Week 9 Run 3 Graduation

Hi folks.

Well, today was the day and I've done it. Yay!

I couldn't sleep much last night probably due to the excitement and got up at 5 am; earlier than usual. I pulled on my running gear, stepped outside and YES, no sunshine and a beautiful beautiful breeze. Things were on my side this morning.

Thank you all for your help and encouragement. This site and support network is fantastic.

My journey began with a heart attack on March 6th presumably due to many years of alcohol abuse, smoking cigarettes, takeaways and no exercise. As part of my recovery program i started doing daily walks and found i enjoyed it. My son then told me about the C25K app and the thought of running 5k was a huge joke, There was absolutely no way. I am not a runner, i am not a gym person and simply do not do any form of physical activity.

Anyway, as my son had downloaded the app onto my phone (just in case) whilst i was on one of my walks for some reason i decided to see if i could run for 60 seconds. It was cold and i was wearing my jeans, winter coat and heavy duty hiking boots. I managed the 60 seconds and at that point decided to give the app a go.

To my dismay on day 1 i discovered the first run was 8 x 1 minutes. Holey cow!!! But by now i had made the commitment to myself. So, with jeans changed for jogging trousers (still big coat and hiking boots) i started the program.

My daughter was so proud that during week 2 she bought me some running shorts and running tops. I was horrified. I couldn't go out in shorts, surely? However, as the weeks progressed i was so glad she did. I also invested in some Regatta type support trainers. I couldn't wait to pull my running gear on as i actually looked like a runner as opposed to someone running away from a house burglary and as the program intensified i wouldn't have been able to do it in civvy clothes.

My biggest achievement i think was getting through the 8 minute run. I knew then that i would be able to get to the 20 minutes.

My biggest milestone was completing the 20 minute run. I knew then i would be able to complete the program.

My biggest personal battle was getting through week 8. No idea what went wrong that week - well, actually i do. I was going too fast contrary to what everyone was telling me. TAKE IT STEADY.......

So now i have gone from heart attack to C25K graduation and a bonus as well is that i have gone from 16 stone to 14 stone 8 lbs. I may even have a curry tonight as a treat. Wooooo!

Once again, thanks all for you support.

Alan

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done Alan 👏👏👏Great achievement, especially following the heart attack.

Take a look now at the consolidation club , it will point you in the right direction for your future running

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

And don't forget to claim that well earned graduate badge here

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Happy running 👍

[FloRidaX Graduate]

This is SO inspiring! Well done you. I loved reading your story. I've just done my (week 5 run 3) first 20 minute run this morning and if it had not been for the support and encouragement from everyone on here I doubt I would have done it and I actually ENJOYED it. Enjoy your curry later👍😀

[Hidden in reply to FloRidaX]

Excellent FloRidaX. You have just completed a huge milestone in doing that 20 minutes. Now you can really believe you can go all the way.

PS. Take it really steady on your next run. Please. Just because it has walk breaks it is very deceiving. I fell into the trap thinking that I've done 20 minutes so this one will be ok and went off at a faster rate than usual. Huge mistake on my part.

[GrannyPigsPerfume Graduate]

This is brilliant. Well done and yes to curry!

[Crittermad Graduate]

Wow! What an inspiration you are! Your kids must be super proud of you! Congratulations 🙌

[Hidden]

Thank you.

[sparky66 Graduate]

Wow Alan that's some journey ☺️Huge congratulations.. 👏👏👏

I'm sure you've now caught the Running bug and will carry on your way 🙂

Well done 👍

[Purplefiona Graduate]

You’re an inspiration and no mistake. Ha love your line about looking like a runner not a burglar …. !!!!

[Hidden in reply to Purplefiona]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

I'm into my 3rd or 4th week of consolidation runs now and regularly get through 5k.

Whilst still very challenging I'm still loving the after run feeling sense of achievement.

I find with a nice steady pace i enjoy it so much more than feeling like I'm collapsing half way through as I've set off too fast.

Happy days.

[Frenc Graduate]

Oh Alan, top man! Only just read this, but what a great and inspiring post 😊. I love that you couldn’t sleep because you were excited, that’s fab. And obviously you weren’t too tired to run because you smashed it. Hope you’re enjoying your consolidation runs 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆.

[Runningwithhoney Graduate]

That’s both heartwarming and hilarious. Congratulations!

[sparky66 Graduate]

Was lovely to read ☺️