Back to the beginning

[Jerichomile]

C25K transformed my fitness and well-being in 2019. I was thrilled. I graduated. I ran. I triumphed! Slow but passionate about running. Keen Parkrun beginner. Then, 2020.....lockdown....all that went with it. Fitness, gone. Running? Forget it.

But today for the first time in a year I put my trainers on. I got my C25K app on and I started again. Run 1 Week 1. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be back. This community got me from day one to graduation before and it means the world to me to be able to reconnect with this wonderful programme & supportive community again. Hope you’re all doing really well. I love reading everyone’s stories.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done restarting.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

You've been to the top of the mountain before, let's get there again 💪 good luck

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Welcome back Jerichomile! Enjoy - you know the drill!

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Ah hiya Oldgirlruns! 😁 how are you doing? Running? Hope you’re doing well. Lovely to see your message 👍

[Sparklerrrr Graduate]

That's fanastic. It's good to be back isn't it. I am in the same boat as you was just about to start parkruns after graduation and they were cancelled. But put my trainers back on last week and started week two today. Onwards and upwards 🤞🤞

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Sparklerrrr]

Yep! Let’s go, we can definitely do it....steady build. Keep posting and let us know how it’s going Sparklerrr 👍

[tmbtrain Graduate]

Great decision 👍🙂

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to tmbtrain]

Thanks! How’s your C25K going? What helps you stay on it? All the best for your next run tmbtrain

[tmbtrain Graduate in reply to Jerichomile]

Thanks. I graduated last Friday so I'm just starting to consolidate the runs. Im trying to convince myself that this is it and I'm a runner now! Staying with it will come down to me not having an all or nothing mind set. If life throws things at me and I can't get out running for a week or two then I'll tell myself I'm still a runner and just go less time until back to where I was. Same if I struggle with a run, which is where I have given up before. That's the plan anyway! Good luck on your journey, you'll get your fitness back soon!

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to tmbtrain]

This community is a great encouragement to stay with running isn’t it? 👏

[tmbtrain Graduate in reply to Jerichomile]

Absolutely 🙂👍

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate]

Congraulations on starting back up. I had a similar story. Graduated then had a bad time with my asthma and had to stop. Been waiting for the all clear to start again.

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Bloomsbury22]

Hope you get the all clear soon. Are you able to do some walking meantime (if that’s something you like)?

[VWBW Graduate]

That’s great, good for you 👍😊 it’s a fabulous feeling making that start again, because you already know just how doable it is and that it all comes together. Well done I hope you continue to enjoy your journey .

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to VWBW]

Love the logic of that, VWBW. And you’re spot on. I hadn’t thought of that and it’s a brilliant bonus to keep me going. Thanks 👏happy running to you too

[Runawaytrainer Graduate]

I wonder what the record is for the number of times through C25K?! Just becoming aware of repeat - ers, as I'll need to become one when I come off the IC!

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Runawaytrainer]

😂😂Runawaytrainer, this made me laugh so much! We could set up some kind of Repeaters Trophy🏆....maybe with extra points for restarting without actually finishing the first set😂

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Hi, welcome back! Lovely to hear from you. I remember you having the courage to do parkrun before me. Unfortunately, what with 2020, it's still on my 'to do' list. Still, we all need something to aim for. Best wishes to you x

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Speedy60 😁! Hi! Brilliant to “see you“ again… if that doesn’t sound too odd! Yep, we both know the value of having something good on the to do list, without putting undue pressure. I feel so unfit currently 🥵....so now building back slow and steady. How have you been? Walking? Running?

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Jerichomile]

You can get back to where you were - and more! I'm sure it will be easier the second time around. Go you! 🥳

For me, lockdown cemented my running habit. I don't think I'd have made it through 2020 without it; sometimes it was the only thing between me and insanity.

I'm still waiting for parkrun to return, but I do have a couple of running buddies now. I've run a couple of half marathons and I'm signed up for the Bristol half. 😱 😊

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

WHAT!! You star🌟 .....half marathons is fabulous 👏

Yep I can get the running as antidote to insanity thing and that’s pretty much why I’m back out there 😁

[backintime Graduate]

Another repeater here - back from the IC and C25K-ing it. It was a good excuse for new running shoes though

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to backintime]

Ah! Hadn’t thought of treating myself to some new running shoes. Great idea and a good sign of intent. Right, I’m going to buy myself some. The old ones are creaking! Cheers backintime 👏👍

[backintime Graduate in reply to Jerichomile]

I had been using my old ones to walk the dogs, they were looking tattered and were 2 years old, so any excuse was a good one for buying new shoes

[Tarkadon Graduate]

You can do it - the longest journey begins with the first steps, you’re back with the advantages of having completed the programme before, you’ll ace it. Great decision, stay positive- you’ve a huge team behind you here xxx

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Tarkadon]

Thanks Tarkadon. I’d almost forgotten quite how spectacular this C25K community is – feels good to remember