I think one of our lovely administrators shared some stats a while back. I’d be really interested to know how many more folks have laced up their running shoes since Lockdown began. Thank you 🤗
How many extra people joined Couchto5k during ... - Couch to 5K
How many extra people joined Couchto5k during and since Lockdown?
110 Replies
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SueAppleRunGraduate
Loads in our area, we rarely saw anyone running until lock down and then there were runners all over the place, it eased off though and we are back to the usual few, there have been a lot more families with kids on bikes and scooters though, that will ease with the return to school though
in reply to SueAppleRun
Thanks WillowandSola, that’s interesting, I think we like it quieter and yet it’s so good to encourage more people to engage in the wonderful world that is running 🤗
Nearly 900,000 people apparently, saw a stat for it the other day. I'm one of them 😁
in reply to
Wow Burkey46, that’s a lot of extra feet out there, maybe not quite 1.8 million 🤣 but pretty amazing 🤗
in reply to
If a percentage of that number gets fitter and healthier and maintains it then it's a job well done. I wish I had done this earlier. It's changing my life slowly but surely
in reply to
Yes, that would be great and I hope many keep it going....and yes me too, I wish I’d kept it going when I first started over 40 years ago 🥴🤗
Me too 😃
Good Luck on your journey! X
Speedy60Graduate
england.nhs.uk/2020/07/arou...
It would be interesting to know how many are still running. There are definitely not as many people out running now.
Still going- 3x weekly. And I’d never run in the last 40 years since school!!!!
in reply to MrsSchnauzerSmith
Brilliant, keep going and come over to the Bridge to 10k when you’re done 🤗
Good for you. 👏👏👏It's genuinely life changing. 👊
in reply to Speedy60
Thank you Speedy, and thank you for the link, I shall read with interest, ....yes, it would be very interesting to know that and also what it is that helps some folks keep going and what those that don’t would need to help them do the same 🤗
Instructor57Graduate
I started during lockdown towards the end of May , aged 63, never run in my life .
Graduated 5th August , first 10k today 😬
in reply to Instructor57
Brilliant, well done today, I saw your post earlier, Couch to 10k in 3 months, amazing 🤗 🤸♀️🎉
Thank you 😬👍
Oh, and 16 days on the injury couch after week 8 run 1 😐
Wow!
Wow ! That’s amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Well done. I graduated last week & contemplating training for 10k. Although can’t imagine running that far . I am 60 in October, think my family think I have lost the plot 🤣.
Thanks, the 10k was another milestone run , felt like graduating all over again 😂
Don't think I'll be doing very many though haha
60 is the new 40 , so if that's right you are now 39. I suspect your family are amazed and proud, even if they don't say so.
Anything is possible. Happy trotting🏃♀️
Congratulations!!! You the man...as those hip kids would say😁😉👍🏻
😂😂😂
That's bloomin' amazing!!!
JnubsterGraduate
Me 🙋🏻♀️ and a couple of colleagues from work! I completed it at the end of July & still run 5k every other day 🤩 I absolutely love my running time 🏃🏽♀️
in reply to Jnubster
That’s fantastic, are your colleagues still running too? 🤗
One of them unfortunately has a trapped nerve in her back and unfortunately isn’t at the moment 😌 the other one told me she’d ‘done it now’ 🤷🏻♀️ she said she ‘may fit a run in now & again’
My reaction was 🙈😳 #what 🤣
in reply to Jnubster
Hopefully they’ll come back to it when they see you running marathons 😉🤗
The injured lady definitely will 👍🏻 the other lady...... maybe 🤞🏻
Frizzbomb67Graduate
Me! It was the antidote to the boredom and inactivity of working from home! I have never run in my life and never wanted to so you can see how bored I must have been to start C25K! I’m so glad I did though! I started in the middle of May and am still running 3x a week. I am really going to try to keep it up when life gets crazy again 🤪
in reply to Frizzbomb67
🤣 you were very bored 🤣, what a great surprise then to find you still want to run, running gets such a bad press when actually it gives us so much 🤗 Keep running 🏃♀️🤗
I had no intention of getting fit having last properly exercised around 20+ years ago when I had a gym membership.
