C25K Side Effects Part 2: The long weekend and a... - Couch to 5K

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C25K Side Effects Part 2

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate
10 Replies

The long weekend and a lot of gardening to do. I did fit a lovely 40 minute run in on Sunday morning, but mainly focused on some major garden tasks. I have been simply staggered at my stamina! Looking at all the work ahead, and thinking of the Old me, I thought I’d need lots more help with the heavy digging, and thought I’d be lucky if I got half the plants in. In some ways I don’t think I’ve quite absorbed how much I’ve physically changed since starting this running lark back in November. Today (an extra day’s holiday), and a huge amount left to do, I set at it about 10am - I did all the digging, needed no help from the hubby, and got everything in and watered by 2:30 (including a short break for lunch). Old me could not have dug that much, nor stuck at it for so long, nor completed it so soon, nor enjoyed the labour so much! Old me is blown away by New me!!

(I am writing this lying down on the bed, so some Old me is still here!). The benefits of C25K keep coming and are having a massive impact on many areas of my life. So any of you out there finding it all a bit of a slog, slow down, stick at it, and you too will discover how much more you have in you than you ever thought possible! Happy running everyone (and gardening!) x

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DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunner
Graduate
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10 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Huge well done, New You... and of of course, your gardening tasks, also count as non impact, rest day exercise for stamina and strength! What a huge bonus...!

Rest up... you deserve it :)

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss!

TFG89 profile image
TFG89

Wow well done! I think this is what’s woken me up to needing to do something how little I can manage compared to previous years. Glad to know I’m on the right track!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to TFG89

You’ve picked the right thing. I was never a runner but maybe the right thing at the right time! The transformation I’ve undergone in less than 6 months is still amazing to me. Well done for starting this - there are many and varied benefits, being and feeling stronger is a great one!

TFG89 profile image
TFG89 in reply to DiscoRunner

Hopefully! My legs say otherwise today after my first run yesterday 😂

E27M14 profile image
E27M14Graduate

It’s amazing isn’t it. I work at customer sites and revisit the same customers normally at 12 month intervals. The place I have been at this week I have been working in the second floor and the canteen is on the fourth. Last year I spent a lot of time going up and down in the lift. This time, apart from one up and one down when I arrived and left with all my tools and equipment, I have walked up and down the stairs without really even thinking about using the lift. This fitness thing has sneakily crept into my life without me really noticing!!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to E27M14

It really is amazing, and I’m enjoying spotting it sneaking into corners of my life and in unexpected ways!

SeeJillRun profile image
SeeJillRunGraduate

Fantastic! It really is amazing what a difference it makes to so many aspects of our lives. I’ve walked (and run) over 18,000 steps today, almost 7 n a half miles. Would never have imagined I could do such a thing 3 months ago when I started!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

That’s so great! It’s completely amazing - it’s that first time you do something you haven’t done for awhile and bam! Nailed it! I’m blooming stunned! 🤣💪

TigerBiscuit profile image
TigerBiscuitGraduate

Sounds fabulous, DR! I have a mental picture of you in your English garden - getting loads done with all that energy and making it simply beautiful. Post a pic one day when it starts to bloom. And yes, the stamina benefits are staggering- even though I’m a bit sluggish today after yesterday’s 25-minute run. But I know I’ll be back strong.

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