Inspiring stories- where are you now since C25K

[Bluedanubein]

Like many new runners I often doubt if I am capable of all the wonderful achievements of people on this forum (and the bridge to 10k and marathon forums). I thought it might be a good idea to have a thread about where people are in terms of their running (pace, distance, time etc whatever matters to you) since graduating.

For me - I started during the lockdown (previously mostly a sedentary 41 year old) when running 10 minutes continuously sounded like a big deal! Graduated C25K in early June (cheated a bit and was running to full 5K in about 36 minutes at w9). Then consolidated a few weeks with 5Ks (including some huffing and puffing 5k PBs of just under 32 minutes). Since then I have continued running 3 times a week and slowly increased distance/time per week and can run up to nearly 2 hours now on long runs (covering about 14k at a very conversational pace about 8.30m/km) but keeping my Heart rate low. A few months ago I would never have imagined I was capable of this!

I haven’t worked on speed at all but interested to hear how much improvements in pace others experienced over time.

[linda9389 Graduate]

You've already made fantastic progress in such a short space of time! Imagine how far you may be able to go, how fast you may be able to go in another year's time, two year's time ...

It's three and a half years since I started C25K. I had so many doubts!!! I didn't make 5k at graduation - that took several weeks and more than 30 minutes! I have since run parkrun, races, 5ks, 10ks and several half marathons. I have improved times over all distances. But my greatest achievement is simply enjoying - no, loving! - running. There is little point in comparing myself to others, it's a really personal journey, but we can definitely share the joy 😊. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[mrrun Graduate]

The best thing I did. Former smoker and enjoyer of fun, I started out at tender age of 52, four years ago. Struggled like anyone else in the beginning, got injured/healed/usual stuff and then graduated. Since then I figured l loved distance running so went and did marathon and ultra marathon distances, as one does. Now working on other things (strength, diet and technique) that will take me even further.