I have worked right through lockdown and my Nurse Wife advised me to avoid public transport and that's how I fell into the exercise. I started walking the ( almost) 4 miles home from work. I thought I was doing OK but the real light bulb moment was mid May when I weighed in at 12st 6 (my heaviest ever). Decided I had to up my game so the walks got faster and longer (10 miles + at weekend) then I started C2 5k on 21st June. I've still not finished as I'm currently on my second self isolation and work and daughters extra curricular activities are making it hard to run every other day. We also had a fortnight of family time in August instead of a holiday. Tomorrow I'll be doing run 2 of week 7 indoors. It's obviously not ideal and not the same as outdoors so when I'm allowed out again I'll pick up at week 6. I'm also doing HIIT and am using a press up board to work out. I can see it's working as I have lost a stone and have far more energy plus I'm actually enjoying it. As long as that is the case, I'll keep going.
in reply to Branny
Branny that sounds quite tough but also so fantastic, what great progress and determination, very inspiring to read your story, thank you 🤗
DodgylungsGraduate
I actually stopped running about 3 weeks into lockdown as my lungs and legs were struggling to run outside. 3 stone later I realised that walking just wasn’t cutting and I’ve started pounding the pavement again. Before lockdown I was a treadmill runner but I think I prefer running outside now. One slight concern I have is that my right hip has started hurting again. I’ve had it on and off during my treadmill and football days. I guess I should get it checked and make sure I’m not heading for a hip replacement🤧
in reply to Dodgylungs
Great to hear you’re sticking with it but yes a very good idea to get some advice with your hip, hopefully it’s something that can be improved with exercises. 🤗
I really hope so but I’m 57 and have played football for much of my life and been running for the last few years. I have a feeling it’s all catching up with me. I got it x-rayed a few years ago and they said there was no evidence of bone erosion but it’s starting to hurt after every run now so another x-ray is in order.
in reply to Dodgylungs
Definitely worth checking out if you’re in pain after every run, good luck with it 🤗
Speedy60Graduate
It's lovely to hear so many success stories. Happy running everyone!🏃♂️🏃♀️🏅
in reply to Speedy60
It sure is Speedy, very interesting to hear the personal stories behind the stats, both of which tell a huge story of human adaptation, creativity and determination. 🏃♀️🤸♀️🏃♀️🤸♀️🤗
jwillmacGraduate
Well I did ! I started in in May i think it was , and I'm still going out alternate days and running for 30 to 40 mins each time. I don't find it as difficult as before, not sure i enjoy it .....yet ! Perhaps I won't ever , but i feel fitter, I'm sleeping a bit better and I am a completely different shape .I'm racing, but only against my last distance. I'm glad I decided to do it , but even prouder that I still am !
in reply to jwillmac
That’s fantastic jwillmac, I think many will identify with your experience of ‘not sure I enjoy it, Will I ever?’ I certainly felt this way for quite a while. Now in my 9th month, having had some ups and downs I am starting to enjoy my runs. For me slowing down, not trying to push so hard to get a faster time, allowing myself to take all the time I need to reach my next goal (10 k at the moment) is really helping. Lovely to read how proud you feel if yourself for keeping going, it certainly transforms people’s lives and brings so many rewards along the way. Keep running and I am sure you will find you begin to enjoy 😊🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🤗
CaptFreyGraduate
I was one of them initially started it because my offspring did so in solidarity but they quit at week 3! I am currently on IC but properly enjoying the runnings 😁
in reply to CaptFrey
Sorry to hear you are injured CaptFrey and that your running buddy has given up. You’ll be back out there and loving it again soon I hope.🤗
BradCGraduate
I started in June, largely because of the lockdown. I am 73. Up to March I had played badminton 2 to 3 times a week, did ballroom and Latin dancing (excellent aerobic exercise) every other week and lots of walking.
