2020 has been a bad year, however, a record number of runner's have ran and graduated from C25K, well done to all of them, what is the highlight of your running year of 2020?
Highlight of your Running Year 2020 - Couch to 5K
Highlight of your Running Year 2020
I started c25k on a whim in June. Didn't tell many people because I was sure I wouldn't finish. When I graduated in August (and carried on to 5k, 38 minutes) I cried. It was very emotional and I was very proud of myself. Have now even done a couple of 10ks ππ
No harm in crying at the end of a run, especially when you have graduated and ran your first 5k, congratulations and have a good 2021 running year ππΎ
Fantastic well done Maz, Iβm on w8r1 any advise on building up after to hit the 10ks?
You're making great progress pitch1974 you'll be wanting to consolidate that 5k distance firstly then look at bridge to 10k I'll ping the links below π€
healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
I carried on doing 4 or 5ks for a while. Then my daughter ran with me when the gym was shut and encouraged me to increase it. We did 6k one week, 7k the next and when we were going to do 8k I felt OK so carried on. The next time though I developed a knee niggle so have cut back a bit, couple of 4s, then 5s. So far so good so will try to build up again. Good luck ππ
Thanks for posting the question Al.
Without a shadow of a doubt if I had to pick one specific thing it would be my first (and so far only) 10k, which was the Virtual Vitality London 10,000. It was a very emotional run as I was raising money (approaching Β£1,000 including Gift Aid when I last checked) for the hospice that supported my best friends mum whilst she was living with terminal bowel cancer until Covid-19 took her too soon at the height of the pandemic.
More generally discovering a real love for running that I never ever dreamed of. Being able to get out there and run has certainly preserved my sanity during this horrendous year.
Congratulations on that run Birdlady64, you should be very proud of yourself on raising so much money for that hospice.
I didnβt start running till late September so a short running year but the highlight has been wanting to carry on running after completing the program and enjoying it! I did the program before but didnβt enjoy it so didnβt continue.
Finding this forum has been the key to that Iβm sure of it. The hints and tips have been invaluable and the guide given when starting was a godsend. I didnβt have that last time.
Working with the elderly throughout the pandemic has been challenging at times and running has been a great escape!
I aim to start jujus plan next week after 12 conciliation runs and see how I go!
Well done to you Sigh123 for continuing to run, there are many people who graduate from C25K, do a few consolidation runs and stop running altogether, that is such a pity.
We have so many highlights but the main one has to be that this year running has become enjoyable, all through the programme we ran and found it was hard work but very satisfying, at some point this year we run and enjoy it while actually doing it, a tip for new runners it took at least 6 months before we realised that although still hard at time we were enjoying running
I can only echo what you've said. What I started out of necessity (being stuck in the house due to lockdown) has turned into something I now enjoy.
Of course, you now enjoy running W&S, where you live is such a nice place to run, especially by the sea, if it's windy you can run in a more sheltered place further away from the sea, during the year you have posted many lovely photos of where you live and run, have a very happy running 2021.
For me, one positive of 2020 was that all my Company travel ceased, as I became a permanent home worker. The advantage of that was that I could run more often and more regularly, as a result I have managed to clock up 556km in my first full calendar year of running, having graduated in late 2019. However the overall highlight has to be hitting a 12km distance - amazing when I thought I would never hit 5k when I started this plan in 2019! Canβt wait to see how 2021 goes!
Like most people, i'm new to running this year, and really cant believe how it's hooked me in! Highlights, obviously graduation, getting to 5k, 60mins, 10k, but the biggest one, the feeling of achievement, at the end of all the runs, even that w1r1, long may it continue! π
Two highlights. First, plucking up the gumption to start C25K. Second, graduating 9 weeks later. Never would have believed I could do it. Thanks to everybody on here for their support.
I echo all thatβs been said about not thinking I could complete C25K. Last time I did anything like running was a postnatal group(she is now 12) in a park with the pushchair ( at least it was something to hang on to) but with swimming pools closed started this on the spur of the moment. Graduated in Oct and have continued to run 3x week since. Now donβt feel so bad when I advise patients to exercise regularly π
I guess like many others on here I always thought I couldnβt run and had actually tried and given up in my early 20βs. 30 years later, May this year,I found couch to 5k and decide to give it a go - from that first run and nearly being sick to yesterdayβs run of 11km, I think itβs got me hooked although I wonβt say I enjoy it yet!
Time permitting Iβm thinking of slowly working up to 16 or even 21k over the next year, although I wonβt be upset if I donβt get to increase the distance but chip away at my PBβs of 33β57β for 5k and 1hr 12β 23β for 10k
I did a 12 week low heart rate training plan and knocked 2 minutes off my 5k time and have massively improved my aerobic base. Without lockdown, I wouldnβt have had time to do this.
