Finally I believe I can be a runner!

[Placitasgirl]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here; have been lurking for the last 6 weeks since starting C25K.

Firstly thanks for a great resource; the forum is fun, friendly, informative and a great source of both support and inspiration.

So who am I? I'm 56 and have lost just over three stone in the last year through diet and exercise and lots of stress! I got lazy and turned into a bit of a blob whilst going through the menopause and decided that "enough was enough" in March 2019. I was very sporty when younger but although relatively active rediscovered my love of exercise and it's physical and psychological benefits after joining a gym whilst my husband was very ill. I admit to having become a bit addicted as I got fitter and slimmer, enjoying everything from circuit training to bodytone to stretch to bootcamp to yoga classes. However I had always said (and believed) that I wasn't "built" for running as I felt like a hamster trapped in a wheel when I'd tried before years ago.

However, with lockdown meaning go gym classes for some time I decided to take up the C25K challenge to keep me fit and active. I had originally set myself the goal of running my first 5k at 55 but sadly a nasty ankle injury followed by a knee injury put paid to that.

So, six weeks ago I tentatively donned my running shoes and earbuds and set off around the lovely country lanes near our home...... where as few people as possible would ever see me huffing and puffing along! It wasn't a pretty sight to begin with but with Jo Wiley to distract and encourage me I soon got the bug.

I've loved following the plan but last week at the end of Week 5 I finally knew that I could do this. Listening to the tips and reading the posts here helped me to manage my breathing and pace better, and focusing on the countryside and singing along to my playlists all helped hugely.

Knowing that it's "normal" to start trying to run too fast, for your knees to ache and learning the importance of warming up and doing stretches after each session have served me well and I'm absolutely loving it.

Today I completed the third run of week 6 and I feel absolutely chuffed to bits. I actually find the longer runs less challenging than the interval runs but having run 25 minutes and felt pretty good at the end was huge, both mentally and physically. The last couple of minutes weren't pretty but I even had the energy for a celebratory jig at the end.

Even two or three weeks ago I'd have said what I achieved today was beyond me, but the programme is incredibly smart in the way that it prepares you, your mind and your body for the weeks and challenges ahead.

So, if you're working through the weeks, my top tip is to believe. Believe that following the plan and tips it offers will equip you for the weeks ahead. Warm up and warm down, keep yourself well hydrated and most of all believe in yourself.

Happy running everyone and thanks for the support and encouragement you provide to us "newbies" whilst we're on our journey to running for 30 minutes or 5k.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

although I suspect that you may have read it already.

Enjoy your journey.

[Placitasgirl Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you Iannoda. Yes I have read the guide and dip in and out most days to keep me focussed and on the right track. Need to keep myself fit and well as I care for my husband so have to do things properly!

You're a friendly lot and as I say a great source of support, encouragement and inspiration

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Great post from you Placitasgirl, congratulations on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, you will be very pleased to know that, onwards and upwards to week 7 which are all 3/25 minute runs.

[Placitasgirl Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

One important thing I've learned is not to dwell on what's ahead as your mind will tell you that simply isn't possible before you've even tried!

I also put the music on, start the app and have Jo Wiley in my ear but I don't then look at the clock/stopwatch at all as not doing so helps me focus on my surroundings, singing along to my "tunes" and my pace/breathing and not how long I still had to go.

I do believe that the psychological challenges of the plan are greater than the physical challenges. If you prepare well, hydrate yourself, warm up and down and take rest days between runs you have done all you can to enable yourself to succeed. The biggest motivator mentally is taking each run as a step forward and celebrating your achievements with a little treat or even a "happy dance" when you complete each session.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Placitasgirl]

Love that happy dance at the end👍

[Comfortnotspeed]

A truly inspiring post. Well done! Here’s to completing the journey 🌸😊🌸

[Placitasgirl Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Thank you Comfortnotspeed. Permission to steal your username as my mantra please! Here's to the next couple of weeks of the plan and hopefully graduating before the end of the month.

And to my first Parkrun when lockdown is lifted.

[Comfortnotspeed in reply to Placitasgirl]

Here’s to all those things 😊