W6R3 - my legs (and head) are astounding me!!

[Jenbob86]

I felt compelled to post for the first time on the forum after completing week 6 last night. I'd never run before starting C25K this year and going back to (nearly the start) I remember being in floods of tears after W3R1 - I just about finished the 3 minute runs but my shins were burning, I had shooting pains in my knee and I couldn't breathe.

My reason for starting it was primarily my mental health and at that point I questioned whether I could do it at all - the demons were right, I was incapable of running. I hopped on this forum, read the FAQs and intro posts, trawled through posts from people with similar problems and gaped at the wonderfully generous and encouraging comments so many people had taken the time to leave. It gave me the boost I needed and completely changed my mindset and approach to the programme. I then redid week 2 before attempting week 3 again and felt great for it.

Last night I ran for 25 minutes non-stop and you know what? I had more in the tank. When lovely Laura told me I'd already done 20 minutes I nearly cried with happiness, then smiled like a maniac while I pegged it for the last 5. I even smashed personal bests and am told I did negative splits! (This last one had to be explained to me...)

I can't begin to explain how brilliant I think the C25K programme is or how helpful this forum has been to me so far. If my wobbly mind and jelly legs can do it, so can yours. TRUST in the programme and listen to the amazing advice you'll read here.

See you at graduation

[Stephen_UK Graduate]

Great post! Agree with every word of this. You were absolutely right to stick with it and it’s inspiring to hear that it has worked out so well.

[Jenbob86 Graduate in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks so much!

[TortoiseRegretsHare Graduate]

That's a wonderful post. Really brilliant to stick with it and be so full of beans after what sounds like a hard start.

[Jenbob86 Graduate in reply to TortoiseRegretsHare]

Thank you!