Hello! Missed you all. Update on Post C25k life

[bluepanda]

Hello everyone! (Warning: fairly long post). It’s been awhile since I posted after finishing C25K end of November 2018. I thought I give an update on how things have changed from me since completing C25K!

Bad news, I have kinda fell off the running wagon since then. I think I managed a week of consolidation runs before winter decided to pick on me. I had multiple boats of colds/flu and ear infections in December - February which meant running become sporadic and eventually stopped!

Good news, I didn’t entirely ended up on couch for long. I joined my local cycle training and learnt how to cycle finally. I never could figure out how to do as a kid and always wanted to! I have fallen in love it! Now, I use it get everywhere I can

But I am starting to miss running which is a surprise! I did a trial run last week to see what my fitness is like for running and I managed to run for 20 minutes. My plan is to work up from there. I wanted to make this post to keep me accountable and catch up with everyone!

I started C25K in August 2018 because I was just sick of feeling unfit and overweight. At that point, the only time I ever ‘ran’ was in school and I hated every minute of it. I remember in Week 1, I couldn’t imagine ever running for 20 minutes let alone 30 minutes. But, I just kept taking it one run at time and learnt to trust the plan! Lots of ups and downs later (and with the support of this lovely forum) I managed it! I am so glad I did!

The point of the post is to tell people that benefits of this program are endless and to stick with it! It doesn’t matter if it takes longer than 9 weeks or you have to start again. It doesn’t matter how slow you run either. Even if you don’t end up keeping up with running after the program, it still worthwhile to get to the end. For me, the mental benefits have been the most valuable gain - the self esteem boost is amazing!

Also, I managed to lose 10kg since starting c25k. My clothes started feeling looser during the C25k and I didn’t want to eat as much rubbish. But, it was mostly due to the fact that finishing the programme gave me the confidence to try other activities and beat other childhood insecurities. My self beliefs about my abilities to do any sporty things have change noticeably. I have long way to go but I don’t dread exercise as much. It’s a a fantastic gateway into a more athletic lifestyle.

Keep on running people. It really does help x

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Hey Bp

Sorry to hear things didn't go so well over the winter but huge congratulations on learning to ride your bike. 👏👏👏💕 It's great that you have found something you really enjoy.

I'm also impressed you could run 20 mins on your comeback. I too stopped c25k over the winter but couldn't run for toffee! So restarted the program.

Keep up the good work on the childhood stuff. It takes a strong person to do that 👍

Glad you are having fun x

[bluepanda Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thank you for the lovely words!! Also, well done on restarting the programme. It takes strength to not give up! I think I could only do the 20 minute run because I only stopped for a little more than month. I was still running an odd run here and there. Plus, I think the cycling kept my aerobic fitness up. Although the more sensible thing would have ben to ease myself up/restart program to avoid a risk of injury, so you did the more wise thing

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Good for you for all of your achievements bluepanda! You not only completed the programme you’ve challenged yourself with the cycling and mastered that too! You must feel great!! Winter running was a challenge for me too and I’m just getting back into a flow now the dark mornings and nights are behind us.

Happy running and cycling to you!! 🤩🤩❤️

[Granspeed Graduate]

You are inspiring me to get out my bike! I went from cycling to running over the winter, because I can’t deal with the wind on a bike. And I got so hooked on the running that I have neglected the bike. But I will get it out again now. Hope you continue from strength to strength on both fronts. 👏🏼🎉👏🏼

[Dowat Graduate]

Love your post. Very positive and inspiring, running really does do so much more than simply running. Happy days.

[Katnap Graduate]

Great to hear from you again bluepanda! 😁