Couch to.... how far? - My journey

[LoungeLizaard]

Hi C25Ker's, a few weeks ago Oldfloss asked a few of recent graduates to share our journey's and experience's. Here is my "condensed" version, I hope it helps.

The most important fact I have learnt and worth mentioning before anything else, is that this is your journey, your experience! Any and everyone else will have a different story, different experience - don't compare yourself to anyone else but you and what you did yesterday.

For me - I've graduated C25K twice. Just after the first time, I picked up an injury and I probably came back running to soon, and immediately picked up another injury - Doh!

So in April 18, I was ready once more. Having regained all lost weight - I set out on the C25K road again, and again with Laura. I had hiccups along the way, we all do, but my fellow VRB's helped me through, and I graduated again on Wednesday 4th July. Almost 1 year ago.

Now what?

It's tempting to immediately jump on to a longer plan, and some will. The mentors & admins here will advise you to take a few weeks consolidating. Some of you won't be running 5k in 30mins, I know I couldn't!! so spend a few more weeks building strength in your legs, you'll be surprised how fast you'll get there. It took me a further 3.5 weeks to get to 5k comfortably - in around 41 mins. (OF constantly ringing in my ears, even to this day - slow down!)

Fast forward 12 months - I ran my first 10k on 1st September '18. Something I thought I would never ever EVER do. I followed ju-ju- 's plan - It is simple & totally brilliant in that simplicity. Moving through the winter, I struggled to run consistently, but I did run...… and then spring and I am running at least twice a week and doing other workouts to strengthen my legs and core.

So far in 2019 - I have run 4 10k's and taken 4 mins of my PB, and I am planning on running one 10k event each month - to give myself a target. I applied for the London Landmark HM (next year) but didn't get a ballot place. Now I'm going to apply via a charity...…. for me (and most) a HM is a HUGE target.

Don't be afraid to aim high, take each day and each run as it comes. You will have bad runs, and you will have runs where you wonder how you managed that pace or distance. That's the joy (and frustration) of it - Its your journey - enjoy it.

Happy Running and good luck to anyone that is on the programme xx

[backintime Graduate]

Thank you!

A good lesson in persistence and taking it slow.

I love these graduate posts, so thank you again for taking the time

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to backintime]

No worries, I have a back catalogue of woes if you want to read them too!! 🤣👍

[Buddy34 Graduate]

What a great story of your achievements. Hope you have many more happy running years 😊😊

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Hey buddy - where are you on your training?

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

I did my graduation run on 15th Feb 2919 and I'm still running 3x per week . Just last Friday I did my first 5k in just under 30 minutes😊

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Excellent! I still can’t. Nearest so far is 32..... but at 17.5 stone, I’m happy with that! (So are my knees! Lol)

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Yes we should all be so happy with what we've achieved 😊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You were one of the recent graduates who’s posts I read before my first post here. Congratulations on all of your achievements, thanks for inspiring me and many others back than and again today as well as countless more in between.

Happy running.

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Hey! Yep, remember those posts lol. Glad to hear they have helped. What are your plans / targets for this year?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

HM in November... and surviving the training! Loving it so far and consolidated on 10k, so it’s the next logical (or illogical 🤣) place to go.

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Good for you 👍👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

I guess then we are going for the full one... apparently it’s ok to get to half way in the 26.2 and figure it’s too hard, turn around and run back to the start.

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

🤣🤣

[Comfortnotspeed]

Thank you for sharing this. Inspiring stuff. I hope you get to do the event you want.

[LoungeLizaard Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Thanks! It feels like a momentary madness is creeping in, I’ve been told “no” so now it’s a personal challenge to get in.... then despair as I realise I have to run 21km!! 🤣🤣

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Lovely to hear from you LoungeLizard. You were one of the VRBs who encouraged me to go beyond 5k. I am now working towards 10 mile. Thank you so much for your encouragement.