The power of C25K

[Daiwalker]

I wanted to write a message to express how good this C25K program is.

Back story

At the start of lockdown I decided I could not keep visiting the fridge. I live alone and restocking the fridge every few days meant I'd turned to food out of boredom. I weighed myself at a little over 15st, way above "normal" BMI weight recommendation. I started to be careful with my food intake but the boredom prevailed (same for most people I guess). We were then told we could go out for one form of exercise a day. I used to be a keen runner many years ago but, following a broken back, I stopped running all together. For my one form of exercise I decided to walk. Again, I'd been a keen walker having walked Lands End to John O'Groats many moons ago but now I was using walking as exercise. It felt good.

Weight started dropping off of me and if I'm honest it became an accidental obsession watching my weight slowly decline.

So where does C25K fit in?

I started seeing the same faces when I was out walking. They were usually running though and jealousy got the better of me. I decided to go for my first run since my back break at end of 2015. I decided on a 5 km run (??) but after 2 km I had a pulled calf muscle and my bravado had been put in its place.

I searched online for a more gentle training plan and C25K came to my attention. The 9 week program seemed do-able and I started in earnest. There were definitely days when I thought "I can't be bothered" but sticking to the program meant I got back to that 5 km route that I'd planned weeks before and managed to run it. I was elated. I was lighter (I lost around 2.5 st). I was happier.

I continue to run and now run regularly between 4 - 18 km routes 4 times a week. My weight has stabilized and life has changed for the better. So what is my takeaway from this? I think being aware of what my habits were was important but also being able to decide to change those habits was useful. It also showed me the old adage that "hard work pays dividends" is true.

I want to round this little written piece off by saying to anyone thinking of doing C25K or in the middle of doing C25K to do it and stick to it. It may seem hard or even impossible but you can do it and you'll be amazed at how your body adapts. Enjoy it, even the scary parts, just embrace it. Have fun!

[Week7 Graduate]

Couldn't agree with you more. The program is brilliant.

Your post is inspirational.I think you've said it all.

Congratulations too on your determination and success!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

18km! Wow!

Well done 👍🏽

[Elfe5 Graduate]

That’s great 😄 - thank you for sharing your journey.

Enjoy the next part of your running adventure. 😄

[Jools2020 Graduate]

What an inspiring post from you! Thanks for sharing your story. You’ve gained such a lot from the programme (and lost so much 😂) and continue to go from strength to strength. 18km. Wow! Well done to you! 👍

[Buddhagal Graduate]

Hi Daiwalker.....thank you, a truly inspirational post... for all of us and especially for those like myself still completing the programme. What a journey...you must feel so proud 😁😁😁💪💪👏👏👏🏆🏆🏆. Thanks again for sharing. 🙋

[Rennur Graduate]

Reading your post and others' like yours makes me feel guilty when I feel a twinge. Or makes me think, well Daiwalker can do it having had a broken back or others with arthritis or other serious conditions then I have no choice but to carry on.

[changing-woman Graduate]

it makes me in awe of you.! what an inspirational post. i am hanging in there. i am not giving up, i wont ever give up, i am going to graduate one day, but have just really struggled thru week 1. i almost had to quit several times. but my stamina allowed me to finish. just. i am literally dreading the exhaustion of the week 2 runs. but not dreading the elation next time i complete a run, even if its a week 1 re run. thank you for posting that wonderful story x

[CazzaW Graduate]

Amazing and what an inspiration 😊