Yee Hah!

[Yebam]

So I started Couch to 5K back at the end of January. I knew it was going to be a challenge for me and I was NEVER going to complete it in 9 weeks.

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in my early 20's and before that I was a pretty active/sporty person. I suffered pretty badly for many years, some days unable to move even to get out of bed, I went through all the drug options they could give me and I'm now on a biologic, unfortunately one of the side affects is weight gain. Now in my early 40's and with it under control to a certain extent I wanted to get myself fit and hopefully lose some weight. I hadn't realised exactly how unfit I had become, when I started I couldn't complete the first 60 second run in Week 1.

Nevertheless, I have persevered and I graduated to Week 2 back at the start of May (only 4.5 months to do Week 1). I've been trying to complete that week ever since. There were a few interruptions due to illness but I have kept going and yesterday I decided to give Run 1 in Week 3 a try. I had zero expectations of completing it as it's quite a big jump for me from the previous week.

i am over the moon to report that I completed the entire run on my first attempt. Both 3 minute run sections were tough, but I completed them without stopping. I have shocked myself with this and have absolutely no idea how I did it, but I now have the encouragement I need to keep this going. I am determined to complete the program and at 4 to 7 months for each week, I could be finished as early as 2021 or as late as 2023, whichever it is, I will do it.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations Yebam, I have the up most admiration for you as my mother has RA and I see how it can affect you.

Your running at your pace for you and you should be so pleased as proud. Well done you 🤗🤗🤗

[Antdan]

OMG your amazing I have just posted today about doing it in twice the time, but inside feeling a bit of a failure & yet there is you talking years and I moaning about 18 weeks, your post has really inspired me, thank you so much for sharing your story.

[Alast]

Hey Yebam, well done you. What admirable determination and perseverance you have, that's fantastic. Doesn't it feel great when you complete something that you couldn't so before? I know this is going to take me longer than 9 weeks but so what?I'm feeling better for doing what I've done, and hope/expect those feelings to increase the further I go. Very well done you, keep in keeping on.

[islandrunner Graduate]

That is truly inspiring. A "can do" mindset, regardless of the obstacles in your way, I hope you succeed and you'll need to keep us posted on your progress.

Others who are just starting will be inspired by your dedication to complete the program and do it at a pace that suits your circumstances. Fantastic !