My story

[Hollycole]

At the beginning of lockdown I noticed my son was getting up very early and going out which was out of character for him. After a couple of weeks he came clean and admitted he was doing couch to 5k. I had heard of it and was curious so I downloaded the app and it sat on my phone for a couple of weeks. When I saw my son persisting with it, I was inspired and decided to dig out some very old trainers and jogging pants and give the first week a try. I'm notorious for starting activity and giving it up ( karate, gym, pilates all abandoned within 2 months). So I wasnt hopeful about sticking to it. I'm about 3 stone overweight and 61 and had been feeling very low.

This week I started week 4 and I cant believe the difference it has already made to my sense of well being. I've not lost any weight yet, but I have treated myself to a new pair of running shoes and actually been motivated to get up at 7am to do 2 morning runs this week. My attitude has become much more positive.

So here's to managing to complete week 4 and face the challenge of week 5.

Incidentally...my son still doesn't want me to run with him!

[Mojojojo71 Graduate]

That's magic! Well done xx

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Well done! It's so hard to get out for the first run, but it's such a great feeling to get to the end of a session. I started on 10 April and have amazed myself, the programme works if you follow all the advice. Now it's so warm it is really important to make sure you drink plenty of water every day, not just on your run days. Good Luck!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I don't post on this forum any more but I do like reading the posts.

Good on your son and yourself for starting and continuing with c25k.

The difference it can make to your physical and mental health is amazing and continues with each run.

Weight loss is achievable ,especially when you're doing the longer runs 3x per week and changing to healthier eating.

Keep going it just gets better and better . Good luck 😊😊👏

[Ashley323]

Well done. I am looking forward to getting to week 4 myself still at week 2.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Deetermined Graduate]

Hello Hollycole, Thank you so much for sharing this. I started C25k in the first weeks of lockdown as replacement for an exercise class which could no longer take place, and I also can't stress enough how great it has been for both my physical and mental wellbeing. I tell everyone how magic this training plan is and I'm sure my enthusiasm must be quite annoying for people around me. 😂 Well done for going onto this journey, and all the best for your next runs!