I think I sort of had a lightbulb moment at the weekend when I realised that no matter what I've got going on in life, keeping up this running lark can only be a good thing...because I always feel so good afterwards..
Last week I found out that after being furloughed since March, it looks like I will now be made redundant too once the scheme ends. I've been through various emotions regarding how I feel about this, I'm sure I'm not the only one on here either so you'll get how I'm feeling.
What I am looking forward to is returning to work, any work, a hell of a lot fitter and healthier than I was pre lockdown. I'm also looking forward to being able to run and eventually keep up with my youngest, Ryan, who really enjoys running. He turns 21 this week so lots to be positive about. I refuse to let the job thing weigh me down too much because once something gets in my head, I am guilty of massively overthinking and getting myself in a mess. In the past, something like this would knock me right out of sync.
But along came C25K and I find myself in week 6 and managed to just complete the first run!! Yay! So the whole interval thing really has me bugged because you start off your run mentally knowing you're going to get some breaks. I've decided I don't like that. I preferred W5R3 where I could just keep going and I was more focused on my pace and breathing.
I had a twinge in my left leg heading out but luckily it disappeared as I got going. Definitely started off too hard in the first 5 minutes though. I had to give myself a slap and slow down in the next 8. I realised I prefer the longer stints because I know I have to go steady. Overall it was a great session, I'm not worried any more because I've learned what I need to do to complete the run. Seriously, C25K should be on prescription!
It's also really brought home for me the fact that the psychological struggle for people is way bigger than the physical aspects of getting fitter, healthier and/or losing weight. How many times do you here someone say ' It's simple, eat less move more'. Yep, in theory that's the obvious answer for a lot of us. But you have to tap into way more than that to get going and keep it up week in week out. I will keep repeating that I wouldn't be in week 6 doing this if it wasn't for everyone being so supportive. That positivity is the thing I hold onto every run.
Sorry to hear about the job, but you are right , Running seems to give you the clarity of thought that is needed to get through these situations , and as you say, also fitter as well.
So yes, health certainly is wealth 👍
I hope things work out for you on the job front and keep running , ( need to keep up with Ryan ! 😬)
Sorry to hear about the redundancy x such an uncertain time at the moment x keep going with the running!! You are doing brilliantly and it will keep you distracted from all the nonsense Xxx
Fantastic post, you're quite right, health, both mental and physical are the one thing that will get us through whatever life throws into our path.
Best of luck on the work front, in some places there are a lot of new opportunities opening up.
Yes, once you've done W5R3 intervals just feel odd, I predict you're going to enjoy the longer runs a lot, and if you can keep it up it really does pay dividends. 👍🏻😁
The mental benefits of running.......self confidence, positivity and determination will hold you in good stead alongside all the physical ones.........It is win, win and you will win.
Hi Burkey well done on completing r1, I didn’t enjoy it, felt really tired. I trust the programme so will continue to solider on 😃. I did feel better for doing the run and more positive. Head and legs conflict !
So sorry to hear about your redundancy, I work in HR and it’s a difficult time we are living in now. I really hope that you find a new job soon. To some of the people I have had to make redundant I ask them to reassess their lives and perhaps look at a career change as this is an opportunity to do that if they felt a need for a change. I always try to look at positives in everything I do, sounds like you have the same mindset, which will certainly get you through this unsettling time.
The running will be of great help too, fitter and a stronger mind. Also a way to release any tensions and stresses you may have during the day.
That's exactly what I've been doing, re-evaluating what I want, who I am, what I want to do for work. Dream job? Park ranger 😁😁 massive shift from the aviation industry. I also teach English as a foreign language so I've got some tricks up my sleeve. Definitely feel a career change coming on, change all round it seems! There are certainly silver linings to come out of this year for all of us I think. X
😃... go for it. You have the right attitude to make it work. Whilst you are working on finding your new career to have great skills with teaching English, go on my tutor website, sign yourself up and manage lessons around your timetable, will give you a great sense of achievement and money to boot.
It’s not uncommon for people to look back and say “ I was in despair at that time but it was the best thing that happened as I really love my work/life for the better now”
Enjoy the runs and remember that distance will come in time the more miles you can get in your legs the more distance you will run 🏃♀️ happy running Burkey46 hydrate and slow down if need be 👍
It’s true what people say... run for the mind and the legs come along for the ride. Sometimes both parts are reluctant but my mind is always grateful at the end (the legs always whinge 😉)
What a great perspective, I'll steal that as my mantra for the week! X
Thank you too Burkey for being here and sharing, I love this post. Facing redundancy is a huge life changing event so it’s fantastic that you have running in your life right now which is already making you physically and mentally stronger.
I’m in my 9th month now since starting Couchto5k and it’s not been easy but I am learning so much from the experience and from this wonderful community. I’ve had weeks out with illness, I’ve fallen over and bashed myself up, black eye, injured knee, the works! all of which took 5 weeks to heal! I’ve been down in the doldrums by focusing too much on ‘how fast, how far, etc’. But the benefits are so huge I keep coming back for more and now I’m learning to slow down and really enjoy my runs and it’s benefits.
