Update! Running and the journey so far!

[HexGirl]

Hey everyone! It’s been a while! I figured I should do a post about where I’m at with my running and everything else these days! I love being able to read my posts on here and see how far I’ve come, so why not keep adding for my future self to look back on? * I also did not realise how long this post would be when I started, sorry! 😂 *

So I’m very much still running! I’m getting fitter and faster every day, I can do 5K in under half an hour now which is amazing! But I don’t push for that, I just run how I’m feeling, be it fast (for me) or more leisurely and I feel like that’s a good place to be, I’m just enjoying the run you know? I went away to Aberystwyth for a couple of days the other week and I took the opportunity to run along the seafront and that was so awesome. My partner told me “you’re on holiday! Have a rest!” But it’s not about that, I don’t run because I have to, I run because I like to and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to run somewhere new and beautiful

I’ve also joined the gym! For the first time in my life! So I’ve been doing the occasional treadmill run I definitely prefer running outside, but it’s kinder on my knees so I feel like it does me good! Going to the gym in general has been a crazy experience. I’ve previously never had the confidence to go due to being overweight and unfit, but I don’t feel that way anymore! Running has given me the confidence I need

In terms of my weight and fitness, it’s going great! When I started I was pretty unfit and at least 4 and a half stone overweight. I’ve lost 3 and a half stone and I’m getting really close to achieving my end goal. People tell me all the time how great I’m looking and for once I honestly I feel it! I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and I can feel it when I’m doing everyday things like walking my dog or running around at work. It also shows when I’m running, working out or training in karate. I’ve been going to an extra karate class with my sensei and training alongside him. The whole class is made up of strong fit black belts and the classes are known to be incredibly physically demanding. I’ve trained under this particular Sensei before and it’s been absolutely gruelling and I’ve struggled to keep up, but not anymore! (Also my legs are so strong now I reckon I could kick a man into the moon 😂😂😂). Getting fit has opened up a world of opportunities for me especially with my karate and I can’t tell you how good that feels!

Upon reflection, this post might come across like i’m bragging, but I’ve attempted losing weight and getting fit so many times over the last few years and I’ve never ever succeeded. And I think occasionally you have to give yourself some credit! If it hadn’t been for C25K I honestly don’t believe I’d be where I am right now. I’m fitter, healthier and happier and I only wish I’d done it sooner! Hopefully if nothing else this post might motivate somebody at the start of their C25K journey to persevere because it’s worth it and it can enrich your life in so many ways! If your read ALLLL of this then thank you ☺️ happy running! ☺️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You have written one of the best adverts for C25K that I have ever read. It is a great read and thanks for posting.Continue your journey.

[HexGirl Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Awwh, thank you so much! I honestly can’t recommend C25K enough! Thanks for the support! I absolutely will watch this space!

[sparky66 Graduate]

Absolutely fantastic post! Huge congratulations on your journey..Not bragging just very proud of yourself and you have every right to be 💪👍🌟

It takes a hell of a lot of hard work and dedication to get where you are..

Yes it makes such s difference in our life's being fitter..

You are a warrior 🥋

WTG you 💪🏃‍♀️🥋🤩

[HexGirl Graduate in reply to sparky66]

That’s so lovely! Thank you so much! ☺️ It makes the world of difference! Starting this journey is hands down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! But I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, fellow graduate! 😁 well done on your journey too!

[Hidden]

I'm with IannodaTruffe what a great post, and hey you're allowed to brag! You've got to the stage where as you said, you're not running because you have to.... But you now want to 👏👏👏.

It's paying dividends for you in other ways, weight loss, body confidence, your karate is improving with your new fitness..... Magnificent well done

HexGirl

[HexGirl Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much! ☺️ It really has made such a difference to my whole life!

[CressidaB Graduate]

It's a lovely post. Thanks for sharing your journey. I'd be interested to now if you combined the exercise with a diet to achieve your weight loss. Thanks 😊

[HexGirl Graduate in reply to CressidaB]

Thank you! ☺️ I’ve definitely altered my diet alongside my exercise, not to any specific diet, but I’ve made changes! I used to eat A LOT. So I eat less now and I’m more conscious of what I eat so I make an effort include more fruit and veg and make little changes like salad instead of chips, or if I do have chips I have sweet potato instead of regular potato. I also try to snack less and when I do want a snack I try and opt for a piece of fruit or something else healthy I do treat myself on occasion because I know if I was too rigid I wouldn’t be able to stick to it, but it’s all in moderation I’ve found that because I do so much exercise I want to eat food that’s going to give me the energy and fuel that I need if that makes sense! I remember once as a treat I had a massive pizza the day before a run and when I was running I felt horrible and sluggish. So I know that if I want to perform well when I exercise, I need to eat well too! And that motivates me to persevere with eating healthily as much as I can! And of course seeing the numbers go down of the scales! 😂 I hope that helps!

[CressidaB Graduate in reply to HexGirl]

Thanks so much for the reply HexGirl. Really interesting to hear what you've done. As a result of your ideas I made chips tonight cooked in the oven with a bit of olive oil and some celery salt sprinkled over and they were surprisingly good. Not exactly the healthiest food but better than deep-fried. 😊Thanks again

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Fabulous ! You have changed for good no fad diets just perseverance exercise and healthy eating bravo 👏👏

[HexGirl Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Definitely no fad diets! I don’t think that’s the way if you’re in it for the long haul! Just eating better and working hard thank you so much! ☺️

[Popstess Graduate]

Thank you for sharing this, as a recent graduate I'm feeling a little lost without a plan and something to aim for, your post really spoke to me and reminded me why i want to continue the running. Keep the updates coming, it's lovely to read how people's journeys are going ☺️

[Dee2609 Graduate]

Great post, good on you 👏🏻.

[Frenc Graduate]

That is just amazing and makes me feel so pleased for you! You are right to be incredibly proud of yourself, I see a strong and capable person who has taken charge! And 5k in under half an hour is just brill. Shout it from the roof tops!!! You earned it 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍👍👍.