Esctactic, elated and exhausted!

[SquintyBunny]

I've lurked for quite a while, so let me start with a little about myself. I started my journey into running on the 2nd of January 2020 after finding I was struggling with my weight and my fitness and this was affecting me at work. I am an ICU nurse and I needed to be my best to provide my best to my patients. Roll on a few months, who would have thought how necessary and important that decision would be.

That first run, I was beetroot red and gasping for breath after the first 20 seconds, but I persevered.

20 seconds turned into 30 seconds, 30 seconds turned into 3 lots of 30 seconds, then 8 lots, never once thinking I could do more.

Today, my partner and I ran completed W5R3 and ran for 20 minutes none stop! TWENTY! No stops, no walks. Just running. I'm hot, I'm sweaty, but I am bloody ecstatic.

When I started this journey into this exciting new world, I wanted to believe I could, but never dreamed I would. I remember thinking '3 minutes?! You have got to be joking me. I barely gasp through 1! Bugger off, Michael!"

Now, don't get me wrong. I have spent many a time telling Mr. Johnson just how much I dislike him, while he whispers encouragement into my ear, because it felt impossible. But I listened to him, and I follow the plan and I believe in it, and I believe in myself.

Because of my job, especially in this current pandemic, I haven't been able to do 3 runs a week as the planb suggests (as you can imagine 13 hour shifts are grueling enough, even before this). I am okay with this though, I'm not doing the 'perfect' plan, if there is such a thing, but I am doing, and I have seen such incredible advances with every run, how could I not be happy?! And the fresh air (with social distancing observed) is doing my mental health the world of good.

Take care everyone, and stay safe!

-- Squinty.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You don't need to to do the perfect plan, congratulations on completing run 3 of week 5, that is a milestone run with C25K, onwards and upwards to week 6 run 1 but be careful about that run as it catches out some people with the interval walks and runs after the non stop 20 minutes of W5R3 which you have just ran, especially after doing a 13 hour shift.

[SquintyBunny Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take it steady, like I always do.

My next run will be after 3 nights, so plenty of time to recouperate those leg muscles before starting week 6. Exciting times ahead!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress under the most extreme of circumstances.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You have the admiration and thanks of all on this forum.

Enjoy your journey.

...............it will take you to many adventures!

[SquintyBunny Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I have lurked for a while and I have read and reread so many posts, including the FAQ's.

Your words of wisdom have been a huge inspiration when I have felt I couldn't continue for one reason or another, so thank you, Iannoda.

To you and all of the admins for the support and encouragement you give to us new to the running game. Thankyou.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to SquintyBunny]

There's nothing wrong with a bit of mutual admiration.........thank you!

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Hidden]

Well done squinty good running that feeling ecstatic will last a long while yet!

You're at the sharp end given the current crazy situation out there, I shall bow to your braveness and commitment,

Be safe stay healthy keep running 🙏

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Welcome. And thank you for everything you do. 🙏

[Workingathome Graduate]

Fabulous post and fabulous effort! Huge well done to you persevering with the plan despite all your long hours and congratulations on week 5!

And thank you to you and all your colleagues for everything you always do but especially at the moment! X

[Hidden]

Thank you for everything that you are doing right now squinty! Now, running for twenty minutes, there's a thing

You have started out on an amazing process, it might just change your life! Take care out there

[Comfortnotspeed]

Brilliant!! Woo hoo! A great achievement to savour 💙👏👏👏💙

[Wishidstartedsooner Graduate]

Just about to go for my W5 R3 and I was a bit terrified until I read your post! Well done, and thanks for all you do in your amazing job. Wish me luck! 😬

[SquintyBunny Graduate in reply to Wishidstartedsooner]

How did it go?! I'm sure you smashed it. xx

[Wishidstartedsooner Graduate in reply to SquintyBunny]

Aw, thanks for asking! Cranked up my music and I did it! Such a good feeling! 🥰

[Hidden]

That’s fantastic, it’s a huge milestone in the programme and you’ve smashed it 👊

Keep on doing what you’re doing and keep posting your progress, we’re all here for each other 😊 we got your back all the way 👍🌈👏👏👏

[Hidden]

Nothing wrong with lurking ... I spent months with the app downloaded on my phone before I started 😂 Well done on your progress so far, it’s a great feeling isn’t it ... keep going and stay safe 🏃‍♀️