So no matter what happens in the weeks ahead for you keep hold of what you have written and keep getting back out there. I wish you all the very best with getting back to work. 🤗🏃♀️
The little pings and twinges in the first few minutes of a run probably mean your warm up walk wasn't quite energetic enough to get everything warmed up. As long as you soft pedal the first few minutes of running it'll work itself out, as you've found. I've written about this in my own run accounts.
What I found with my most recent run (Monday last week) is if you're running just for yourself, well within your capabilities, with no pressure or particular target, running can be very enjoyable.
Good luck on the next run, the last one with intervals. 🍀
I’m in a very similar position in that I got let go in August after a period of furlough and it is very challenging not to become overcome by stress and despair. I think if I’d not started the programme in lockdown (I graduated!) my mental health would be at an all time low. I was struggling to leave the house before I started and running out of any hope of a self esteem. But aside from the usual studied mental health gains of exercise, completing the programme has given me something to be proud of, and to give me focus on something outside or stressing about the future. It really helps you live in the now not knowing whether you’re going to manage to make it over the next hill or kilometre! Keep going it sounds like you’re doing amazing 🥰
I read your post earlier today and have been meaning to pop back and comment.
What really stands out is your level-headed and sanguine approach to the post-furlough news, and the way in which you are (almost literally!) taking it in your fitter and healthier stride thanks to all the positives accrued from embarking on C25K.
Being able to find the occasional diamonds in the dust of challenges that life throws at us is a valuable and highly admirable quality, and it shows a level of a resilience that any potential employer should gladly welcome.
Best of luck with both the running and the job-hunting.
If your post today is anything to go by, I have every faith you'll flourish in both regards.
Great post lovely; totally agree with with everything you said. My husband was made redundant during lockdown and it had a massive impact on us.
I gained weight and lost fitness so am on the same path, both mentally and physically as you. There is a huge psychological impact with C25k, it takes mental strength and perseverance to keep getting out there.
You are doing brilliantly, you’re smashing every run and on track to graduate without any issues so well done for your positivity.
I was due to run today but my IT band and ham string on my right leg was feeling stiff and a bit tender so I’m giving it another day as next run for me is 25 mins no break. Hopefully tomorrow will feel 100% for it!
Wishing you loads of luck with your job, it’s a challenging time for many of us. X
Hey Sussex, thank you for the words of encouragement and support. Sending all that luck right back to you. You'll smash your 25 minute run, slow and steady girl, that's how we will win the day xx
Cracking post and sounds like this running malarkey has definitely given you an injection of positive mental attitude..... This running lifestyle will stand you in good stead for whatever's ahead in that new employment 👍
• in reply to
I think quite a few of us are proving that old (er) dogs can definitely learn new tricks 😁😁 I never knew running would provide me with the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle that's for sure x
Haha says she a mere youngster 🏃
• in reply to
Think my 26 and 21 year old might disagree with you there
• in reply to
Ohhhhh I now feel definitely like an antiques roadshow item mine girls are teeny teenagers (14 & 16) a dad in lycra causes many a cringe 🤫
An excellent post! Definitely agree with it being a psychological struggle for most. Much easier said than done but sometimes once you know you can it's easier. Well done on your progress
Sorry to hear about your forthcoming redundancy. My profession has also been severely hit by the virus and this running malarkey is helping to keep my noisy head at bay.
You’ll be giving Ryan a run for his money before the year is out! You are so right about the running being good for the head. Keep going with it as it helps to keep us positive. During these uncertain times it’s good to keep yourself mentally healthy. Keeping slow definitely seems to be the key to succeeding at the longer distances. Look forward to hearing more about your runs and the music that keeps you going!
I always play the Talking Heads ‘Road To Nowhere’ when I run. Makes me chuckle as it feels like that sometimes but clearly we are on the road to fitness.
Oh my gosh, it’s like we shared that run and headspace entirely 🤣 The magic of this programme never fails to amaze me!
Sorry to hear about the job. I was made redundant in July it’s been extremely trying. Some days I’m still blindsided with anxiety but there’s no doubt that running 100% picks me up.
Sounds like with your new mindset, the sky’s the limit! As horrific as the last few months have been for the world, there’s going to be some incredible, inspirational stories that come out of it and I’m quite determined to be one of them. I wish you the very best of luck with new ventures and continuing to nail C25K! 🙌🏼✨
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
so lots to be positive about. I refuse to let the job thing weigh me down too much because once something gets in my head, I am guilty of massively overthinking and getting myself in a mess. In the past, something like this would knock me right out of sync. 
W6r1…
Week 3 - Run 4!!! - long post warning! 
Running my way to better mental health...
Stronger than you know
1 Year On....a 5k PB celebration, but more importantly...
