As lots of newbies embark on C25K I thought I’d share some of my learnings. I’d been toying with the idea of running for a while but hadn’t run since school cross country which was 3 decades ago😱. A colleague at work asked about new year’s resolutions, neither of us had made one but she’d just downloaded the C25K app, kismet the impetus we needed / VRBs we became. She’s the age of my children 🤔 but very supportive. Roll on one year and I can now run Park Run in 31 mins, she’s done a sub 26👍 and we can both run 10k. So some pointers
1) It’s hard. It messes with your head. This forum helps with that. You don’t have to post just read if that suits you better
2) Drink water, drink more water and then drink some more - everyday. Helps the running, hair, complexion, weight (you’re definitely not so hungry)
3) start slow - it’s not a race re speed, you can do that later if that’s your thing. I never looked at any timings while doing the course other than “how long till it’s over “😜 please god say only one minute to go ......
4) it works - trust it. If you need to repeat then do so, no guilt. Don’t fiddle with it, do the warm
Up and cool down walks they are part of the plan
5). Think about your shoes when you get to week 4/5 - a proper pair of running shoes is a good pick me up at this point so reward yourself you’re a star 🤩
6). pick your route - starting in Jan it’s cold, slippery, dark - I found having a specific route helped. The halfway bell that you get is great for an out and back. I run in the road whenever I can - wear fluorescents and quiet roads. That way I avoid uneven pavements, tree routes etc
7). No-one knows if you’ve run for 2 mins or 2 hrs - so don’t worry about anyone else, you’re training for your own mini marathon
8). Eat healthy - combined with running the benefits are astounding. I’m now the size I was in my teens. As a yo-yo dieter it’s a revelation but gets you thinking about your body, the mechanics, the fuel you put in it etc in NB a different way
9). Unless you’re really lucky you’ll get some aches and pains of some description. Time on the Injury Couch (IC) is hard. The first runs after are hard as you’re nervous. People get over injuries, time is generally a good healer. A good physio really helped me.
10). Enjoy it - inspire others. We get a bit virtuous and can be running bores but I have converted a few others👍😂
11). Try out a Park Run. I didn’t until I’d graduated which was right for me. Pick a quiet one if you do during C25K 🏅
12). Your kids don’t struggle with what to buy you anymore - running kit all the way 🏃♀️🏃♀️
So my heartfelt best wishes to any newbies. I am now 56, fitter than ever, slimmest for decades, sleep better as running clears my head. These changes are for life not for 9 weeks so it’s a long term investment you won’t regret
Have fun 👍🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Does it get easier?
A year ago
Happy New Running Year 🏃🏻♀️😊🏃♂️
My C25K journey and beyond 😊