I realised I needed to improve my fitness as my body was missing my sports. So I decided to do C25K. And here I am, a graduate and really enjoying my consolidation runs!
in reply to BradC
Hello BradC goodness you lost a lot of your physical and social life through Lockdown so I am so glad hear you found Couchto5k and are enjoying your running. 🤗
Yes, and because of the risk to my my age group I can’t see me going back to the old activities for some time☹️ But you have to adapt😊🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
KasharaGraduate
I started in June, my daily walks were getting longer and longer and then I heard something on the radio about C25K and decided to give it a go. I’m about to do my fifth post graduating run and I mean to keep on running.
in reply to Kashara
Hello Kashara, what would we do without the radio, I have found so much listening. So glad to hear you intend to keep on running, it’s a great isn’t it? Maybe you’ll step on to the Bridge to 10k? 🤗
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate
Only the administrators would know just how many joined during lockdown, certainly far more than usual, there had also been a great demand for bikes as well as running.
in reply to AlMorr
Yes Al, they’ve sent the link to stats ( above) very interesting. 🤗
Tig_gerGraduate
I did 👍still running 3 times a week. Occasionally enjoying it!! Not chasing the 10k as finding the time is starting to be a challenge as the days get shorter. Have manged 7k 😀 Now have a washing line full of sports stuff and some lovely Brooks. Never imagined myself as a runner 🏃♂️
in reply to Tig_ger
Fantastic Tig_ger, how our washing lines have changed 🤣 I started enjoying it all more when I slowed right down and stopped competing with myself. I’m doing the Bridgeto10k plan but no longer mind when or if I reach the 10k, it gives me structure to my week and is keeping me going. 🤗
MrsSchnauzerSmithGraduate
Thank you! Just starting juju’s magic plan as it seems I need a little structure to increase my running times. 
I started running using Couch to 5k during lockdown and got hooked. Regularly run 5ks have run several 10ks, with my furthest so far being 15k. So inspiring reading everyone's stories, its improved both my physical and mental health during lockdown and I plan to continue🙂
in reply to purple_gem
Hello purple_gem, thanks for sharing your story, I am amazed by how many people have found their way to better physical and mental health through finding Couchto5k, and in reality as your story shows, it’s often a Couchto5k and beyond. I guess it is so accessible, apart from some decent shoes, we have everything else at hand to just start running unlike so many sports. Who knows where it will take you/us all next, so exciting. Will you join the Parkrun community when it opens up again? 🤗
purple_gem in reply to
Thank you, yes running has so many benefits, you just open the door and you're away🙂. Shame I was put off by cross-country at school, but its great to be able to do it now. Yep definitely keen to take part in my first parkrun, I run alone, so I think it would be a great environment and help me run faster🙂
in reply to purple_gem
Me too, really looking forward to Parkrun, I joined just before Lockdown and didn’t get to run one yet, I have my ID bracelet and t-shirt all ready to go 😁
NickiCSGraduate
I re-started. I stopped before following a hysterectomy. However, because I have CP, my family don't want me running outside because they worry I would fall. Even when walking, my leg can forget to pick itself up! Therefore, I have a treadmill, but still running. Trying to complete 65 miles this month (On target so far). I can occasionally run for 45 minutes at a time now - still at a snails pace, mind.
in reply to NickiCS
You have some great targets there NickiCS, fantastic that you’ve restarted after your surgery. Slow running is all the rage and I’m a huge supporter 🤗
KoalaJellyStarGraduate
I started in the first week of Lockdown! I had been thinking about it for months as I really liked the idea of running and thought it would give me a sense of freedom. Lots of reasons stopped me from starting prior to Lockdown (lack of time, health worries, having the feeling that 'I can't do sport' (which sadly stems from my school days! 😪)), but Lockdown just gave me the push to give it a go! It was one of the best decisions I've ever made! I graduated a couple of months ago and I'm fitting in two 30 min runs a week. My progress feels a bit slow (still only running about 3.5 - 4k) but I am beginning to see that I need to slow down in order to improve my distance and stamina, so that's my current plan! I'm looking forward to reaching a comfortable 5k on a regular basis eventually!
in reply to KoalaJellyStar
Hello KoalaJellyStar, I really do believe we are meant to run 🤣 like you it was a rumbling desire to run that didn’t go away and then one fine day something pushes us out that door. So many have used their changed circumstances through Lockdown to unearth such positivity and determination. I am in awe. Your progress is great, funny how we say we ‘only’ run this far or at this pace but I have learnt we progress every time we lace up those shoes. Take your time and enjoy getting to 5k 🤗
JojoarnieGraduate
Me! And I swore I'd never do it, after being bored to tears by my sister and my husband and their running stories... Whoops!
