I’m so pleased to say that I have completed the couch25k programme and wow! I am so grateful for this app and this forum!
Before September 2019, I did very little exercise. In fact, a walk to the pub (about 5 minutes away) was too far and got me out of breath 🤦♀️ I started walking every day as I had signed up to walk 24 miles within 24 hours for Pancreatic Cancer research UK. I chose this cause as I have pancreatitis and have had several life threatening attacks ☹️
After completing my walk, my desire to stay fit was stronger than ever and I downloaded couch25k. The first runs were challenging and I stopped and started the programme quite a few times! In fact, it’s taken me 5 months to complete! I thought I would never be a runner. But, I kept at it, often repeating weeks as I just felt I wasn’t able to move onto the next week. I’ve only just started to run outside as I felt embarrassed and had been doing all my runs on a treadmill. What a waste because running outside is amazing even if I’m surrounded by hills! (I live between the Quantocks and Exmoor) Having Sarah Millican as my coach was like an extra set of lungs! I love her and would like to thank her one day!
For those starting out, please just keep at it! Have faith because if I can do it, anyone can. This has got to be the best programme ever and the best support network too! I’m 50 years old btw so a bit late to fitness but better late than never eh?!
I plan to do a Rainbow Run for South West Children’s Hospice (which has been postponed due to Coronavirus) so I will keep at it!
Happy running everyone! KOKO (keep on keeping on)
Written by
Rainbowrunner123
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When this is all over I highly recommend you try a Parkrun... I was really fearful of running ‘in public’ but am much more confident after doing several Parkrun as everyone is so friendly and somehow it’s not embarrassing at all when you’re all sharing a common goal!!
Awww, I hope it’s nothing too serious? I had to stop for a period after a pancreatic attack (I was just about to start week 9 as well ☹️) but when I was well enough, I just took myself back to week 5 again. Hope you have a speedy recovery 🙏
Some weeks/runs were unbearable but some brought a smile to my face. Keep pushing through those tough ones and repeat if you feel you need longer. There’s no rush. Good luck 😉
Well done! I’m a 50-something too and although I’m generally active decided to do this app for health reasons. I also repeated weeks along the way and it took me 4 months. I also started on a treadmill during the depths of winter but now I have a lovely suburban circular route which takes me in and out of woods and parkland. At this time of year every day you notice small changes as spring is coming on and it is just a joy to be outside in it. I’ve now done a couple of weeks of consolidation and am pleased that I have maintained the motivation to keep going. With lockdown it actually helps as I have the time so there’s no excuse! I’m looking forward to when Parkrun eventually reopens and I can join in and run the entire thing in a respectable time! Keep running and enjoy the huge sense of achievement! Congratulations!
What a lovely post, love that proud beaming smile!! And rightly so.....fantastic achievement. Despite all the doubts you stuck at it, you are amazing!!!
I remember thinking how can I run from 60 seconds to 90 seconds? It does get easier! I still find the last 10 minutes tough and have a mental disagreement with myself about whether I should stop or not! 😂 It’s all in the mind for me. Good luck and KOKO 😊
Thank you Rainbowrunner123, and congratulations. This has inspired me to continue - I’ve just started week 3 (with Sarah Millican , too). This is the third time I’ve started couch25k, but I’ve always given up after week 1! You are right to be proud of yourself and well done for sticking with it!
Well done! Personally, those first 4 weeks were the hardest for me (week 5 was a bit of a shock but doable!) I kept stopping and starting but it’s all good practice eh? 😂 good luck and Keep on keeping on! 🙏🏃♀️
Congratulations on YOUR SUCCESS - I really like the way you have encouraged others to repeat the weeks until they feel ready to move on , that perfect advice and, I too have mentioned this to others that are funding some weeks a struggle. I’m just about to go out for my W9R3 toooo ! 🐾
No, It was a sunny late afternoon when I ran so I haven’t ran in the rain yet! I’m looking forward to that experience as I do get quite sweaty Betty! 😂 Yes, we must keep in touch! I completed couch25k on 16/4, was that the same day for you? x
Mine was yesterday 17- 4 hence the rain . Only 24 hours or less between us which is perfect . We can support each other as we head for our next target 🐾
Well done! For completing and not letting your pancreatitis hold you back - I've "just" finished - done two consolidation runs and wondering when I'll get to run outside - I'm in Italy and it's strictly treadmill at the moment
Fabulous. Thank you for sharing. Ive just started week 2 after ‘thinking’ about it for a long time; actually thinking about it is probably not the right word... I wasn’t that committed!😂 I used to be sporty and fit at school a loooong time ago but Of course got out of the habit. Now I’m 55, have become more sedentary than active in recent years due to ‘life’ stuff but am now determined to get my fitness back! Stories like yours just boost confidence and belief that this isn’t too hard. The mind is so important and I know that an area of resilience that’s being built over recent years. So thank you. And enjoy your running!🏃🏽♀️🔥💪
Yes, you’re right about the mind! I fall out with mine quite a lot before a run! 😂 I now look at my body as if it’s a dog! I owe it to my body to take it out for some exercise 😂 good luck and keep on keeping on 😊
Hi Rainbowrunner123, congratulations! I know just how you feel, I graduated this week too and at 58 I intend to keep it up! Good luck for the future 🏃♀️😀
So inspiring, congratulations to you!! Best of luck with the Rainbow Run too, when it happens. This post has provided some much needed sunshine and rainbows on this grim and grey day so THANK YOU for sharing!!!
Very well done. I started doing it and was on week 2 but have done something to my hip so haven’t tried for three weeks. I’ll have to start again. Very frustrating. My hips still not right. Think I need gait checked and proper running shoes. Anyway, massive congrats to you 👏
Awww, make sure you rest your hip. Don’t take any chances. I would definitely recommend investing in some decent running trainers and make sure you are comfortable with them before running in them. I treated mine like a pair of walking boots and wore them on short walks and around the house first. Good luck 😉
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