This is a late introduction, really, as I’ve been running now for about a year. I started Couch to 5k via the app (thanks, Sarah Millikan!) to get a bit fitter for running as it’s never been my forte. I am in the emergency services so have to keep fit for work but never enjoyed running. I’d do it when I had to, but so infrequently that when I did run 3 miles it really hurt, which would put me off doing it again! I needed to start - somehow - to enjoy it!
In all, I started C25k 4 times! Shift work and tiredness knocked it out one time; other times it was appendicitis and then a broken toe! Turns out 4th time was the charm. This time I got beyond week 3/4 and knew then that I was going to continue. Now, if I got interrupted, eg by a lingering cold, I didn’t go back to the very beginning; I went back a couple of weeks to where I knew I’d be okay to resume. I was actually enjoying going slower and taking more breaks. My legs started not to hurt after each run, but I could also feel them get stronger, and they started to get an actual shape! I still didn’t enjoy the first 1 or 2 km, but after that I actually did quite enjoy the feeling of running, and was definitely breathing easier than at the start. It still took me a lot longer than 9 weeks and I could generally only go twice a week instead of three times, but gradually I have become a runner!
Now - a year later - I have lost 6kg, run a 10K, regularly do my local Parkrun, have a lower resting heart rate and much fewer feelings of stress or anxiety. I still use tricks to help me keep going: I need a beat to run to and still use coaching apps for example. But now I actually enjoy running. I am a runner!
W7R2 ... one to forget and glad it’s over!
C25K encouragement and tips from a graduate
Finally enjoyed SOME of my run!
Well, that's Week 6 finished 😊
To all the “older” new runners
