You can do this

[Richard7]

I signed up for Couch to 5k on August 27th 2017 and graduated on November 2nd 2017.

Looking back my first week I was doing about 3.5k in the allotted time (35 minutes including warm up and cool down walk)

My first post on this forum was 'Oh dear totally out of shape - could not even keep up the 60 seconds jog!! Brisk walking OK! …."

When I started running I was 6 stone overweight and had not properly exercised for too many years. I started to walk before doing C25K - I thought about running but KNEW that I could not do that! A chance conversation led me down the path to C25K. The title resonated with me - COUCH yep that's me.

Since graduating I have continued to run 3 times a week with little exception, I dare not stop! Gradually my fitness has improved and it has made a significant difference to my health.

Today I stepped even further out of my comfort zone than the first day in August 2017 by running my first Half Marathon. Having lost 4 stone since I started running, I set off on my run - it was tough going and beyond my dreams or even nightmares back in 2017.

If someone would have told me in Jan 2017 that I would start running!!! Ha!

If someone would have told me when I graduated that I would do a 10k within 6 months!!! Ha!

If someone would have told me that today I would run a HM!!! No way!

Running is a journey. If you are doing C25K take it from me you are on a good track. Keep going all the way to the end of the program. You don't have to then do HM or even 10k. But I urge you to keep going, don't listen to those Gremlins in your head telling you that you cannot do something - they are wrong!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations what an achievement well done 😊

[bexcrowe Graduate]

So inspirational thank you for this. You have done amazing. I graduated today and excited for what is to come now on my running journey 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to bexcrowe]

Well done you - that's brilliant. Keep doing week 9 for at least a week then when you are happy you could try to add a little bit extra. I think there is a pinned post on this forum that gives done really useful next step ideas 😀

[bexcrowe Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Thanks so much Richard, I have seen the forum post about post consolidation too and will take on board all of the tips! Determined to keep this up 😊

[backintime Graduate]

Thank you for sharing that with us. You've done wonders ! Very inspiring for me