May I pose a question to post graduates and people who have kept running. I have just completed W1 R3 and found it uncomfortable and I was glad when it finished.
My question is do you run because you enjoy it or do you run for the health benefits it give you.
I have started the program for the health benefits but I am hoping that it becomes enjoyable. Are my hopes realistic.
Yes I actually always hated running but am now doing it to improve my health and hopefully loose weight. It’s a challenge but I’m hoping it will pay dividends soon. Keep going just go slowly 🐌🐌🐌 pace is best.
Thanks for your reply Delgirl82 I’m like you I do not enjoy running (walking is bad enough).
I was truly doing it for weight loss at first as well as challenging myself because I was bored during lockdown. I've only just finished week 3 but I honestly do it because I absolutely love the feeling at the end of it and it's helped me have a routine in these times. Its definitely not easy but it does pay off I promise!
Like many long term runners, my brain is addicted to the chemicals released by my body as a result of running.........these chemicals include endogenous morphine and others that tickle the endocannabinoid receptors in my brain...........I am a junkie, and even a spell of almost a year without running as a result of injury would not allow me a clean break.
I started running at 57 to try to stave off diminishing stamina, which I noticed when walking. Little did I know that I would become a slave to the hormones that drive me ever onward to get the next fix.
Don't be too earnest about the (undeniable) health benefits, just run for fun, like a child, not like a desperate adult trying to prove something and do it in beautiful environments whenever you can. The effect for me is somewhat akin to meditation. The mind flows where the body carries you. The senses and emotions can be heightened and life just becomes more beautiful.
Maybe you shouldn't pay too much attention to the florid ramblings of a hopeless junkie, but this guide to the plan may help you on your way healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Enjoy your journey.
That’s a great reply, thanks.
I am slightly different I get my enjoyment from sport, golf and bowls, I also do quite a bit of gardening. My meditation comes from leaning a little about Buddhism.
I’m looking to improve my stamina to get the best from the above.
In my mid fifties I had quite a severe heart attack, 1 stent fitted then went onto a diet and exercise routine (the exercise was a 2 mile brisk walk about 5 time a week)that I kept to for the next 20 years. About 3 years ago 3 stents were fitted to an artery which could not be done originally, ( to badly clogged).
My health now is good except for the stamina bit.
All this rambling is to put into perspective my desire run for 30 minutes for health reasons and at the same time enjoy it.
We live in hope......
Hi IannodaTruffe
I liked your reply and want to ignite the same addiction but I only have 1 run left of 30 mins and I’m not feeling the morphine adrenaline rush (yet) more like the slog effort pain!
Plus I drink more water and jog at reasonable/ slow pace , so how long was it before you felt the chemical rush that turned into sheer running pleasure addiction?
H3
Hi artatcov
I originally also started for health benefit both mental and physical but have found I really quite enjoy it getting out in the open air striving to achieve my next goal which for me is to run 5k.
I hope you keep it up and get the great feeling of completing the course
I try to run for both but I can’t say I’m at the point of enjoying running yet, but, I completed W5R3 yesterday and I’m still smiling 24hrs later. My motivation is getting over stalled weight loss. I have repeated earlier weeks or runs to make completion less of a struggle and I guess more enjoyable! With each achievement you will feel boosted, keep at it. Running has always been something I thought I couldn’t do but am surprising myself as I progress. As others have said, take it as SLOW as you need to finish without feeling like you’re about to collapse. Take care and good lock.
I’m now running for 3 years. I’m still running. I was not at all easy at the start. And at times even now it is not easy. But I’m so proud that I can run 5K and 10K without stopping. I adore parkrun, I really really adore it. Everyone you meet at any parkrun are the nicest of people. I’ve met some really lovely friends through running. I love the social side, both at parkrun and road races.
The health benefits are huge. I used to be an overweight unhealthy 43 year old couch potatoe. Now I’m a fit and healthy 3 stone lighter active 46 year old runner, jogger and Walker. It’s genuinely changed my life.
Damien
I haven’t finished the program yet, but I started it with the purpose of actually enjoying running (which is something that before I hated with a passion). So far I’m enjoying the challenge C25K poses and I think that’s what’s getting me through? It has definitely become more enjoyable as the weeks have gone on though!
I started running because I wanted to make some life changes and the loc kdown and captain Tom inspired me. I am 63 and haven't run since school days. I am doing it for health benefits and the feeling I get after a run is amazing!Taking it very slowly but so far so good. On week 3! Good luck
Hello, well done for starting C25K. I started the plan to improve fitness, and something to do, I cant say I have loved all the runs, some are tougher than others, but i do love it when I have finished a run! Apart from the sense of achievement, I feel better, seem to have more energy and I am sleeping better, so win win for me.Hope you get to enjoy the plan in your own way. Good luck😎
I started running to help me deal with anxiety. I have always struggled with my mental health but the lockdown has made it a lot worse and my usual self care methods weren't working. I find that running gets rid of the excess adrenaline that the anxiety causes and I am able to relax more. It also helps me to get outside regularly as I was finding the anxiety was making it difficult for me to leave the house without panicking. I am on the last run of wk3 and I am starting to enjoy the time to myself when it is just me, my music and Laura helping me along the way. It is also really satisfying to see the progress as when I started I couldn't even run for 60 secs and now I am comfortably doing the 3 min runs.
Even though I feel tired after a run I also feel happy and that is what keeps me going 
Good luck with your journey!