I've become one of those running bores now😂That's why I joined running forums, no-one else understands/cares, lol
in reply to Jojoarnie
🤣🤣🤣 so glad you joined in 🤗
BuddhagalGraduate
Hi, I've just started, just finished W3R3. Gosh, I see someone's stated about 900,000 people have started also!!! 👍👍🙋🙋
in reply to Buddhagal
Hello Buddhagal, Yes it’s incredible isn’t it, you can be sure when you are running someone is out there running with you 😊 ....keep going, 🤗
girlsjustwannarunGraduate
I started near the end of June, graduated two weeks ago! I worked through the lockdown but found I craved some time to myself once I got home so started it to have some alone time and i’ve been loving it! It’s been incredible for not only my physical but my mental health aswell. Only wish I’d started at the beginning of lockdown when we had all that lovely weather!
Running in the heat isn't my favourite. I started just over a year ago and really enjoyed winter running. Running in the rain is best - wind, not so much.
I had some experience running in the wind when Storm Ellen hit a few weeks ago - not fun!!
in reply to girlsjustwannarun
That’s just great girlsjustwannarun, I see your consolidation runs are going well, take care to warm up and stretch out those calves after your runs 🤗
Thank you!! I have been careful to stretch them out now i’m doing longer runs! Definitely don’t want to cause an injury, i’m just getting started!
I started C25K during lockdown as working from home means that I'm getting less exercise then before. I work in the area of mental health and often recommend the programme to others, so thought it was time to try it for myself. I had not run anywhere for about 4 decades and had very low expectations but I graduated last week and am 100% going to keep it up! Feel so much better both physically and mentally!
in reply to Sparki123
Brilliant Sparki123, you’ll definitely be recommending it to everyone now 😁 🤗
BravenewworldGraduate
I started mine during lockdown, on Easter Monday 😁 had to do the first five weeks up and down the garden as my one and only allowed exercise was walking my dog! Well, week 5 run 3 I did in the big wide world as lockdown was eased the day before I ran it 😁
in reply to Bravenewworld
Wow, impressed with your garden start Bravenewworld 🤗
I love hearing all these wonderful stories. I too started in Lockdown as working from home for 9hrs a day was doing my head in! I started in May with the goal of graduating on my 58th birthday in July - which I did 😃 Quite unbelievable having never run in my life due to asthma and being a bit overweight as a kid.
I started JuJu’s Magic Plan yesterday so trying for that illusive 10k now, (injury permitting, as every other week I get some pain or other). I can’t say I love running yet, but have experienced running euphoria a couple of times, so hoping to find that again. Meanwhile, I feel fitter, and so pleased with my determination & achievement. I would never have done it without C25K and all the posts & support on this forum. It’s amazing - thank you to all of you who’ve inspired me 😍
in reply to 58soon
Me too 58soon, (although maybe that should be 58already 😃) so interesting to hear how and why others found themselves here and feeling so proud and pleased with what ha been achieved. And like you I’m still here due to the support from the programme and this community.
I know what you mean about not loving it yet, but I think I am getting there now by slowing down and taking my focus off the pace/time/distance and just enjoy getting out there and being on the bridge. I think I’m happy now if I just stay on the bridge running around and if one day I run 10k great. 🤸♀️🤗
toffeemummyGraduate
I'm a teacher and it turns out that 6 teachers at my school started this during lockdown, and 4 of us have graduated 🤗
in reply to toffeemummy
Great success rate in your school toffeemummy, how lovely to have colleagues to swap running stories 🤗
EmmaJH18Graduate
I'd always thought about doing it, but started not necessarily in lockdown, as was walking then, but as things started to ease, as started with a friend
in reply to EmmaJH18
Hi EmmaJH18, so many of us been thinking we want to run for so long before we actually dare lace up and go. So good to have a friend for support to begin with, my husband came out with me for most of the 9 weeks, I hope you and your friend have a great time running out together 🤗
Eveb1Graduate
I am one of them too !! Started first day of lockdown and have now done 70 runs since then!! Cannot believe I have got into it and stuck with it !!! Such a good feeling and one really positive thing to come out of this challenging time!
in reply to Eveb1
Indeed Eveb1, its amazing how many people have changed their lives around and found positivity in a most challenging time. Brilliant 🤗
nowsterGraduate
I'd had the NHS C25K app on my phone for a couple of years, glaring at me in reproachment every time I looked at it. The problem was I had no real incentive to start.
