Keep on running

[slow-farah]

A (hopefully short) story about my progress from c25k, 18 months ago, to now.

I started c25k in March 2018 as a way to get fit and to improve my mental health. I am proud to say I have achieved these and so much more.

My highlight of 2018 was running the Great South Run (exactly a year ago today!) I was so proud of myself for running 10 miles, a distance which was unthinkable a few months beforehand.

This year has been filled with so many wonderful moments because of running. I ran my first half marathon, my 50th parkrun, and yesterday my second Great South Run.

But I’m only human and I’ve had to run through weeks where my asthma played up and I didn’t want to run, and I honestly don’t think I’d still be here running without parkrun.

2020 holds new adventures for me, I was lucky enough to get a place in the London Marathon ballot so in April I will be taking on the marathon!

Doing c25k is the easy bit, to keep on running is the real trick. Join parkrun. Join a running club. Get your family/ friends to follow you on strava (other running apps are available). Follow this forum it’s full of awesome and kind people. Keep yourself accountable. Most importantly, if you like running, keep on running!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Fantastic! Lovely to read about your progress

[slow-farah Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you 😊 it’s nice to be able to share what I’ve done knowing that posts like this got me through c25k

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to slow-farah]

Exactly! And so many achievements already. Looking forward to seeing what you do in 2020

[Sp81 Graduate]

Fantastic!!! Well done on your achievements so far. Huge inspiration xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate]

A great post slow-farah. Your achievements in such a short time are amazing. I started c25k in March 2018 too and ran alongside you in Portsmouth. I have come to love running, and have made so many friends through it.

Congratulations on gaining your place in the VLM. Even HM is a step too far for me. Given your progress so far, I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly.

Good luck and well done for inspiring those on c25k. I would say though that I found the journey from c25k far harder than that from 5k to 10k, but it is so worth that effort.

[slow-farah Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy 😊 and well done on your GSR too! I was thinking about the many who overcome massive hurdles to complete c25k only to sadly disappear a few weeks afterwards

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to slow-farah]

Yes , after all that hard work to then let it go ......

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fantastic progress! Good luck with the marathon training 💪🏻👍🏻😁 just like all the rest, it's just one foot in front of the other! 👌🏻

[slow-farah Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks 😊 a marathon is just a few more hours of one foot in front of the other!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to slow-farah]

Exactly! 😉👍🏻

[RunningChocoholic Graduate]

I love posts like these. So so inspirational. The benefits of running gives us so much more than just increased fitness. Congratulations on all the you’ve achieved so far and very best of luck for the future! X

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on all your amazing achievements . You should be so proud . Good luck with your marathon and the training . 😊👏👏👏