Two years of Running

A while back Oldfloss asked us grads to reflect on where C25k has brought us. I thought I would celebrate my 2nd runniversary with my musings.

So it’s 2 years since I graduated at the age of 55, having done very little cardio for some years.

I couldn’t (and still can’t) quite believe that I could run for 30 minutes. That was my goal and I didn’t want to do more. So what’s happened since?

Well I consolidated for a few weeks, feeling a little lost without the structure of the plan. 🏃🏾‍♀️

I then got to 5k and started thinking about going further, a few 10ks and then on a whim, decided to switch to miles to complete a 10mile jog from my house to central York. I plan to start training for a HM when the weather turns cooler(there I’ve said it now, so that’s a commitment made)👍

I’ve run in England, near to home and on trips away. I’ve run in France, Spain and in Vietnam. When I travel for work I always pack my kit.

I’ve run in the heat (not a fan), the rain (love it), freezing bright winter days (my favourite) and with sleet driving horizontally into my face. 🤷‍♀️

I’ve run with my dog 🐶 and it’s given us a strong bond. I have listened to loads of great novels during the hours of training. I have stopped being a shy runner and now run with pride; not caring who sees me flushed and sweaty!

There have been times when my motivation has waned and when running has been messed up by work/life. Other periods when I have been focused and keen. I have learned that I do best with a target but that I also like to run for the joy of it. I am a slow runner but I can keep going for hours at a time. ⏰

I have had rest periods but have also discovered the joy of running streaks, when time allows.

I know that I am so much healthier, that my bone strength is improved. The achy hip that I had before C25k is now a distant memory. I have never had an injury (makes me nervous saying that 😟 ) and haven’t had a cold for over two years. I sleep well and have more energy. Running has helped me deal with stress and horrible life events.

I no longer worry too much about what I eat as running has kept my weight stable and even though I weigh the same, my jeans are two sizes smaller. 👖

I have learned that most people don’t want to hear about my running exploits and often have some unhelpful advice about knees 🙃 My husband has been brilliant and is a great cheerleader 📣 (even though he must be bored 😐)

I am also really grateful to everyone here for all of the guidance, advice and support that have kept me at it 🙏

So, if you are thinking about doing C25k or if you are just starting out, I have a warning ⚠️ watch out, this programme might well change your life!

(Sorry for going on a bit)

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

👏👏👏 excellent!! (Apart from the apology for going on a bit...long posts rule! 😁)

Fantastic results from zero to hero 🏅

Love the bit about knee comments 🤣🤣 my fave is also being lectured that one can over-hydrate...🙄

It's so true about the more energy. I wouldn't and didn't believe it previously either!

👍🏻💪🏻😁

[Hidden in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you kindly👍

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

What a fantastic and inspiring post helenwheels! What an incredible journey, and good for us to see what lies ahead.

Being in my 50s too when starting this - I too have loved the comments about my knees 🤣🤣🤣! One of the reasons I started c25k was a persistent niggle in my left knee and an ache in my right hip - and now knee pain all gone, hip only very occasional now.

And yay to the slow runners!

[Hidden in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thanks Disco, it’s great when niggles disappear😊

[pollyp1 Graduate]

❤❤❤❤

[Puppy-love Graduate]

Thank you for sharing. Reading about your journey is really inspirational for a complete beginner (week 1 run 1 completed of C25K). Keep running and please keep sharing. I turn 60 next month and hope to be able to run for 20 minutes on my birthday.

[Hidden in reply to Puppy-love]

You will be fine and dandy, running 20 minutes on your birthday 🎁

[Hidden in reply to Puppy-love]

You will be fine and dandy, running 20 minutes on your birthday 🎁

[skysue16 Graduate]

Wonderful post, thank you I agree with the heat and rain (especially soft, summer drizzle!). Running is great and the folk on this forum fantastic! All the best with your future running adventures

[Hidden in reply to skysue16]

Thank you Skysue

[backintime Graduate]

Thank you for sharing. These graduate posts really help me envisage the future whereas before my goal was the 9 weeks of c25k.

It really is nice to see what life can be like post c25k.

You have done amazingly well.

Thanks again

[Hidden in reply to backintime]

Thanks backintime, I am sure you will be doing great things too🏃🏾‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Reverie1 Graduate]

Thanks for sharing this, Helenwheels - I really enjoyed reading it and reflecting on things that resonated : )

[Hidden]

Thank you Reverie👍

[Hidden]

Outstanding Helen! Great read, truly inspiring! 👏🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much👍

[Clairecandothis Graduate]

I love this! Such enthusiasm, I can feel the love for running you have! I love the rain over heat too and it is sooo true how no one but us guys on here want to talk running lol! 🤣👍🏃‍♀️😊

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

Thank you Claire😊

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Happy 2nd runniversary helenswheels, it sounds like you are very content with life. 🏃‍♀️👏🏻👏🏻

I still haven’t found my off switch when it comes to talking about running. I must bore everyone rigid 😂😂

[Hidden]

Haha. It’s when the eyes glaze over!

[Couchhogger]

Inspirational!!!!!