Today was the first time I actually thought “I... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Today was the first time I actually thought “I’m never ever going to complete c25k”

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate
38 Replies

Today’s run(S) were hard. I went out this morning, along my normal route and attempted w9r2... 10 minutes in a gave up. The woods is super muddy at the minute, making it incredibly slippy under foot. My head wasn’t in it, my legs felt like led again and I thought bloody hell, I really honestly don’t think I can do this.

I stopped in the middle of the woods and stretched off my legs. I knew if I didn’t try again today, it would be even harder to go at it again. I rang my boyfriend and told him I was going to be longer than usual and not to worry.

I changed my route up and started the 30 minutes again, I avoided the slippy woods as much as possible and braved running on the pavement, Ive been too embarrassed to run on the street , in front of people, no one needs to see my legs and tummy and jiggle.

I’m proud to say I did it. It was bloody hard and my legs are currently humming but I have one more run to go and I can finally say “I did it!!!”

I did 40 minutes today... who thought at the start I could do that? Not me!!

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HattieCooke profile image
HattieCooke
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38 Replies
David_G profile image
David_G

Well done HattieCooke, you did very well to get out there and start again!🙂👍 It’s always sensible to run on a manageable surface when you can, but sometimes we don’t know what’s manageable until we get there!😟 Congratulations on how well you’ve done so far. You’re so nearly there now so keep going! We’ll all be rooting for you! 🙂

Zip54 profile image
Zip54Graduate

Wow, that was a super pep talk/self motivation you gave yourself to start again and change something up. You can do anything!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

We're proud of you, Hattie. 👍👍

Just one run left.

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to nowster

Thank you!!! I was certainly proud of myself after. Fingers crossed I manage number 3 ❤️

Rennur profile image
RennurGraduate

You will be a runner before Christmas. Make sure you enjoy that feeling after the run as Christmas has been cancelled (at least here). Stick to the pavements for now - your running shoes will thank you!

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to Rennur

Put it this way, my once white trainers are now grey 🙈🙈

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Well done Hattie 😬👍👏👏👏Next run is your graduation run , enjoy it you deserve it 😁👍

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

Brilliant stuff HattieCooke ! And by the way, never be embarrassed about how you look, or how you think you might look, when you're running. It doesn't matter - the important thing is that you're running! :)

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to Cmoi

Thank you 🥰🥰🥰

Maz1103 profile image
Maz1103Graduate

I don't think I could run on slippy mud so well done you!! I only run on pavements/roads. Don't ever worry about running in front of people. Be proud in the knowledge that you are out there achieving something amazing and that you have got off the couch x

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to Maz1103

Thank you, I’m proud of myself, it’s been a bloody hard slog. I started in August. I am loving it though, jiggles and all x

Pete9122 profile image
Pete9122Graduate

Well done you!! 👏👏 Deep respect for restarting👍👍 Take care

Mikew84 profile image
Mikew84Graduate

Well done Hattie! There must have been something in the air today because I did W9R2 this morning as well, and for the first time in the whole programme I thought I was going to have to stop 10 mins in. I managed to push through but it was harder work than it's been since week 1.

The final hurdle is in both my and your sight - one more run and we'll both be home and dry! Planning mine for Tuesday and I hope you manage to get yours in in time for Christmas too!

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to Mikew84

WELL DONE it’s an amazing feeling when you manage to finish a run especially when you feel like quitting half way through.

