Don’t loose heart

[Shelley2310]

Just a quick word of encouragement to those out there who worry/struggle to get to 5K either during or after the programme, this is meant to get you to 30 mins of running at your own pace. I doesn’t necessarily mean 5K, that will come in time.

A little about my journey, I started last October but at the end of week 1 I pulled a ligament in my knee. I ended up on the IC (injury couch) and couldn’t run for 3 weeks. That didn’t stop me though, I got a gait analysis and bought some running shoes. I started again in November. It wasn’t plain sailing, it was bloody hard. Anyway I graduated in January and was struggling to cover 3k. At times I was disappointed but as I looked back and realised 5 years ago I had to use a mobility scooter just to go down the road as I broke my back 16 years and was told I’d end up in wheelchair by the time I 50 if tried walking too far and to avoid stairs as much as possible. I’m also classed as obese (still working on that although I’ve lost 2st 7lb so far). I am now 53 and running. That put it all into perspective.

Anyway coming up to graduation I decided to join a running club and start in the beginners group. All the way through I still struggled to get to 5K. The graduation is tomorrow and my furthest was 4.3k up till today. I decided I really wanted that 5K certificate so I went out early this morning (I find it’s the best time for me to run) and got to 5K. It was on par with the feeling I got when I graduated on this programme.

I suppose after all that writing what I’m trying to say is don’t give up. You will definitely get there, it might not be in the 9 weeks on this programme. Or even another 9 weeks BUT with perseverance you will do it!

Happy running all 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Lovely post, hope it inspires all the newbies out there

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thanks 😊

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

10k to conquer now for May!! I’ll be run/walking it lol

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

There is actually a technique which uses run/ walk for longer distances, let's your muscles recover before they are too exhausted. I think I'll look at that for longer distances.

My friend has made me a plan to get to 6km in 6 weeks so I'm trying that, first day today

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Good luck, you can and will do it. I’ve got a colour run in April! Both the 5K colour run and 10k woodland run are both organised by my running club, they are so supportive and don’t worry about times. So glad I found them. But I get my 5K certificate on my graduation tomorrow 🏃‍♀️😊

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

Look forward to seeing that photo with the certificate! I need to book myself into a 10km run to give myself an objective, I'm all about structure I am discovering.

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

It took me a long time to get into the swing of things after graduation (you probably noticed). I’ve also missed 3 weeks of club so my last chance was to get out this morning. It’s down the pub tomorrow after cub run to celebrate (coke only as I’m driving) so definitely won’t miss tomorrow 🤣😂

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

Yes, I'm telling everyone to carry on after graduation because even stopping 10 days was hard for me! Enjoy your celebratory coke, maybe a slice of lemon to jazz it up You really wont need alcohol to celebrate as you are on such a high!