Well, folks, I'm back. I'm sorry to say that my head fell off at the beginning of the first lockdown and I tried all sorts of strategies to keep myself in the game, but failed. I don't always like running, but I liked me much better when running was part of my life. So, over the holidays, it occurred to me that I knew exactly how to get into the running habit as I'd done it before, 3 years ago almost to the day.
So I'm back in the fold and I'm a runner again (rather than someone who used to run and will start again soon). W1R1 done this morning and it felt so good to be back out there, though I'll admit that W1R1 was enough for me at this point!
If I had the benefit of what I know now, I'd give myself these words of advice, which may or may not be of use to others:
- the programme works and it works really well - stick to the programme!
- there is only one goal - running 3 times per week. Any other goals (distance, speed etc.) are entirely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things
- no-one cares how terrible you look when you run. Yo may feel horribly self-conscious but, in fact, no-one ever actually notices you
- don't hobble yourself at the outset by trying to manage without inexpensive items that really make a difference - decent trainers that are right for you (you can pick up fabulous, top-brand trainers for £35 online if you go for last year's models), a head band (why did no-one tell me this!?), wireless headphones, thin gloves, a light water resistant jacket and at least one proper running tee-shirt (I use my parkrun one)
- stretch after your cool-down walk even if it feels daft - it REALLY helps
- walking is magic - if your body hurts, walk. If it doesn't, walk! Rest days are walking days
- don't use others as motivation to get out there (because what happens the first time they let you down??). But celebrate with others after the run and use the prospect of that celebration as the motivation to get out there if necessary
So, to all those beginning the C25K journey this week, good luck! You've got this and you're amongst friends here.
P x
Written by
Pianism
Graduate
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Welcome back to your running, good to see you back out there 👍, just be wary of those injuries etc as you find your groove little by little 💪🌟
All the positive vibes and great advice so freely given here is absolutely brilliant. But one of the best things I'm finding is that us newbies are also starting our journey's in the company of some experienced people that have already graduated, and for various reasons are now starting again. Kind of post-grad newbies! And those people aren't finding it a breeze either! That's somehow really reassuring 😊
Well done for starting - you won't regret it. No, I'm not finding it much easier this time than last time but at least I know how wonderful it is to feel fit and alive and I know if I just carry on following the programme, that will be me in a few short weeks. All the very best on your progress through - looking forward to celebrating our graduation!
I also restarted yesterday, since my fractured shoulder 2years ago I’ve restarted a few times but had problems each time.This time I’m running with my 16month old cockapoo, despite the app not working, guessing when to stop/start, dealing with her distractions etc… I think we did quite well, hopefully this time I’ll get there.Good luck with your running journey. 👣👣👣
🥳 Welcome back! So good to have you here. Yes the last year (or 2 years, I have completely lost track) have been quite difficult. I just had a mini break of a month and today's run was... hmm... interesting... I had to remind myself that I can do it and that slower than slow is right, if that's where I feel comfy. I bet it felt good having your gear back on! Park run soon??
Hello old (figuratively!) buddy! Lovely to hear from you and glad you are still running. Yes, it felt great to be back out there. Parkrun on Saturday though I'll be following the programme and walking most of it.
Thanks for this great post... ! Please, will you pop into Catch-Up Corner, ( one of my latest loopy ideas), and repost this... it will help a lot of folk there tremendously!
So many new Couchers and so many repeaters! I repeated myself at the beginning of last year!
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Bad back has put me on the bench.. 
Smoke me a kipper I'll be back before breakfast
Hoping this will shame me into getting back on track!
Breathing holding me back
BACK OUT THERE, ✨ DID IT ✨