Sounds good to me, that 12-week low heart rate training plan, many people have started running since lockdown, especially swimmers because all the swimming pools are closed.
I think just learning to run and then learning to love it. It has bought so many benefits to my life, and physically I feel and look better than I have for a very long time. π
The highlight for me has been to finish C25km plan but to also to keep it going with the help of this forum and great support. I'm not sure what next year will bring but if I can carry on running regular 5km and maintain then over time I can learn to enjoy it. π
I started C25K back in April in the height of lockdown. If it hadn't have been for lockdown I probably would never have started running. I love the feeling that I get afterwards, even after a tough run. I love the support and encouragement of this community. I think it kept me going in the early days.
I think my greatest running achievements have been completing the virtual London Vitality 10k, and completing a half marathon in early December. I had never thought that I would get to the stage of running a half marathon.
Lets see where 2021 takes us.
Best wishes to all for the New Year.
Can I have two highlights?1) choosing to run my 1 year anniversary run in a beautiful but very hilly deer park - just because I could now do that! And (2) running my first 10K as part of the vitality virtual London event - still makes my grin when I think of that achievement ππββοΈ
Of course, you can have two highlights Slothgoesrunning, well done to you on your 1-year anniversary run and congratulations on completing your first vitality virtual London 10K.
Thanks Al. What are your 2020 highlights?
Bit late in answering, but my running highlight of 2020 was when I ran 10 miles non stop on the 22nd July.
Hi AlMorr My highlights are that I graduated and despite injury and everything the joy of running has been amazing, even rubbish runs have showed me something. I have made connections on here and had nothing but wonderful support from everyone. Running shoes! Who knew that they are the best thing my feet love me for them. Just being out in seasons watching the world change, listening to the birds and feeling more connected with nature.
Congratulations to you CaptFrey on graduating despite injury from C25K, I am so happy that you find running a joy, even the 'rubbish' runs, I assume by rubbish, a run that wasn't as good as the previous one, keep running in 2021, whether they are rubbish or PB's.
1.Weaning myself off HRT2.Starting Couch to 5k, late September running 30 mins (not 5k but I am.ok with that)
3. Graduating Couch to 5K mid December,
4. Running outside with my Teenage Trainee PT Son π₯°
Well done on graduating in December, wow, running with your Teenage Trainee PT Son will make you run even faster next year.
Hi AlMorr,Like so many others, completing c25k has been my highlight, although actually starting to run again with the program and this group has to be the best part.
So annoying that I got Covid almost straight after graduation but Iβm intending to get back out there very soon π€
Wishing you a happy 2021 running year
So sorry that you got Covid-19 so soon after graduating, I hope it was a very mild version of it and you will fully recover, I also wish you a great 2021 running year.
Thank you ππ». Iβve been very lucky as avoided going into hospital! Had some chest pain/tightness, breathless and tired. Could have been a lot worse. Iβm a bit scared of running but think I will just start off with 10 minutes and gradually build up again π
Well now....what a bumpy ride 2020 has been! I started this year so poorly, that I had to have a good long think about whether I actually needed to rise from the sofa, let alone run.....however, I believe my highlight was recently realising, during the last few minutes of a 25 minute run......that I had some left in the tank....I kept going nice and steady.....then Jo said in my ear, "Only 60 seconds left" and I positively flew that last minute......amazing! Having had to start the program again this year, twice! Since being so ill left me needing to start at wk1...then I injured myself doing yoga, and was on the ic for so long.....that I started again.....well, I'm almost there..wk9 that is...this year's running journey has taken way longer than 9 weeks.....but I don't care, I can run....that's something to feel proud ofπ
Hi AlMorr
Mmm there have been a few for me
firstly week5run 3. The first time I believed I could run. Then that was overshadowed by graduating on 23rd Augustπ
My 1st 5k πmy first virtual race for life in memory of my parents,I cried for most of it!
Recently running and enjoying my first 10kπππ
I have achieved something I never thought possible and am a happier fitter person because of it.
I have one goal left for the year and I will do it!!!! That is to run the local pier to pier 10k (its a smidge more)
Thats my new years eve treatπ€£
Of course finding this great supportive positive forum too
Thanks to you all and happy 2021 running xxx
I started C25K during the first lockdown like so many others.Quite a few highlights:Completed C25K
Completed Juju 60mins and then 10k
Discovered that running in the rain and splashing through puddles is just much fun now as it was 50years ago!
Finally, finding these forums of hope, kindness,support and fun!
