It's been a year since I graduated from couch to 5k on 26th Dec 2021.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Here are some things have learned along the way. Sadly, I don t get to post a lot, but I hope you may find this useful for your journey.
-----LEARNINGS------
Consistency is key ๐๐
The most important lesson for me has been consistency and gratitude.
I was very keen to do a 10k race this year but that didn't happen; I got injured and demotivated along the way, which made me stop running for a while; I had to change my focus, start again and let go of expectations, hard lesson ๐ but changed my outlook in a healthy way. ๐๐
Everything is Lycra ๐จ๐ฝโ๐ค
On that note, so much lycraโฆ half my wardrobe is now running gear. Weight loss, trends, desire- I spent a lot on lycra! There are some (expensive) brands I would never touch againโฆand the lesson here is donโt buy labels buy support- and what makes you feel like the best runner. ๐๐ฟโโ๏ธ ๐โโ๏ธ
Tip: Don't tumble dry lycra and use a cold wash to make it last longer. ๐
Better Shoes
Had another borderline gait analysis, which introduced Saucony Guide to my life.
I'm still a neutral runner, but the gait showed I would benefit from light stability not because I strike but because I look like I do, and it's probable I sometimes do. Was sceptical but had nothing to lose. A few months down the line don't have the same injuries. The Guide 14 is an everyday trainer- no fireworks or surprises.
Give Back
I volunteer at running events and have met loads of awesome runners.
What I still have to do:
1.Run with others ...๐
2.Run park run..........๐
3.Run longer...............๐
4.Run better...............๐
---LIFE----- --โ๏ธโก๏ธ
1. Lost 15 kg......I have a healthy BMI (๐)
2. I moved cities and changed jobs.
3.My 5k is a few mins faster than when I graduated.
Life changes have impacted my running- both negatively and positively. Sadly, the longer millage is near impossible, so I incorporated walking as a form of 'commuting' around the big city. Am hoping this will change in 2022
Ebb and flow.
To conclude, running is a transformational journey, and I hope it will be for you. Its beauty is inconsistency and gratitude, don't beat yourself up, tomorrow is a new day.
๐๐โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
Best of luck.
Xx