Introduction to running I started at the age of 52 and I am now 54,

[Murphy113113]

Hello

I started C25K 2 years ago when I lost some weight doing slimming world and would like to share my story

C25K weeks one to three were done in the gym with cheap trainers I then decided to speak to people on there experiences

1) first thing get you running gait checked out in simple terms this is the way you move when running and how your feet land on the ground a lot of running shops do this for free it’s part of the service don’t be afraid to ask them questions use there experience they are there to help you my local shop was “up and running”

I bought a pair of running shoes which were £100 , sounds a lot but I bet a lot of you spend this on cloths or night out drinking and if you carry on running put £2.00 a week in jar to get you next pair once you’ve worn the first pair out

2 run outside when ever you can don’t just use a gym treadmill you are missing so much and a lot of benefits that outside running has , and at this point I went back to week two of C25K don’t be afraid to go back a week or a run in a week and do it again it’s all there to build up your confidence

3 C25K once completed doesn’t mean you can run 5k in 30 minutes it means you can run for 30 minutes and then more don’t worry if you take longer than 30 minutes

4 join a running club and by this I mean get out with like minded people maybe a friend or go to a parkrun

5 parkrun is one of the best ways to meet like minded people who run at all level of abilities no winners no losers and you will make friends whilst running you can also help by volunteering and make more friends , like minded people who like to be outdoors at 9:00 on a Saturday morning it’s a great way to start a weekend

6 so C25K done what’s next well the sky’s your limit now but just don’t stop keep on running

Enter a local race 5k 10k 1/2 marathon full marathon , ultra marathon 50k 100k 100 miles are all distances to aim for running on roads or running off roads (trail running) get out and enjoy yourself , trail running doesn’t have to be up steep hills it’s just running on other surfaces other than tarmac

7 after running for about 1 year I decided I wanted to do an ultra marathon this is any distance above 42.19k or over 26 miles my first ultra was the K2B in the Lake District and I did this with 2 friends in the end we walked more than run and the 37.5 miles took us 13 hours the winner did it in a little over 5 hours but the hills and beautiful scenery made it all worth while I then did my second ultra which was the RTTS day one 50k and I did this on my own for most of the way but met so great people along the way

8 ultras as against marathons I’ve never done a road marathon and I still don’t think I want to they are hard but an ultra is easier , now I can see you all asking how can that be well a marathon is all about the time you keep on running you grab a drink at the water station sup the water but keep on running but an ultra you are encouraged to walk especially up hills you are encouraged to stop at the aid stations to eat proper food to talk to people make friends it’s just like been at a big party , it’s not easy to do you still should train but if you want to go out and achieve something then an ultra is the way to do it

9 thanks for reading this and if you got this far then well done

John

[Allymally1]

Thanks reading these posts are really inspiring

[Murphy113113 in reply to Allymally1]

Just keep at it , I’ve struggled this year had a lot of family upset need to get back to last years fitness

[Katiepops Graduate]

Well done, you’ve come a long way, and not just in terms of how far you’ve run! Very similar story from me, and I echo all of your advice. Personally I don’t like road, treadmill or track running. Boring scenery and cars sap any motivation I have. Off for a quick (it’s all relative! Certainly quicker than a year ago!) 10 in the woods in a bit, my pace, my route! Keep going. 😊🏃‍♀️

[Murphy113113 in reply to Katiepops]

One bit I forgot to say was look up and ahead to many nice things happening and you miss them if you just look down have a great run