Safe running for 2021 everyone.
Signing up and Completing C25K and keeping it up whilst on holiday ( distant memory!) in Grenada and then doing 10k! Signing up for LeJog and doing 300miles. Still running....
Definitely completing C25K and managing to get through the whole programme! I had first attempted it back in 2016 but got bad hip pain in week 2 so stopped and thought it wasnβt for me. Iβm so glad I tried again this year and proved myself wrong! π
Running at all has been my highlight...... thats it! Started 2020, 5st overweight and did no exercise at all.In May I decided to give c25k a go. Despite restarting 3 times due to my knees I never gave up. I love running now. Iβm 3st lighter can run my 5k in just under 40 minutes. Onwards to my 10k, no matter how long it takes!
Congratulations to you Alvor on losing 3 stone and running 5K, sub 40 minutes, well done π ππΎ
Hi Al, that's a brilliant question. I graduated C25K in March, to my continued surprise. Took my time to consolidate and moved up to 10k, and have done a few now (I think it's my favourite distance). I did the CRUK Race for Life in memory of my dad, and was a bit shy about asking for sponsorship, but somehow the word got out & people were so generous, so that was lovely. However, my personal favourite for pure fun was the Virtual Vitality London 10000m. Otherwise, I'm just delighted & thankful that I enjoy running so much and I'm able to do it. I can't get out much just now because we have too much snow & ice at the moment: I last went out on Sunday morning & only got 3k done because that's how much of the pavements were gritted, and the snow started, so I wish I had a treadmill at the moment (although they bore me silly, it would be better than no run at all). However as soon as the ground clears, I'll be back out - can't wait. Another high point of course is joining this forum - I can't thank you all enough for all the support & virtual companionship.
Hello AlMorr, thatβs a great question and like many on here Iβm sure weβd be interested to know what the highlight has been for you too?
For me, having started C25K as a New Years resolution to get fitter I must say the highlight was completing the forum group virtual Half Marathon at the beginning of October. Completing the distance was a great personal achievement but also the support of the group, all of whom are members of this forum, really made it feel like a βclubβ in times when all other social activities are somewhat restricted. HU has been a constant source of encouragement, motivation and positivity in a year which hasnβt contained much of that elsewhere. So even though we will be saying good riddance to 2020 there is always something to be thankful for.
My highlight for running in 2018 was graduating from C25K, best run in 2019 was my first parkrun, the highlight run for me in 2020 was on the 22nd July when I ran, non stop 10 miles.
I have two, the first was completing the Vitality 10k, and the second was running my first 10 mile (even if I did get told off for it π)
Congratulations on those two achievements, my highlight for 2020 was also running non stop 10 miles in July.
Cheers Al, and well done on the 10 miles as well! Are you planning to go any further? I hope to get a half under my belt next year
I downloaded all the podcasts with Laura when I gave up work in 2015 but it took lockdown to push me to start C25k in April.
When I finished Week 5 and ran for 20 minutes I wanted to shout and tell everyone on my walk home (with a big grin on my face).
I didn't tell a soul I was doing C25k until after I'd graduated; it was only then I believed that I was a runner!
My highlight was the day I ran a 5k for the first time in 36:22 at the age of 66
Thanks for this post, Al, it's fab! I have pinned and promoted it xxx
I think, for me, the two are getting my HM time down to 2:05:46 on 5 December, and going through 1,000 miles for the year yesterday.
Hope you're keeping well and best wishes for 2021.
Finding I could run at all was a major step! The buzz at every new checkpoint also amazing, especially graduations c25k πͺπ».
Going on then to all my new targets and keep being able to achieve longer runs and faster times has been awesome and the fact that I can now actually enjoy running is mind blowing.
The highlight though has to be finding this forum of amazing, supportive, like minded people who have helped amazingly with getting me toward where I want to be ππ»
That is very kind of you saying that this forum has been very supportive for you, have a great running 2021, not sure when parkruns and event runs will resume, it depends on how many people get vaccination Covid 19 jabs.
Thanks for asking the question AlMorr. Running has given me the confidence that if I stick at something, I can crack it - the key being trying a little bit more each time, and trying often, rather than attempting to move mountains in one go.I had a few good runs for different reasons, the most emotional one being my first five k which was on a sunny day in week 8 of C25k - I was so elated by the end of my run I started crying and had this urge to tell everybody, but since I was too shy I just grinned at people. The sens of connection and belonging to the running community was something I always thought I couldnβt join, it seemed like I didnβt meet the βentry criteriaβ of a responsible, reasonable, health conscious person who was organised enough o plan and go out on their run. turns out - you donβt need to be many of those things and learning that had been liberating, and this forum has been a source of encouragement and warmth to me.
