Today was my first one hour run. (It was actually 61 minutes, because Take On Me was on the spotify and I got a bit carried away.)
In February I began Couch to 5k. I found the first couple of weeks quite easy because I've always used "scout's pace" whenever I'm running late for stuff. Scout's pace is where you alternate running 40 paces and walking 40 paces, and it's a good foundation for the start of C25k. The hardest week for me was Week Four, when I almost collapsed at the end of a five minute run. Only the knowledge that my sister had given up and walked on that week kept me going - not a very noble motive, I know. That's when I found this forum, and the precious advice about slowing down. Someone had linked to a video of Japanese Slow Jogging and it really helped.
I had the standard "HUH?" reaction when I saw where Week Five Run Three would take me. I prepped hard: alarm for 5:30, porridge and fruit, route planned to give me all the uphill early on and make the last half easier, and set off nice and slow. I've seldom felt as proud of myself as when I ran for 20 solid minutes without stopping.
The rest of C25k was very manageable once that 20 minutes had been cracked. Being here on the forum helped, I found out quite a bit about avoiding injuries and pacing sensibly. I consolidated with a few 30 minute runs, and when I was ready for a bit more challenge I joined the Bridge to 10k forum here.
There's a plan on the forum for post C25k, look for a thread about the "Magic Plan". It's a double plan, to get you to either 10k or 60mins, so it's double the C25k. I took the time route, because I'm rather slow. It works really well just like C25k does. It's also a good forum for more advice about running from people who do it lots and who are nice and helpful when I have questions.
I've been quite surprised by how much I've enjoyed running, I only really started because I had got a bit unfit and felt something needed to be done about it. Part of what makes it enjoyable is how supportive other runners are. So to everyone here and at the Bridge to 10k forum, thanks for being lovely 
C25K Graduate? Would you like to run 10K, or for 60 minutes? 💗
W9R3 completed!
Bridge to 10k Any recommendations please
I took the next step!
To 5K and beyond........!!!
