I started couch to 5k in 2012 and went from strength to strength. Running helped me overcome obstacles and difficulties in my life.
I have realised my dream of moving to Australia to be near my daughters and since I’ve been here (8 months now) I’ve hardly run at all! I’ve lost all my fitness and now it seems like a chore. I feel I need to start again and would love to hear what motivates you. What made you start running?
I’m nervous of running with others and like to run alone, has anyone overcome this and gained strength from others?
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Gridlet
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I worry if I stop I’ll never start again so I run 3 times a week at an absolute minimum. Running helps me cope with life too. Without it I’d go under. Have you got a parkrun near you? I’ve joined a club. Best thing I ever did. You’ve got to find one that’s right for you. Some are cliquey and others just for elites. Mine is all inclusive and has changed my life.
Motivation is very personal and has to come from the individual.
I started running at 57 in an attempt to stave off the seemingly inevitable decline of advancing age. By the time I was 60 I was both fitter and healthier than at any other time in my life, due to running regularly.
When I was 61 I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, but managed to run through radiotherapy. My oncologist and specialist nurses frequently told me that the fitness that I had would hold me in good stead. I believe it has.
Four years on I have had to stop running for a non running related injury and more recently for chemotherapy but each time patience and C25k has got me running again and I really enjoyed redoing the programme, knowing that the gently progressive nature of the plan was the best way to recondition my body, keeping injury risk minimised.
The cancer is with me for as long as I live but running is one of the most life affirming activities I have ever undertaken. It not only boosts my spirit but it helps lower my risk of a whole host of other conditions which could seriously conflict with my cancer treatment.
Running has given me so much more than I ever believed it could when I first started out and like you I am generally a solitary runner, although I I occasionally run with my wife, which is a great joy.
Run because you can.
You don't know what is round the corner and you may as well have your body in good physical condition to enable you to cope with whatever life throws at you, regardless of age.
You remember when you started running in 2012 and the obstacle's you overcome, you did it once and you know the plan works so you can do it again.
I started running to become fitter and I prefer to run alone too and most people find the support on this forum gives them the strength. Plan a favourite route and go for it keep us posted on your progress.
This post is useful for those started C25K and returning after a break.
I think you've answered your own question 😊It can help you overcome those same difficulties again.. I think leading up to the first run is the hardest part..once you get out that first time you will be great..
I started running after the first lockdown here in France for two reasons: 1, I was desperate to get out and about; 2, a friend had done C25K and I decided that if she could, I could.
After C25K I found I had more and better reasons to continue - physical fitness, weight loss and much more toned body, increased confidence, enjoying the challenge and getting outside - than I had to stop - finding time, feeling I'm not good enough.
As for running alone, I'd say that's absolutely your choice. I personally have absolutely no desire to run with others. I love having the time and space to myself!
I attempted C25k a couple of years ago following the death of my younger sister. It was a wake up call for my whole family. However I failed as I was concerned about my own health at the time. Following tests I got the all clear from my GP so decided to try again and haven’t looked back! I prefer to run alone not only because I run slow but because I get me time. I’m now on week 9 run 2 and totally enjoying every run. I hope you find the motivation to start again, the programme is brilliant and will help get you back on track. Good luck 🙂
Hi, i love hearing peoples stories on here. I did c25k first time to get fit for skiing, unfortunately my appendix burst and I became very unwell, my body started to pack up and my lung collapsed. 18 months and a pandemic later I'm struggling to get my fitness back and dont fancy a gym so I'm doing this second time around because I know I can. Podcasts are my running buddies, maybe when I feel more confident in my running ability I'll try a group but for now I'm happy I'm on my way. Good luck with your running, you've done it once so you know you can do it again.
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