One Year On....🏃‍♂️

[Logan1980]

Around this time last year I downloaded the Couch to 5k app as I needed a complete life change. I was suffering with depression and anxiety, overweight, unfit, doing a job I hated, my confidence was non existent and if I am honest I was at my lowest point I had ever been in my life. I remember one of my first posts was to seek advice from people on here about being too heavy to run as I was 26 stone, I got some great advice and decided to give it a go. I remember my first run and the struggle to run for a minute with the thoughts and doubts creeping in about whether I could do this. It took me to around the end of June to complete Couch to 5k and after that I again got some great advice from people on here about consolidation runs and on the 31/07/19 I was able to run my first ever 5k in a time of 46:09. I like to take a screenshot of all my runs and keep them on my phone so I can look back at how far I have come. As of today I have completed 70 5k runs since the 31/07/19 with my PB being 36:38 which I achieved on a recent Park Run. Also at the start of this year I started a new job and I now look forward to going to work as much as I look forward to going for a run. My depression and anxiety are easily managed now and I have also realised I have not had a sick day since starting Couch to 5k. Running has not only helped me become physically healthier but also allowed me to build myself back up again and the positive effect running has had on my mental health has been life changing. I currently weigh in at 24st 10lbs so I have still struggled with my diet but when I look back at how much has changed this past year the only thing I have left to do now is shift the pounds and I am so confident of achieving this as this is best version of me I have seen in over 20 years, which also meant my recent 40th Birthday came with lots of excitement and positivity for the future rather than a mid-life crisis. I wanted to post this so that if there are any people on here questioning whether they can do this, simple answer is Yes. Listen to your body it will surprise you throughout this whole journey what it is capable of doing and if you stick to it it will 100% change your whole life for the better. Good luck everyone and keep running 🏃‍♂️

[Hidden]

What a positive and uplifting post! Thank you for sharing this with us all. 😊

[Abenaa]

Thank you for posting this - I felt like you were talking directly to me. I downloaded the app about 4 months ago and beat myself up about not being able to jog properly during the workout. I just find it such a struggle mentally and physically. Thank you for your words of encouragement, I will listen to my body and I will stick to it. Well done on your achievements so far ❤️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Another life changed for good. ...

[dijep Graduate]

Such a brilliant post what a success story. Its amazing that such a simple thing as running can have such a profound difference to so many aspects of somebodies life. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[Steve53unfit]

Thank you, I down loaded the app a week ago and am yet to get started, I think it's the fear of failing at yet another thing.... but this post has made me realise if I take longer to get to 5K I haven't failed I have just taken a little longer.... I am starting today, thank you!

[Hidden]

Thanks for sharing this motivating post. I didn’t do my run 3 week 1 yesterday ) so easy to just let slide in these current times) but I WILL do it today having read this. Good luck with your continuing journey 😃

[husnaahmed]

Thanks for sharing I started this for my anxiety I think it was the best decision weldone to you ☺️

[LittleIreland Graduate]

Inspirational stuff. Superb. Well done.

[GreenBearxxx Graduate]

Inspirational. I will take alot away from your post. I have just started C25K. Last couple of years have been difficult stress, bereavement followed last year which was the beginning of my anxiety lack of confidence and then the weight gain. February this year after a year of struggling with MH I decided to try and regain my life and take control. Started swimming again started feel good then lockdown happened worried that anxiety might creep back so decided to do the C25K. I have doubted myself. week 3 in and I'm still not sure if I can do..then I read your post. you have inspired me. well done to you!! you showed such strength.

[Hidden]

What a fantastic and uplifting story! Thank you so much for sharing!

I resonated with so much of "you a year ago", so it's made me feel more positive that I can change my own life/body/fitness, if I follow your example, sticking with the programme no matter what.

Thanks again, you're an inspiration!

[CobbleRunner Graduate]

Absolutely love this post! Well done 😊

[Workingathome Graduate]

To say well done seems such an understatement, but I’ll say it anyway! Incredibly well done!

And it’s such a great story to share as you will inspire so many others I’m sure.

Good luck with the weight loss and everything else you choose to do, I’m sure you will succeed as you have already proved you can do anything you put your mind to, we all can, there is no such word as ‘can’t’ just ‘don’t want to enough’

[Gwyrdd Graduate]

thank you for sharing that, Logan . It lifted my spirits today.

[gnjones1975 Graduate]

Such a wonderful and inspiring message. Thank you. I felt the same on my first run. Doubts. I feel so much better in my head for pushing myself. I am 5 stone overweight and I'm trying fasting as a means to get the pounds off. It is a great way to get the insulin levels down. Eating the right foods helps. Google Autophagy. Check the research. Just a suggestion not advice. It could be a benefit to you. Plys, you can still eat what you want but bulk up on the healthier stuff and treat yourself when you want to especially if you're running too. Good luck

[Logan1980 Graduate]

Thank you everyone for your kind words, it means the world to know that my story is helping and inspiring people and I actually got a little bit emotional reading them. The running community are literally the friendliest and most supportive people it’s so nice to be a part of it. Also anyone who hasn’t tried one I can’t recommend Park Run enough they are amazing and when we are not in lockdown one of my favourite things to do each week.

[Getfitok Graduate]

Brilliant! What an inspiration you are. 👍

[Bracken2018 Graduate]

WOW, thank you for sharing your story of success. I work with youth who have a variety of disabilities , the struggle for most of the them is depression ( the black dog ) and the best mate anxiety . I know your story will inspire them , knowing they are not alone.

Congratulations for achieving your goal.