Then came lockdown and working from home.
I wasn't even getting the exercise of walking from the car park to the office.
Back in March we were only supposed to be outside the house for essential shopping or for up to half an hour of exercise.
That was the incentive needed. Unfortunately at the time I was on a course of Roaccutane, which contra-indicates vigorous exercise. After two attempts to start during March and April, I abandoned it until I'd properly finished the course of those dreadful little rugby balls.
I started again in late June and graduated just over a week ago.
If it wasn't for the upper ankle injury I got on that run, I'd still be out there every other day. I'm itching to get back out. I caught the running bug about 3-4 weeks in.
in reply to nowster
That’s amazing nowster, crazy how we go from thinking we might run one day to itching to get out there when we can’t! How does that even happen? Sorry to hear you’re on the IC right now but hope you’re recovering well. 🤗
LifebeginsatGraduate
Great to hear all these stories!
SpookysmumGraduate
I'm one of those that did (graduated last week) & am still running
I did - just completed wk7
Thank you to everyone for sharing your Lockdown stories today , what an incredible lot we are 💕🤗 keep smiling, keep running 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️
WeavingWonkGraduate
Started in late March as lockdown was making me very anxious. I had just started going back to the gym before the virus hit. Graduated in June and spent a couple of months consolidating 30 minutes (3.5-3.8k depending on hills on route). Then decided to try to run 5k before I turned 55 on August 25th. Which I did, twice. Now on Juju's magic plan and hoping to get to 10k before Christmas. I plan to increase slower than the plan, as I did with c25k to allow the cranky bits of my body to get used to it.
While I swear, every time I come in from a longer run, that I need a week off, within 36 hours I am itching to get back out there in the morning. I manage 3 runs every 7-8 days depending on my schedule.
Yup. I'm hooked. Yup, I now have a drawer full of running clothes!
in reply to WeavingWonk
That all sounds great WeavingWonk, I think I’ll join you in aiming for 10k by Christmas ( or thereabouts 🥴) , I’m half way over on the time plan but I’ve realised both me and my knees are happier at a slower pace 🤗
WeavingWonkGraduate
I'm at 48 minutes too. So I'll be happy to get to 60 in probably a month. 10k is going to be a minimum of 90 minutes I think! I am soooo slow. But I'm running and that's what matters!
in reply to WeavingWonk
Same here, just done a very slow 5k at around 45 mins as trying to keep heart rate low, average HR 123 and so I was just thinking at this pace I will be able to do 10k in 90 mins , perfect slow running 🤗
WeavingWonkGraduate
My average HR at that pace is about 153! It's usually around 160 for the last two km. And at that rate i can talk etc. So much for Garmin's estimate that my max heart rate should be around 165! I have seen it go up to 187 if I run as hard as I can. I have no idea what to make of it other than that I am very unfit! VO2 max has been 33 (fair) so far.
in reply to WeavingWonk
Yes it’s all a bit odd on the HR info....I have read recently about the MAF ( Maximum Aerobic Function) and using this method I’m supposed to keep mine around 113, which is barely more than a walk! and every time I go up hill I have to walk to keep it this low, just experimenting with it, certainly making me slow right down 🤣
WeavingWonkGraduate
Haha! I paid attention to my HR this morning. Ran 8:23/km for 3k. Av HR 152, max 163. Went home, fed the dog. Walked him, and heart was hovering at 120-125 while we ambled along with him stopping to sniff every 3 seconds! Back home, stretched, foam rolled and now sitting here contemplating climbing the stairs to have a shower...78. I am sure it will get slower as I get fitter. Glad to say my VO2 max finally went into the green zone today...but I'm not sure I'll ever be running with a HR under 130!
in reply to WeavingWonk
interesting thanks, I’ll experiment for a few weeks and see if it works to bring it down at a faster pace, that’s the theory 🤗
Really interesting question. There seem to be many new runners around here. All good!
Me too jorgeRuns 😊
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