Week 1 Run 1 Take 2

[Birdlady64]

As an early Christmas present to myself I started c25k for the second time today.

Well the third actually if you count my initial attemp, aborted after 2 runs following a calf strain caused by trying to go too fast too soon.

A life long dedicated anti-runner, I never ever expected to fall in love with running. C25K changed everything - it helped me survive lockdown, improved my physical and mental health, drove me to raise almost £1,000 for charity by running my first ever 10k, and helped me through some really tough times following the unexpected loss of my Dad earlier this year.

I was devastated when I was unable to run due to a (non-running related) back injury in September. Months of osteopathy and then physio recommended exercises have brought me to the point where I can consider running again for the first time in over 3 months.

So I ran Week 1 Run 1 of C25k today. It was tougher than I expected, but the walks, swims and stints on the exercise bike have helped maintain the cardio fitness levels. My body just needs to get used to this running malarkey again.

I'm so , so happy to have run again today. C25k worked before, and I know it will again. As long as I stick to the plan, take it slowly, and don't try to do too much too soon.

I'm due to complete Week 1 on Christmas Day. It will be the perfect Christmas present.

So wherever you are on your running journey, good luck, keep at it, be kind to yourselves, treat every run as a gift and above all enjoy it! 🤗

Happy Christmas everyone 😘

The photos are from a walk earlier this week and were taken in the woods where I ran today

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That’s the best news ever 😀we re did C25K earlier with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed the intervals again, wishing you all the very best in running and excited to read about your journey again

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you 🙏I'm excited to be running again. The intervals feel odd but also strangely familiar. Following the plan will prevent me doing too much too soon - hopefully 😀

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Enjoy your new running adventure

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

... and you were amazing

[skysue16 Graduate]

How wonderful that you are out running again 😀🏃🏻‍♀️. I agree, being able to run is a gift…….Love the photos, very atmospheric- lovely place to run. Best of luck with future C25k runs 👍

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Aww! thanks skysue. The woods are a fantastic place to run. I did all of c25k there the first time

[Instructor57 Graduate]

This is good news !I'm so glad you are doing this .

It will be great to see you running again .

Best wishes, Enjoy and a Happy Christmas 😁👍

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks Ian.Happy Christmas to you too.

Hope you are ok.

[Frenc Graduate]

That’s so good to hear Birdlady, and how nice to complete week 1 on Christmas Day. 😊🎄🌟

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Well I have to convince Mr B a Christmas day run is a good idea first. 😁Not that he'll be coming with me.

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

Brilliant that you're able to get back out running 🙂 I recently completed C25K for the second time after months off with an injury, and it did feel tougher but more rewarding somehow. Which makes no sense, I know 😄 Enjoy your Christmas Day run and have a happy Christmas. Lovely photos, what a beautiful place to run 😊

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

Thank you. And well done you on completing c25k for a second time!I figured following the plan would help avoid temptation to do more than is sensible too soon.

I love the woods. I did all of c25k there the first time, but it was Spring/Summer.

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate]

Hi! I am excited for you starting your running journey again. Go you! I have similarly been out of action for months with non running related ailments/illnesses and have been wondering when to try a run again. You have inspired me to go for it over Xmas hols - no work now till 4th which will help. 👍🏻

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

Thanks. And sorry about your health problems. I'm off work as well until 4th Jan - it definitely helps in finding the time to lace up and go.Good luck for your comeback run👍🍀

[dijep Graduate]

What a lovely thing to achieve on Christmas Day and so good to read that you are in a position to get your running shoes back on.I look forward to reading your posts again.

Merry Christmas 🌲☃️

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to dijep]

Thanks dijep. Happy Christmas to you too.It felt good to be running again - even if it was actually more walking than running for now.

[Fionamags Graduate]

Good luck BirdLady! Lovely to see your enthusiasm there - you will be back to distance running again in no time!

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thank you! I'm happy to just be running for now. One run at a time...

[Hidden]

I’m only on week 1 day 3 myself- loved your post 🙏🏻

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hidden Good luck with your c25k journey. Take it slow, you can repeat any runs if you need to, and above all enjoy it.From experience the plan absolutely works and you will get loads of support and great advice from all the wonderful people on here.

Happy Christmas 🎄

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Well done for starting before Xmas! 👏👏👏

I've not run since the end of October and I feel really in the doldrums at the moment. I was thinking, January? But I might just try and give it a go before Xmas too

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

Thanks. I was thinking January too. But I feel ready, so why wait?

With luck I'll be back in the habit by the time New Year comes along.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

This is fabulous and welcome back ! Slow and steady, and do keep posting please.

Also if you fancy it, Catch-up Corner has plenty of room. We will be there in January, so you may feel like popping in. Since I opened the doors and we all started meeting in the Corner, there have been a whole load of new runners there, but also a great many of us who have or are repeating C25K

It is a great place to share and to let people know what you are doing

Huge well done you x

PS

Still the same mantra from me, slow and steady xx

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss . I haven't been on these forums that much for a while, but it feels good to be back.And soooooo good to be running again.

Slow and steady - I promise😚

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh and I'll definitely take a look at catchup corner too

[Roxdog Graduate]

Welcome back! Whoppee! You have been so sensible and followed what you've been told and here you are! You will whizz through cto5k. Have a lovely christmas and do keep posting! X

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thanks Roxdog Happy Christmas to you too

I might not post after every run, but I'll definitely keep everyone updated

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

What lovely Christmas news, so pleased for you!