Little changes creeping in

[Reykjavik49]

Has anyone else noticed that they are making more positive choices as they go through this programme (aside from doing the actual running itself)? I have just completed W4R2 and have also started doing yoga everyday and having green smoothies for breakfast. I've done these things previously at times, but only as 'oughts'. This time, I actually want to do them. Wondered if this is something others have experienced?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Yes many people here on C25K are not only running but are changing their lifestyle as well like going on a better diet and exercising too.

We don't get too many people from Iceland here on C25K, you are very welcome to the forum Reykjavik49, I hope you are enjoying your running in Iceland.

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I wish I lived there! I just love the place and have had the pleasure of visiting once. Next time I go, I will definitely run.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Reykjavik49]

Thanks for the reply, yes the next time you go to Iceland, you can go for a 5K run in one of the many parks which are in Reykjavik. 😊 🏃

[backintime Graduate]

I have upped my water consumption to 3 litres a day and it helps with everything, I crave less sugar during *that* time of the month, and am eating less generally because I drink more water

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to backintime]

Well done on that. I need to work on the water consumption. I'd run more, too (to the loo and back!).

[backintime Graduate in reply to Reykjavik49]

I think I've worn a track in the carpet : ) but I have a lot more energy

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to backintime]

😂 Glad it's not just me! I'll try to build it up C25K style!

[JaoJao]

Yes I have been more

Mindful of what I’m eating and trying to get plenty of fruit and vegetables

[happysouls Graduate]

Yes! Although I have managed to run many times after drinking the night before I am currently feeling like I'd prefer to avoid drinking in order to be in a better state to improve my running. Also with my food choices (which were healthy anyway) I'm starting to add in things that I think will help my body. I do more stretching and mobility as well as each little twinge I suffer from leads me to read up on taking care of that particular part of me! Running has become number 1 priority! haha!

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to happysouls]

It's really encouraging to hear from graduates like yourself showing that the enthusiasm keeps going. 😁

[happysouls Graduate in reply to Reykjavik49]

Coming up to 1 year for me and 6-8 km is my general run with a couple of 10km ones done. Sometimes it is a slog and sometimes I love it. Even when I find it hard though I'm always glad I've done it, it has such an amazing effect and is life changing in many ways. Enjoy your couch to 5k and even if you don't you will at some point down the line!

[Taylor13 Graduate]

Same here. Have cut right back on alcohol, am drinking more water, eating more fruit, daily stretches, yoga and walking to work (if it's not raining 😊) Running has become really important to me both physically and mentally 👍

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to Taylor13]

I really think it's making me more positive which explains the better choices, I guess.

[Newpotato]

That's brilliant keep it up. I am a self sabotaging idiot, i know i do it but can't stop myself, i know where it stems from and am hoping when i get as far into C25K as you i will also start to see positive changes when it comes to eating habits. People like you are inspiring me x

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to Newpotato]

Oh I'm great at the old self-sabotage myself! It's amazing to me that I've reached Week 4 - that's how flakey I usually am! I think writing the runs on the calendar had helped. I cross them off as soon as I get back. I'm genuinely surprised at how the other changes are happening almost unconsciously. It just feels right. 😄

[Newpotato in reply to Reykjavik49]

I have only just completed week one so fingers crossed i can keep it up. You are doing a fantastic job, great that feeling fitter encourages healthy eating too. I will get to where you are soon i hope x

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to Newpotato]

I think getting started is the hardest bit. Just a case of keeping going now!

[jaybrass73 Graduate]

Hi Reykjavik49! You’re right, since starting and subsequently graduating C25K I’ve noticed a dramatic change in my lifestyle.

I drink 2-3L of water per day (never a big water drinker before), I eat breakfast every day (never did before), I make much healthier food choices and have drastically reduced my alcohol intake (which I would on reflection say was moderate to high).

I’m approaching 2 stone weight loss (in 5 months) and I always now take the stairs! I feel more confident in general and I sleep much better. I’ve seen my BMI move from ‘obese’ to ‘overweight’ and is on track over the next couple of months to move into ‘normal’

I look forward to my runs and I’m currently at around the 8K mark training for my first 10K in August.

I can’t thank the programme and the leaders highly enough, it’s fantastic and I’ve never felt better physically and mentally.

Running has introduced me to brilliant new friends on and offline and I find this and other forums incredibly supportive!

Long may it continue!!

Happy running everyone!!

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to jaybrass73]

Wow, what a transformation you have made. I love the way that completing C25K was really just the beginning for you and you've continued to push yourself even further. So inspiring!

[jaybrass73 Graduate in reply to Reykjavik49]

Thank you!

[annatonina Graduate]

I've always had a junk food problem and used to quite often skip proper meals because I'd eaten too many crisps/sweets. I noticed quite early on that this made my next run way more of a struggle so I started putting a lot more thought into what I eat. I'm still not perfect but I've definitely got better in the course of this programme. Running has also improved my chronic pain condition quite a lot which has mare me realise how much better I would feel if I ate properly too!

[TuxCatLady Graduate]

Yes, definitely. You suddenly want to eat better because you know your run the next day will be easier and you have more energy so your yoga session feels wonderful. This programme definitely has a lovely ripple effect. 😊

[Hidden]

You should listen to Jordan Peterson.....this is how it works

You make a change a tiny one and then because you actually moved forward the next thing becomes easier to believe it’s possible and it starts spiralling positively and as it does it attracts more opportunities to be positive

Once you’ve got that in your grasp don’t let it go

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'll try to hold it tight.

[Hayesrunner]

Wow, the amazing thing about this community is how it points out the obvious which somehow wasn't obvious at all. Yes, my appetite has changed , still have a Friday take away buy now it's Friday dinner and Saturday lunch, alcohol consumption has gone down, both more non alcohol days and less consumption on beer days, salad with my chips (oven baked) and chops. So no revolution but healthier overall.

And I don't want to risk over sharing but I love how my body is feeling tighter all over rather than flabby and floppy.

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to Hayesrunner]

I love the way that all these small changes can actually build into something really transformative (so long as you keep doing it!).

[smeeagain Graduate]

I found that i will have a couple less beers on a beer day if im running the next day,but the biggest difference is to me my mental state, before running i was a bit negative and now im the opposite,smiling ,much happier and content and i now speak to anyone as before i would hardly say a word....its amazing and im so glad i have done this and also reading this forum daily is also a boost!!!

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to smeeagain]

You're right! I'm away from home at the moment and would usually be reluctant to explore on my own. Today, I was out at 7am to run around a park I'd found on Google maps so I could get my run done. I no longer seem to care whether I look an idiot or not!

[Keston54 Graduate]

I am taking the stairs! 5 flights to my floor. Wish I could say it's now easier but recovery is quicker when I get there

[Jerichomile Graduate]

Great points you make about actually wanting to make good changes. I’m drinking less alcohol, eating loads less sweet stuff & getting more rest because the running feels better than the unhealthy habits did.

[Reykjavik49 Graduate in reply to Jerichomile]

I had a long journey yesterday so made quite poor food choices and didn't drink enough water. I felt that today when running, so have made much better choices today. But, overall, it just seems to have clicked that I'm making a positive choice to be healthier and can do this beyond C25K.