So today marks 6 months to the day that I started c25k and this incredible running journey. Remembering that first run - bright red, out of breath, so self-conscious, but somehow managing to run (or shuffle-stumble) for those 8 minutes, pathetically grateful for those 90 seconds of relief! To today - as I’m currently down in beautiful Cornwall, I celebrated with a lovely hour long run along a road through a wooded valley of the River Lynher. Bluebells, birdsong, and a weasel crossed my path! And (this is a huge milestone for me) I ran up several hills! Actual hills - real Cornish ones!
What a 6 months it has been! What have I learned & what’s changed? I’ve learned that the transformation from totally unfit to (getting!) fit can be hugely enjoyable! I’ve struggled with getting into and enjoying any exercise other than walking, and never thought I could be a runner. Finding a running pace that suits me (my age, weight and poor fitness level) was crucial and thanks to Prof Tanaka and his Japanese slow jogging technique, a whole new world of pleasurable running has opened up for me - and because I post this all the time - why not again?!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...
This slow running has meant that I can now run for an hour. I’m still stunned that I can write that sentence! And I’m going to celebrate with another long run looping Barnes Bridge & Hammersmith Bridge, and aim for a 10k to celebrate my 6 months from graduation in July.
What’s changed? I had a nagging ache/weakness in a knee, that’s completely gone. An ache in my hip, which has more or less disappeared. I’ve lost nearly a stone in weight without dieting. I do want to lose more and it looks like from others on here, with some modest calorie counting that’s more than doable. I’ve lost many inches - most gratifyingly from my tummy - which is that visceral fat that’s really bad for us, but seemingly easily shiftable through running. I keep catching myself bounding up the stairs, and also getting off the couch without using my arms! I feel stronger, trimmer, more toned, and have more energy and stamina - not just for running but other physical tasks. The mental benefits have been both subtle and huge. I’m generally quite an easygoing person, but as anyone who has tried & failed to lose weight, and gradually gained more, a negative voice had crept in and nagged at me for years. This has also thankfully gone. Running has been wonderful for shifting a mood, for de-stressing from work and for just setting up the day perfectly. Because every day we run, we can say those magical three little words ‘I ran today’, and that just feels and is fabulous!
Anyone thinking of starting - do it - this works! Or struggling - stick at it - slow down and find a pace that works for you. Or near graduating - running continues to be amazing!
This has been a truly transformational experience. So thank you c25k plan, thank you nico nico smile jogging, and thank you - you - all the people on, and who run this wonderful, kind and supportive forum!
Keep running, and keep smiling! x
We all find our own way and it is amazing 
Overtaken but not overawed!
Very very slow
A Month of Week 1: Some encouragement for new strugglers
