1 year ago today at 6am, full of anxiety and trepidation I was hunting around in my wardrobe for some running kit. I found some Jogging bottoms and a pair of trainers great, but what about my top half, it’s dark and cold out there I need to be visible. So I came up with the bright idea of putting my sweatshirt on with a white tee shirt over the top of it, this ensemble being completed by a woollen beanie hat 👍
Out through the front door I went, glancing left and right hoping none of the neighbours would see me. I could see the silhouette of someone in the distance stood near their porch, a shift worker perhaps....who knows.
So with the kind reassuring voice of Jo Whiley in my ears I set off, Week 1 Run 1. Well I don’t remember much about the run itself other than it was hard and when I arrived back home I was hot sweaty and knackered🥵 .......but I also felt proud, with a sense of achievement.
That evening there was a knock on the door, sorry to bother you a worried looking man said .....I’ve been knocking doors along the terrace as I saw a suspicious looking character leaving one of these houses early this morning and I’ve been worrying about it all day as I think someone may have been broken into !
That was me I said, I’ve just started Couch to 5k ! .......he looked at me and I could see the relief in his face as we both laughed, he went on to tell me he was a runner and began offering me advice.
Luckily nobody had been broken into that morning or it could have been Couch to 5 Years 😂
I didn’t tell anyone I worked with I was doing C25k until I’d actually graduated although people would comment on my weight loss, which was eventually 2 stone.
Anyway 1 year on I’m still running and still loving it. I’ve managed a sub 30 5k twice and my furthest distance to date is 10 miles, which I’ve also managed twice. I’ve earned some lovely running bling albeit virtual, having Completed the Vitality 10,000, and the Salisbury 10 Mile, plus a Race at Your Pace 50 Mile Challenge in December 2020.
I always try to offer help and support when I can although I still class myself as a Newbie. I’m proud to say I’ve inspired some of the lovely ladies I work with to do C25k, 3 have since graduated with another 2 currently on Week 8.....stick with it CI578 😉👍
To anyone currently on their C25k journey I would say be patient and be determined, the plan does work, sometimes it can be challenging but its life changing and definitely worth the effort.
Written by
Couchphoenix
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Oh Happy Runniversary 😄that’s an amazing story of your first year running that will inspire others, well done on your weight loss too that makes you go faster What lovely bling 🤑
Well done Couchphoenix, I think we all felt the same when we set off for our first C25K outing!🤣I’d agree with your advice to those who are starting their journey: stick with it, have patience and follow the plan. Oh, and don’t be worried about asking for advice, guidance and support on here when you need it! 🙂 We’ve all had our issues and someone’s bound to have been in the same position as you! 😊
Thanks David_G I hope people read it and realise we all start in a similar position, I was really self conscious about running outside, but thankfully that fades over time and now I just go out anytime of day 👍🏃♂️
Many congratulations Couchphoenix on one-year anniversary! I am convinced your neighbour just wanted a running buddy! 😉 You have done a lot in your year! That must feel fantastic!!!
Thank You limu_mu 😊 it’s been a great year running wise and I’m hoping to build on it in 2021, maybe half marathon....maybe my neighbour can give me some tips 😉
Wow! 👏Love the Couch to 5 years anecdote! 🤣 Thank you for sharing! My anniversary is coming up in March! I’m still working towards 10k but am on my way!
Lovely post Cp which really sets the scene on where you can get to after that week1 run1 morning when we stagger home thinking “what have I let myself in for”?! Well I did anyway! Enjoy your runniversary and may we all be able to earn some bling the normal way before too long!
Thanks Oldgirlruns 😊 I think we all think, what am I doing ! when we begin but we soon get hooked. Hopefully more running bling in 2021, I’ve signed up for a Race at Your Pace 50 mile February Challenge, which is a start, hopefully I haven’t been too ambitious 😬🏅
Happy runniversary Couchphoenix ! 🥳A year of running that’s fantastic and losing two stone too! You must be so proud of yourself and quite rightly so 👏🏻
Thanks Indielass00 😊 the weight loss was a bonus, I am proud of what I’ve achieved this year especially when I think back to that first run and how hard it was. Let’s see what 2021 brings 🏃♂️
Thanks AndrewJR75 I am quite proud and surprised at how far I’ve come in just a year....let’s see what 2021 has in store, I’m doing a February Race at Your Pace 50 mile Challenge so that should kick things off quite nicely 👍
Thank You Zo, 😊 it’s hard to believe it’s been a year, one of the few good things to come out of 2020, that and getting to know the good people on this forum including my Red Devil’s running buddies 👍🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Thank You Blueskyabove, I appreciate that, hopefully it will inspire people to stick with the programme, somebody said to me when I started ‘it’s not easy, if it was, everyone would be doing it’ definitely worth the effort though and it does eventually get easier 👍🏃♂️
I started last March, graduated and let it slip. But never forgot the feeling so out again about to start week 5. Kick myself for letting it go but loving being back. Still slow, tough but as you say worth the effort!