Other runs which are up there were my first longer runs in Spring in the morning before work, fresh coffee pre-run and one post-run waiting for me, running past and looking at the different blossoms, feeling the grass under my soles (I run on roads now), smelling the grass, listening to
Bird song, breathing some clean morning air... , and also the first mourning run, where I learnt that running could be a form of therapy to handle my grief.
This year has taken a lot out of me, but running has given me a lot I never knew existed !! So excited to read everyone elseβs comments about their favourite runs
Running in Santa Barbara, California.It was thirty years to the week since I'd last been there.
Thirty years before, I was a hard-drinking, chain-smoking, extremely restless, extremely reckless, adreniline-addicted, high-risk work and life styles kind of guy. I was basically looking for an early death without realising it.
Four years before, I was a nicotine and alcohol free, sedentary, miserable, bored out of my mind, unfit, aimless and "involuntarily retired" aimless and totally unfit wreck, consciously aware that I was being sucked deeper into a very dangerous level of major Depression and what can happen if it gets too deep.
So, running in Santa Barbara was truly profound for me - a true measure and experience of how not only can life change over decades, but in mere years.
There I was in SB - happily plodding along, simply enjoying life. No craziness, "back up plan to the back up plan" thoughts spiraling around in my head, no stressful objectives or deadlines, no potential "fan meet excretia" scenarios imminent...just calm, relaxed, in the moment - and enjoying it rather than being bored brainless by what I used to regard as "9 to 5 purgatory".
Age and experience eventually, if very incrementally over decades, has taught me - and sometimes forced me -to curb a very chaotic and insanely hazardous life pattern - and for over four years now, Running has helped me learn to enjoy this "new life".
As does reading about, sharing in, and befriending some, experiences, runs and members of this Forum.
So, in a year of many highlights - that insight and realisation definitely stands out Running is a LOT more than simply "moving faster(-ish, in my case lol) than walking" - it keeps me progressing in life on a heck of a lot of good and positive and enjoyable levels
Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year, and many many many happy miles in it
A wonderful post from you John, what a life you had 30 years ago, you want to forget about that except for the difference your life is now.
So we didn't and would not have got that Giants Causeway meet, however, you have had a wonderful running year with that full 26 miles marathon you ran in October, or was it November, anyway, that must be the highlight of your running journey here on Healthunlocked, I wish you a very Happy New Year with many more runs to come.
Highlight of *the Year* (as well as of the Running Year)!!! As one of those numbers signing up in 2020, my highlight has been both starting and completing c25k. Underpinning that, though, itβs the sheer - and totally unexpected - joy that I experience with running: that discovery has to be the highlight of highlights.
And this forum and now also Bridge to 10k have been at the crux, helping it all gel, adding to the momentum, bringing so much insight, support, cameraderie, and fun... and structures in which to process this wonderful journey. I was βnot a runnerβ, like many others, and was also βnot on social mediaβ. In early September, that all changed. I canβt thank enough the forums, the Teams that run them, and communities they host.
A whole new world has opened up, and Iβm just over the moon and so grateful for that.
What a great question. Iβm proud that Iβm finally running - have been long convinced Iβd never be able to do it, but hey ho itβs surprising what we can do when we put our mind to it. Iβm also very proud of the resilience that people have shown during this ghastly year, whether I know them or not. People have dug deep and done amazing things. ππΌππββοΈ
So pleased to know that your highlight of highlights is running, irrespective of the distance, well done π ππΎ.
My Highlight of the year was realising that I can actually do this running lark ha ha..
I'm actually so proud of myself..
C25k done and completed, then got to 10k .. completed a number of medal challenges too..
Wonder what 2021 will bring..
Wishing you all a very Happy Healthy Year πββοΈπ π
great question, mine has to be re discovering my love for running , i used to run many years ago, but had a few injuries and also work often got in the way. Then in lock down this May I started with the C25K not sure at all how I would get on and when I look back, just running 5 mins was an achievement! Since then I graduated in July, have ran lots of 10kms now and love running so much, probably a bit addicted as I much prefer a pair of running socks as a pressie to a bunch of flowers!! On a serious note, my biggest high light is finding this forum, with lots of very helpful, supportive and sincere people. I feel like I know some people really well and I'm actually never met anyone on here, but that's the power of this forum, so for me, I want to thank you to all of you for your help and support, motivation and encouragement. I started C25K because I wanted to do Park runs, obviously they stopped before I got chance, but I'm so better prepared for them they do start again in 2021!!
