Completed the Programme! : This is my first... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Completed the Programme!

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate
19 Replies

This is my first official post. I wanted to just concentrate on podcasts without additional information flooding my mind. I had tried jogging on my own after a friend recommended that I lose some weight. I was 82 kg at the start, having yoyo'ed most of my life between an acceptable physique to a very bulgy one, but never to the point of being called obsese or fat. However during the last year I started to feel my body becoming very lethargic, tight and weak. I couldn't sit down properly as my knees started to hurt. I'm a 57 year old male by the way.

Getting back to my weight. I now weigh 76 kg and my plan is to get it down further to 70 kg. My aim is to not have that bulge, and just maybe I might see my abs. A bit crazy perhaps, but that is my goal.

About jogging. I hated the idea of it for years before I started. My friend's recommendation for me jog versus other forms of losing the fat was met with loathing the idea, although he kinda thought I had it within me. On my own, I started to walk 5km, and eventually I got to 10km without too much trouble. I thought I could start jogging at that stage, but alas, I couldn't jog for more than a few minutes before panting, feeling out of breath. After several weeks going out to attempt to jog was fruitless. My friend did everything he could to get my breathing and technique correct.

I then scoured the internet and found NHS's C25K plan and podcast. After watching several Youtubers talk about this program, I decided in my mind that this was worth a try. I told my friend about it and he said go for it. So 9 weeks later, here I am. Thanks to the folks at the NHS and Laura for guiding me along this journey.

Right now, I don't know what is next, but I'll probably just continue and try to pick up some speed, or time. We shall see.

///

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waterabbit profile image
waterabbit
Graduate
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19 Replies
Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Very well done! It’s a great programme. You could always hop over to the bridge to 10k forum and consider gradually moving up. There’s a plan in the pinned posts.

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to Tasha99

Hi Tasha, sure I will take a look. There seems to be plenty of good information here. Much appreciated! Having said that, I just downloaded the Couch to 5K+ orange app. 😀

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to waterabbit

This forum is fab!

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to Tasha99

Yes it is. Very active. And a positive influence on me.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Congratulations 🎈 on finishing this programme

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Thank you WillowandSola! I really appreciate the message.

😀

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate in reply to waterabbit

Ooo you have your Graduate badge nice 😀About enjoying g it, I only really started enjoying the actual run long after we graduated but enjoyed the sense of achievement right from the start

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Omg! 😱 I didn't even see the badge until you mentioned it. I do want to improve though, but at a pace that is not overly taxing. I see runners on the racetrack near me that are sooooo graceful when they run, like effortlessly... something I never thought was the least bit attractive, until now.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate in reply to waterabbit

Speed increases naturally over time, what once felt like all out racing pace is now slower than our easy run pace, Some runs just flow and some are a hard slog, consolidate well and you will run stronger and further

I just ran 5.2k in 47 minutes along the seafront dodging the many walkers who spread across the path and most of it I really enjoyed, Willow ran 1k too fast and walked 2k then moved the car to my 5k point

enjoy your day

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

This guide to post C25k running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you Ian! I will keep my cool in the next stages of development. Thank for the additional reading material.

😎

Delly-dot profile image
Delly-dotGraduate

Fantastic post waterabbit and congratulations on finishing C25k. I was amazed at how this running malarkey becomes quite infectious.

Spend a few weeks consolidating the 30 minute runs - look for the Consolidation Clubs run by the forum admins. There is a new club each month and invaluable advice and encouragement can be found within the posts and shared messages. After consolidation take a look at The Bridge to 10k forum for advice on lengthening run times and distance safely. You sound hooked on running! Enjoy 😊

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to Delly-dot

Hi Delley-dot, I am not sure if I am hooked, but I was certainly surprised (rather... shocked) that I could finally get my breathing/pace figured out. Oooo I remember struggling with that so much midway through the programme! Okay, I will look into the Consolidation Clubs. I have already downloaded the C25K+ (orange) app. I would really like to increase my speed slowly within the same time-frame.

Delly-dot profile image
Delly-dotGraduate

Sounds like you have a plan 😊. The C25k+ podcasts can be a bit marmite- it’s the music really - but those who have stuck with them have found it really useful. The world is your oyster at this stage with so many options to try. Enjoy discovering what works for you. 😊

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to Delly-dot

"Marmite"? like in the spread? hahaha. I tried that once. Kind of like me when I was just like me starting out on the C25K! Okay, I'll see where I go from here. 👍

The thing I love about running (well one of the many things) is that it maintains my weight without me having to do anything else. Sometimes (if doing long distances)I have had to eat a little more to ensure that I don't lose. This makes me very happy as pre C25K I was beginning to experience the spread of middle age and now all my clothes fit again. Enjoy the next phase of your running journey. The world is your oyster🏃‍♂️🦪🏃

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to

I was pleasantly surprised to see my pants were loose on me, that feeling that I am accomplishing something, feel good about it and feeling less depressed. I actually know that exercise makes on feel better, but always good to see it realized by looking better looking that mirror. I am starting on the Couch25K+ app and listening to Laura once again.

Slothgoesrunning profile image
SlothgoesrunningGraduate

Well done on completing C25K and welcome to the forum! You could also try Nike Run Club app - lots of different timed runs to choose from and you also get a coach which can help to provide some structure when consolidating. I have tried a few of the runs and enjoyed them. Took me quite a while post graduation before I could honestly say I enjoyed running. It’s quite common I think. Happy consolidation running!🙂

waterabbit profile image
waterabbitGraduate in reply to Slothgoesrunning

It might a few more months before I can say I love running... Maybe, just maybe I am finding this is like a game and curious to see what happens to me physically and mentally. It is a lot less painful now than when I first started, that is for sure. I will take a look at the Nike Run Club and see if it is something I want to try. Thanks for chiming in on my Graduation. I really appreciate it. 😀

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