I’ll be going out Tuesday too, all being well. Make sure you post after so I can see how you get on :) x

Mikew84 profile image
Mikew84Graduate in reply to HattieCooke

Hi Hattie, I did it! Hope you managed it too, with no repeat of your false start troubes!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Pokemon2020 profile image
Pokemon2020Graduate

Well done you super ⭐️

Peter44 profile image
Peter44Graduate

Well done on getting todays run done! Dont worry about people seeing you running, their probably thinking, blimey, i wish i could do that, keep going, one more run to go!!! 😀

Couchphoenix profile image
CouchphoenixGraduate

Well done HC, you do know that other people who are embarrassed to run outside will be reading your post and be inspired to give C25k a go , which is amazing. You’re such a determined character and you’ve done brilliantly, graduation is now in sight 🏅👀 stick with it HC you’re doing great and we are all behind you and looking forward to your graduation post 👍🏃‍♀️

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to Couchphoenix

Oh I really hope so. If you’d have told me in January that I’d have got this far I would t have believed it. It’s definitely possible!! Xx

Pooped77 profile image
Pooped77Graduate

You are a superstar, just one more to go. Avoid the mud next time. 🤪👍

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Another nice photo of you HC, perseverance pays off, well done on that run, I wish you luck for your graduation run, take it slow and steady 🏃🏾 👍

IainC profile image
IainC

Really well done, that determination will get you to the end and a graduation on C25K no problem

jwillmac profile image
jwillmacGraduate

Well done 👏, I used to be embarrassed if people saw me jiggling around the streets and purposely avoided school run time in case I saw my neighbours. I still jiggle when I run but I draw myself up to my full 5'2 and smile .Not because I'm any good at this , but I'm still going 5 months later. Be loud, be proud x x x .

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to jwillmac

I’m exactly the same!!! I will not go out on the school run time. 🙈🙈🙈 and my partner doesn’t like me running at night, he says it isn’t safe. So I only have a small window lol xx

oaprunner profile image
oaprunnerGraduate

Excellent. Not only the ability to run but stamina and determination as well!

Tank_EG profile image
Tank_EGGraduate

Well done HattieCooke,

running on uneven surfaces is tough, it destabilises your core so you are exercising way more than on a smooth surface so kudos to you for getting this far running in the woods 👍

I stick to the pavements and look a real old sight in my running leggings but I'm doing this to improve my health and my fitness. If people don't like what they see then they don't have to look 🤣

All the best for your last run and your graduation as a C25K runner 😀

Frizzbomb67 profile image
Frizzbomb67Graduate

Well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻My usual run route is also way too muddy at the moment so I’ve had to switch to the ‘dreadmill’. It’s hard on the legs dodging the mud and jumping the puddles 🥵

HattieCooke profile image
HattieCookeGraduate in reply to Frizzbomb67

And my white trainers lol

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate

Well done. I'm thinking you found some true grit! Well done. Well done. This thing called running changes lives. On with your running career!!

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate

Well done you! No one notices the jiggles - all they see is someone doing what they probably envy!! Respect. Be proud and own your run.

Jiggle what jiggle HattieCooke, run like you just don't care 🤗, those people they're green with envy and who knows you may even inspire them to get into their trainers 👍👍

NusiaFab profile image
NusiaFabGraduate

Well done Hattie!! I truly think there should be extra points for restarting the run and coming back again as it takes a lot to not too give up at that point! Great job Hattie, youve almost finished the program!

SkiMonday profile image
SkiMondayGraduate

Well done Hattie! I'm glad to hear you completed R2.

Sounds like it's worth having a think about where else you could run until the woods dry out. I'm not surprised you had difficulties trying to run in mud. That needs proper off-road shoes and it's tricky even with them.

Suzie123bar profile image
Suzie123bar

Well done x .. I run in the dark .. Ha ha .. I'm on week 3 run 2 :)

Jamiroq profile image
Jamiroq

Well done Hattie!

TotalNewbie1 profile image
TotalNewbie1Graduate

Go you , well done 👍

Week7 profile image
Week7Graduate

Well done you.There is no way that I could have done 10minutes, stopped restarted and then run 30 minutes at that stage. You are obviously well ready for w9r3.Now is the time to accept that you really are a runner.

Look forward to hearing about your graduation run very soon!

Go for it!!

Kes101 profile image
Kes101Graduate

Brilliant work around and you did it yaaayyyy. I'll be at week 9 in a few weeks so I get it.

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