I started in lockdown for the health benefits and to lose weight. I’ve got my last run tomorrow and have lost over a stone and dropped 2 dress sizes, but can’t really say I enjoy the actual running. I have been getting a buzz after completing the various challenging runs, eg the first 10minute run, 15mins, 20mins etc. I even set my alarm one morning to get up early to avoid bad weather! I really hope that I stay motivated to keep running or the weight will likely go on again, particularly when I can start going out for coffees, lunches etc. I think I’ll be motivated ok for the next few weeks as I build up to running 5k, it’s after that that may be a problem, and also over winter when the weather deteriorates. But I’ll worry about that when it happens. Meantime I hope I do start to enjoy it as it’ll be easier to continue. Hope you enjoy the programme. It does work.
I started running 6 1/2 weeks ago in lockdown. While I was lucky and could go out to work I felt that I needed to get out of the house.
I had recently lost a stone in weight through the stress of separation so I didn't need to lose weight. I had joined a gym at Christmas as I wanted to get fir before I hit 40 later in the year. When these closed and lockdown started I really needed to do something positive for my mental health.
I am really glad that I have started running and that I have found such a supportive environment. I love the post run 'high' feeling which lasts all day for me. I can already feel the benefits it has had on me. I love the feeling of going out early in the morning when no one else is around (I have been out later in the day but I prefer the solitude).
Good luck with your running.
Hi artatcov
I’m on week 9 r 2 and find the first 10 mins ok and next 20 purgatory! So I don’t actually like running either I actually think cycling is my sport !
But the fitness and health benefits to me are incomparable / amazing I’ve lost weight unintentionally but feel / look better( so I’m told ) for it and my health has improved , I recover quicker and feel stronger ! So it’s just worth it !
I wanted to feel as though I enjoyed running but it’s a slog to me and limited jubilation until Laura says 60 seconds to go !!
Hope you get into running it’s worth it if your objective is fitness and losing some weight in my novice opinion!
Good luck ✅🍀
H3 ( hoping for the buzz during )
I started because I had to leave my job of thirty years and went from having "far too much to do" to absolutely nothing.
I was stone bored, feeling completely isolated - my work had been my social life, my comrades my friends - and only 'exercise' I did was walking a few hours a week and I found walking (and still do) a total boring PITA.
I only started C25k literally because I had absolutely nothing else to do, and hated how even more overweight I was getting by the week. Never thought I could graduate and damn near killed myself first day because I kept going when I should have stopped - massive asthma attack.
I still have a sense of unreality about my running. EVERY time I start my runs, no matter how short, I feel like "I can't finish this" - but I keep going and soon get lost in the indescribable, too me totally mysterious "joy of running".
It just takes over
I'm still heavier than I'd like, but apparently my body is very content at keeping me around 190lbs. I be gone up and down a bit but never near the 200 mark that I was slowly and steadily exceeding four years ago. I've been down to 170 something but I really don't worry about "maintaining" weight - I keep an eye on it and enjoy my food as well as my running, in other words pretty sensibly
My last HM was absolute agony. Not because I was running on fumes the last mile and my legs felt like lead but because an old shoulder injury flared up and from about mile eight it was bad. By the finish, I am not ashamed to say I was holding back tears of pain but I finished. Not because I'm tough - but because running has taught me that I can endure more than I once thought I could.
HOWEVER - that was my shoulder. A couple of years ago, stubborn stupidity - REAL stupid - I ignored the pain that got truly horrible in my hip during a 10k. Because it was a charity run, I stubbornly kept going.
I ran 10k that day - and zero for the next four months because I had dislocated my hip.
If it hurts above the waist, I keep going but pay attention. Below the waist - I'm very cautious and put health before a running "target".
Slow, steady, prudently - and enjoyable on at least SOME level - that's how I run
And I still find it hard to believe I can !
Thanks Irish-John
This is the bit I’m looking for...
“I still have a sense of unreality about my running. EVERY time I start my runs, no matter how short, I feel like "I can't finish this" - but I keep going and soon get lost in the indescribable, too me totally mysterious "joy of running".
It just takes over
At what stage of the program did this start to happen.
I started c25k 18 months ago to help get myself mentally and physically back in to shape - too many years in stressful jobs eating cr@p at odd times and little exercise had taken its toll - so I “retired early (very!)” and worked out a rejuvenation plan: healthy eating (allowed one treat a week and one small glass of wine or gin and slimline tonic on a Friday and Saturday); c25k programme; joined a gym for the classes - spin and Pilates; and “me” time... made new friends, 50lbs lighter, much more balanced and I like myself now - I get the Adrenalin rush of running - but I still don’t like the toxic 10 element I have to push through every blooming run!
What’s the toxic 10 element ?
The first 1.5k -2k where my body still screams at me “are you nuts woman??!!” After that my breathing settles into a good rhythm, and my arms and legs co-ordinate to a solid running stride and the next 8k is extremely enjoyable 😎
I started it as a challenge to myself in lockdown. I hated running ( I am a cyclist and thought Runner’s were mad) so I knew it would tough. But here I am in week 9, having run every other day bar one when my knee was sore, can now trot along for 30 minutes, and I am already working out my next ‘phase’ in my running programme as I LOVE IT!!!! Keep at it and the addiction will come😀😀😀
Thanks for this response John.
There’s that much in it I feel I can come back to it over time and take valuable lessons as I need them.
Week 1 for me took me back to basic training at the start of national service.
With that you was pulled through it by camaraderie’s, you end up doing things you know your not really capable of. At least that’s the feeling I got.
Starting week 2 on Friday....onwards and upwards.
Absolutely
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