 🎊🎊🤩, do you at least enjoy them after?

I have done lots of runs, and have a few that I feel , during it, that I enjoyed it, but it's in most cases its after. To me that's good enough 🤩

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

Well done for graduating 🏅🌟. I graduated in January, I really enjoyed the programme and loved running. After I graduated I struggled without a plan to follow. I actually didn’t run for last 2 weeks (apart from an aborted park run). I forced myself out yesterday eve and it felt good. I realised I had actually missed running. So now I’m going to ‘force’ myself out the door no matter what. If I manage 30+ then that’s good. But if I manage less then that’s ok too, it’s more than I did few months ago. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Alibol Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

Thanks. I do intend to keep going. It would be a shame to get this far and not follow it through.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Well done on graduating 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve rarely had a run I really enjoyed, but I do enjoy the endorphins, my improved fitness and self respect, and the company of this forum ! It’s all relative, I suppose !

[Alibol Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

And I am looking forward to running with people. There are probably friends out there that I have yet to meet.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Alibol]

There definitely will be. Have fun !