Why I love the C25K plan

[tiggs1]

I am sat reflecting on the last 2 months of my life since starting C25K and I have realised that it truly has changed my life in a massive way and I feel the need to share in the hope that anyone reading posts while considering starting the plan can find that motivation to do run 1....

a) I can now run for 30 minutes, I have achieved this in 25 runs! The first 3 of those runs were TOUGH going and I was only running for 60 seconds at a time! Now i run with a smile on my face

b) I have a whole new level of self confidence, going to Parkrun with 381 other people who I didn't know was a massive step for me as I suffer quite bad anxiety when going into these kinds of situations. The desire to run and run with other people got me there

c) I am maintaining a healthy weight with my BMI in normal range and getting to eat more treats - I have been on a healthy eating plan since January and lost 2.5 stones however now I am able to have a few treats now and again (fudge normally) and not worry as the weight is staying off

d) this community and everyone who contributes to it - without everyone here I am not sure I would have got to week 9. I had no idea what to wear, how to run, how to stop heavy legs, had never heard of a gait analysis and was trying to run too fast.... I am sure I would have injured myself and had to have stopped if it wasn't for the advice on here

e) I have now been smoke free for over a month.... I have tried and failed to stop so many times before however the running makes me feel good, takes my mind off smoking and I have spent the money on running stuff..... I have a big 'wish list' of more stuff I want so need the money for that therefor won't start smoking again!

f) It works! When looking at the program and seeing that runs go from 60 seconds to 90 seconds, then 90 seconds to 3 minutes and then suddenly go from 3 mins to 5 mins and then 8 mins and then 20 mins.... you question the mathematical capabilities of whoever wrote the plan...... but it works!

Finally, it has improved my mental health in so many ways. My job is quite stressful at times, I have a high workload, do lots of travelling and struggled to fine routine. Planning my run days and routes I can run then getting out there makes me feel so much more positive about everything.

Thank you everyone!

[Papillon17 Graduate]

Absolutely brilliant congratulations I graduated in March and still consolidating not quite interested in distance like to do 5k and improve time. However who knows ambitions may change in time.

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

You are an inspiration

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Tiggs that is an amazing summary of the C25K journey & I can see myself in so much of it!! What an encouragement to anyone still contemplating whether it will work for them. Well done 👍

[damienair Graduate]

Fantastic post. Congratulations on all your success. Very well done to you. I’m in the same boat, running 2 years, 2.5 stone lighter and have knocked almost 15 minutes off my 5K time. C25K has also changed my life.

Damien

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds like result, result, result, result, result...........

..........the best is yet to come!

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

This is a brilliant post...and just the thing that anybody doubting that what they’re doing is worth it needs to hear! It is the best thing that happened to me, and finding this forum was the icing on the cake, think I was on maybe week 4..and I promise you I wouldn’t have got any further without everyone on here...the support is amazing 😉

Keep on running and enjoying the forum and you will be happy always!

[nona65]

Thank you so much for sharing. Love to read positive comments!

[Henry100 Graduate]

Fabulous inspiration ! I’ve been running with my dog Henry and we are on week 8 run 3 tomorrow. It feels great doesn’t it and Henry loves it too !!!!

[tiggs1 Graduate in reply to Henry100]

It feels amazing..... I wish I could train my cat to run with me lol

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I think you start this plan just to see if you can run and then there is a whole load of extras on top just like your list . It's brilliant you have discovered all these things and that makes you happy. Also great that you have been smoke free for 1 month. Congratulations and well done 😊

[Newbeg60 Graduate]

How wonderful! Well done!

[MaggieCats]

Fabulous post, and you deserve all the benefits achieved, after all... you've run towards a positive future. Congrats and keep up all the good work.

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

Great post and summary of C25K! 👍

[Shepsbird Graduate]

👏👏👏👏

[Pippa10 Graduate]

Great post! You’ve achieved so much it’s so good to see how this program has changed you and given you confidence. This will inspire others.👍🏼👏😀

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

A fantastic example of just how much C25K can change your life!

So pleased it's had such a positive effect for you. I bet, like me, you probably first thought you wouldn't really have time but now suddenly you actually do have the time for running and it becomes one of the main things we arrange other stuff around!

I hope it keeps bringing the best for you 💕👍🏻😁