Thank you for sharing your inspirational post. I’m planning to start my C25K journey a week on Monday (once I clear 12 weeks post op milestone)... your message was just the boost I needed to help keep the nerves in check as the clock ticks down to the start date... 😬
Your welcome, FM68 I’m glad it’s helped you, that’s not nerves you’ve got, its excitement and anticipation ok.
Remember not to set off too quickly when your running, go at a snails pace, pacing yourself is important, you can always finish with a flourish and impress the neighbours if you’ve got a bit left in the tank 😉 I’ll look forward to reading all about your first run, Good Luck 👍🏃♂️
Thank you for those excellent tips... and apologies for forgetting my manners earlier, want to add a huge congratulations on your anniversary, and all your achievements, and inspiring others around you to follow your lead, I’d say you are less a newbie and more a role model! 👏👏
Thank You, that’s very kind of you, I’m still learning.....you’ll enjoy C25k its nice and gradual and it works. This forum is a nice addition to the programme too.
Happy runniversary Couchphoenix ...this is a fabulous, inspirational post..you’ve come so far and your post will help so many on their journey...just wonderful
Thank You Mummycav, I appreciate you saying that, I love seeing how people are getting on with their journey and I hope my post helps inspire them in some way 👍🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️
Congratulations on your one year aniversary, that's quite a journey you've been on, 2 stone weight loss too, hoping for some of that, i've been running since early sept, even more of a newbie 🤣 but just like you, have really enjoyed this new experience in my life, more so, with this different life, we've all had to live, something else to focus on! ☺ my one year, will be on 7th sept, just hope things will be a bit easier by then, but not too optimistic! ☹Hope things are sorted for next week, my mum's birthday is on wed, she'll be 92!
Yes, it’s all sorted, I finished mums eulogy yesterday. Her funeral is next Tuesday.
Your mums a good age at 92. My Gran lived to 106 years and 8 months. She had several telegrams from the Queen, I think the Queen got fed up with her in the end 😂
Tuesday wont be easy, but you'll get through it. 🙏My mum's a tough old thing, has been through so much, but wouldnt be surprised to see her beat this covid, even though, she's really had enough now! 😥
Anyway, here's to another year of running!!! 🏃♂️🏅🏆🥳
Yaay congratulations on your one year running anniversary (sorry I am posting late). I absolutely love that story that is brilliant that really made me laugh, phew what a relief for the neighbours!!
Your weight loss is incredible you look younger as well!, such a great picture of you with your Vitality 10k top and medal.
Well done on all your running achievements and bling and thank you for all your support and inspiration.
Ahhh Thanks Rebecca, 😊 I can’t believe it’s been a year already, glad the story of my first run gave you a chuckle. The weight loss is probably due to the calories I burn I don’t consciously diet to be honest, I don’t eat for the sake of it now, only when I’m hungry.
Happy Running to you too, you’re an inspiration yourself my running friend x
Thank You TotalNewbie1 😊 I appreciate you saying that, it’s very kind of you, I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed my posts and I’ve inspired you. I think we all help and inspire each other on here, which is great. 👍
Yes definitely, it’s life changing C25k and I’ve met some lovely people like you too 😊I’ve signed up for another virtual run in March, so watch this space 👀
Oh this is just such a nice story! I love it and I’m so glad that you’ve found something that you love doing.
‘Couch to 5 years’ 😂😂😂😂😂 hilarious!!
Such an inspiration, thank you for sharing your stories and Happy 1 year Anniversary!! ☺️
Thank You RubyAlice21 😊I’m glad it gave you a chuckle 😂. I’ve surprised myself with how much I enjoy running these days and how much fitter I feel. Still can’t believe it’s already been a year.
I love this post! I had no idea you'd only been running for a year so your achievements are all the more brilliant for that! You have definitely helped me and others along the way with your kind advice so I hope you keep adding to your virtual bling as and when you want to and keep enjoying the running bug 😁Ps. The couch to 5 years quip really made me giggle 🤭
Thank you Pnegirl 😊 Yes it’s only been a year, I’d done a bit of treadmill running a few years back, but nothing like this and never ran outdoors as I was far too self conscious 👀. I’m glad the story of my eventful first run gave you a laugh 😂. I love a bit of bling as knowing you’re entered into a race gives you that extra push. Let’s see what 2021 brings ! 🏃♂️
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