My Couch to 5K journey...never give up! 🙂

[Sandraj39]

As the newest member of the admin team, I just wanted to introduce myself and say a quick 'Hello' to all the lovely runners on this forum!

I completed Couch to 5k a little over four years ago now. I remember there were good runs 😀 and bad runs 😫 and 'omg - I am a runner!'😱☺️ runs - but what often got me through the tough runs (and the injury😉), was the amazing support I found here and being able to share my journey with other like-minded souls.

🙏

It would be fair to say that running has since become a passion and has done wonders, not only for my physical fitness but also my mental wellbeing.👍 After completing the program, I carried on running🏃🏽‍♀️...and running, with my highlight being completing my first half marathon a couple of years ago. Alas, I have spent my fair share of time on the injury couch too 😫 - but hey, I always came back - hopefully a little more knowledgeable and maybe even a tiny bit wiser! 😉

I mostly love to run on my own but also enjoy taking part in organised events (the bling!🏅😀) My favourite place to run is out in the local countryside - fields, bridleways, footpaths and muddy trails....the muddier the better actually but I also enjoy road running too.

Like other 'graduates' of Couch to 5k, I have continued to enjoy popping in to spend time here (as well as the sister forums - Bridge to 10k/Marathon running and Race Support). I know how much this forum can help keep new runners motivated and feel supported - and remember how wanting to post a positive run report on here, would often help me knuckle down and get through a run, without letting those gremlins take control!

💪

Whatever your experience and whatever your reason for starting this program, please BELIEVE that you can do it. I was fast approaching 50 when I started this program, with an initial goal of 3 x 30 mins runs a week and hopefully of becoming a fitter person. I didn't think much further than that because that alone would have been enough. One thing I do know from hanging around here for the last few years, is that if you want it to - it really can change lives! Happy running and good luck!

Sandra

👍😀🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏻

[Claireep Graduate]

Great post!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Fantastic post, Sandra! I identify with so much that you say. Very motivating for anyone starting out on C25K too. 👍Happy running to you!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks Sadie-runs "...every journey begins with a single step."🙂

[ju-ju- Graduate]

wonderful... thanks for sharing your pics too

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

🙂

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you Sandra on becoming an administrator on C25K, Bridge to 10K and Marathon Support, I am sure you will continue enjoying reading runners posts and giving out the appropriate badges.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr -just an ambassador here on Couch to 5k but of course I pop on to all three!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

So,,,,, awesome... xxx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Great post and lovely photos, hehe, good to know you are a bling hound like me 😀. Rfc xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

🏅☺️

[Comfortnotspeed]

Inspiring! Thank you 🙏

[roseabi]

Fabulous to have you on the team xxx

[linda9389 Graduate]

Lovely post! Says it all doesn't it. Such an inspiration for anyone starting out 🙂

[Dexy5 Graduate]

From little acorns ...............

An inspiring story for anyone just starting out on C25k Sandra, and that’s a lot of experience to help them along the way.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy - so many of us share the same journey...with all those little bumps in the road along the way!😮😉

[skysue16 Graduate]

Congratulations on becoming an ambassador- you will be a great support to others, sharing your experiences and giving us a boost when needed 😀 Love the photos

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Thank you - that's very kind.☺️

[johnm12 Graduate]

Lovely post Sandra. I echo most of what you say, although I was fast approaching 60 when I started. So my contribution to new runners is to advise that you all take a look back at previous runs maybe a few weeks or months ago, make time to take a few pictures during your Runs. Save them to strava. They are usually great memories and I find they motivate me to get out there.

Congrats on your hm. Mine is delayed owing to injury but I should be off the ic soon!

Cheers and thanks once again for a great post!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to johnm12]

Thank you John - yes, so many great memories! Hope you are back out there soon ...and looking for that hm goal. Take care 🙂

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to johnm12]

An excellent idea John. After almost 2 years of running, I have just compiled one of those photo books with pics of my running journey and it has been lovely to remind myself of how far I’ve come from that couch!

[johnm12 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thats a good idea... a photobook. Brilliant