πββοΈπββοΈππ
Great question! Actually starting this, then being amazed I could do it, then finishing! Finding this incredible bunch of people. Then first 5k, then first 60 mins, then just anticipating and planning each run, finding NRC app and Coach Bennett β₯οΈ. Amazing sunrises, getting drenched, that odd hole in my shoe π buying running gear, new earpods (lowlight - I lost one), looking forward to 2021 and getting to 10k. Can't wait! π€x
Starting C25K in June was the best thing this year, completed it in August and then continued on to complete 10K in September. Iβm now concentrating on running at a low heart rate and loving it.
I have no standout highlight - I have simply discovered the joy of regular challenging exercise and I hope to never lose it. I would never have predicted that a run in freezing temperatures, in the rain or even in the summer when we had heatwave weather would all leave me feeling fantastic and accomplished. This forum has been a boon too. I am one happy runner - no magnificent distances managed, no stunning pace either but a simple love of running has been acquired and that canβt be beaten.
That's all you nerd JetsNanna, the love of running and exercise, I also took up running in 2018 as part of my exercise regime when I had cut out the number of times I went bike rides, I used to cycle 4 times a week, then cut that down to once a week and started running with C25K.
The camaraderie on this forum is the best thing to have ever happened in my short, 8 month running life. And like so many of you have said in response to Al's wonderful question, our VRBs are key to our success.
From having never run for 57 years, to starting C25k in May, graduating on my 58th birthday in July and a 10k in sight, you have all most certainly kept me going and inspired me to continue. I may not post often but love reading everyone's posts.
So thank you all for sharing your experiences and long may it continue ππ
Congratulations on graduating from C25K on your 58th birthday, that must have been a wonderful day for you 58soon, as you now are 58 you will have to change your username. π ππΎ, have a great year in 2021.
Thanks so much for starting this thread AlMorr
I'm finding it hard to choose a highlight, and I only started running in mid-May this year! But I think it has to be my first-ever, totally unplanned 10-mile run, because it took place on Race for Life weekend and was inspired by thoughts of my late Mum and a close childhood friend, both of whom died of cancer.
I posted about the run at the time and have just realised it took place exactly three calendar months ago. So yes, my totally unexpected, very special, pink-hued run it is
Thanks for the post AL πMy running journey highlights 1st the graduation day back in July 17th in group run with C25K colleagues πππ
And last ( cutting the middle achievements) my 1st HM run on September 21st in 02H35Min.
As you know Iβm still running onboard and aiming for my full marathon hopefully in the very near future π€π€π€
Wishing you and all the runners on here a Safe and Happy New Year π₯³
Proud seafarer...
I think for me , graduation was a special run especially after 18 days on the injury couch after week 8 run 1 I thought I wouldn't do it ! It was very emotional π
I think the most emotional run of all the runs that I have ran was my graduation run of week 9, I felt very proud of myself, the ten mile run was pretty good as well, it's when I'm cycling for 10 miles, I think to myself, I have ran non stop this distance, the thing is that I have not told anyone apart from people on this site that I have ran more than 10K,
Oh a bit late to this post but it's nice hearing about people's highlights.I have three - graduating in February and running 10 miles recently. The 10 miles hasn't yet been repeated yet, but it was a very special experience! Loving running has bern the biggest and most surprising highlight of this very difficult year. Sheer joy!
Hi AlMorrThanks for your question... typically I've spent far too long considering my answer but in the end it was easy! The highlight of 2020 is that I continued to run 3 times almost every week and curiously the 'best' run I think was the 10km I did yesterday, New Year's Eve.
Having decided to clear my work commitments before running, I didn't start till almost 4pm so on the return stretch it was almost dark but I ran 'easy' and it felt really good - indeed I felt confident! It was such a good feeling... and the cherry on the top was that I ran 100km in December. Am still very pleased about that and looking forward to lots more running - and reading about everyones experiences en route.
Happy running in 2021.
π ππΎ
I was so not a runner at the start of 2020. Every so often I thought I should run - itβs something you can do anywhere with minimal extra stuff needed. But I would always get a stitch, or it hurt to breathe, or I just got bored. And I had a million other things to do - always an excuse! Then the pandemic hit, work went crazy, home schooling made us all crazy, and suddenly I found C25K was my little bit of me time and space - and it got some of my frustration, anger, etc out. I did it all and was so proud of myself to graduate! I hadnβt really thought about what next. Just being able to run for 30 mins was good enough. Only the track round the lake that I was now walking and running around was 7.5km. Wouldnβt it be good to be able to run all the way round. After reaching that distance, well 10km suddenly seemed doable, and one day in November I did. So the highlight of my 2020 was taking up running and how far I got with it!