Getting nearer to the graduation goal!!😊🏆

[Titch33]

Hi all,

I started my long journey 10th Jan this year. Not just the C25K but finding a strategy to cope with anxiety and at times, struggling to go outside. I have just completed week8 run2 and have amazed myself. Not only have I run around my local roads, I no longer feel self conscious doing it.

Having read previous threads on here, I too realise that nobody actually notices that you’re running and better still you’re doing something for yourself and have control.

I listen to Jo Whiley giving me the encouragement, not only to keep going but to tell people about it. So here I am feeling quietly chuffed at just how far I’ve progressed since Jan. I’m in a much better place physically and mentally thanks to this programme of support.

Just one other tip. If you haven’t done so already I would really recommend downloading the active10 app. It gives me the challenge to get one extra cup when I’ve finished my run!😊🏆

Keep up the good work everyone.

[steviej99 Graduate]

Brilliant, well done. Nearly there and then you'll need a new target!!

[Titch33 in reply to steviej99]

Thank you for your encouraging words. It’s so rewarding ticking off another run. I’m determined to reach my goal!!😊

[Vespina Graduate]

That’s brilliant news. So good to hear that and hear about the benefits for you.

I started c25k for my physical health but it’s been such a benefit for my mental health too - possibly even more so. The last few years have been tough on everyone and it’s nice to have the achievable goals and the endorphin boost of running and the necessity of leaving the house. I’ve found it to be a game changer.

[Titch33 in reply to Vespina]

Thank you for your reply and encouraging words. It’s been a tough few months, but I feel I’m turning the corner now. It’s so nice to hear how you’ve benefited from the programme too. 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

C25k changes lives............millions of them over the last quarter of a century.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Titch33 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your reply and the link to the guide. It’s making me more determined to reach my goal!!😊

[Hidden]

Well done Titch33 only a few more runs to go. I have never heard of the active10 app but about to check it out to see what it is, happy running.

[Titch33 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Please check out the active 10 app. It really gives you the incentive to walk a few more mins. I only set mine for 20 mins because I was struggling to go outside at times. I found that it was enough to challenge myself. Today although I haven’t run, I’ve walked and earned 5 cups, the equivalent of 50mins brisk walking. 😊

[Me_time Graduate]

Well done Titch33 You are almost there. I was never a runner, still dont think I can call myself that but the goals for every week kept me going while on c25k and the feeling of achievement after every run! I like the structure so after graduation I did the 4 weeks consolidation and now doing JuJu's Magic Plan 10k. It was unthinkable when I started c25k a few months ago.I will check out the Active10 app too.

Keep going, only 4 more runs!

[Titch33 in reply to Me_time]

Thank you for your encouraging message and the advice. I think I’ll need a few weeks consolidation when I reach my goal. I too have never thought of myself as a runner, but felt a smug satisfaction when the postman asked if I enjoyed jogging as he’d seen me out!!😁🏆I certainly have a look at the 10k plan. 😊

I so love the Active10 app as it records runs as brisk walks. I try to get 4 cups per run. 🏃‍♀️👟

[brimbledaisy Graduate]

I started out 18 months ago using Active 10 after a holiday when l was shocked at how physically unfit l had become. I was regarded as obese and so was carrying lots of extra weight. I had retired the previous year and decided l needed to address this, I wasn’t going to spend my life working and my retirement wasted because I couldn’t physically do the things l had dreamed of doing when l had time. So I changed my diet trying to cut out as much sugar as possible and after a year I had manage to lose a little over 3 stones or 45 pounds if you prefer. Of course the weight loss slowed and l still had about 20 pounds to lose until I could scrape into the healthy weight bracket. Again time to do something extra.

The Active 10 app suggested Couch to 5K so with very little hope of completing it l started and I did not complete the first day. I was a bit surprised and really disappointed because I had felt Active 10 had helped improve my overall fitness. Of course the problem was I had set off too quickly. I then discovered this forum, followed your excellent advice, logged in each day to find out how everyone was doing and today l am thrilled to say l completed my penultimate run.

I still always check how l am doing against my Active 10 app and like you hope to achieve 4 trophies! Incidentally I have lost 8 pounds since February (most of that accumulated over Christmas) but at least I feel l can reach this elusive healthy weight some time in the future and I feel so much fitter. So fingers crossed I graduate on Wednesday. Wow, I can’t believe I just wrote that!

I am cheering you on your Active 10 and Couch to 5K progress 👏👏👏

[Titch33 in reply to brimbledaisy]

Wow!!! You have done so well. You really need to give yourself a huge pat on the back! When I started my journey I was classed as obese, being tall I seemed to hide it well, but nevertheless I knew the truth. 😕

I have almost lost 2 stone in weight now and feel so much better for it.

Thank you for your reply. We are very similar in our goal. 🤞for Wed, let me know how it goes.

Thank you for your encouragement. 👍😁

[brimbledaisy Graduate in reply to Titch33]

Thanks for your reply and encouragement.

From your forum name I thought you must be short like me. You're right we do seem to have similar goals and to have travelled a similar path.

I will definitely keep you posted about Wednesday's run

[Titch33 in reply to brimbledaisy]

It was the only name I could think of at that moment, it’s my little guinea pig’s nickname!!😂Good luck for Wed. 🍀

[Neverhare Graduate]

Really pleased for you. It's amazing how even quite a short run can make you feel better. I still sometimes struggle just to get out of the door but I never regret it!

[Titch33 in reply to Neverhare]

Thank you. I so agree with you, even a short brisk walk changes my mood. It definitely helps mind and body. So pleased you’re overcoming your struggle to get out too. Until you go through it. It’s hard to understand just how difficult something that should be so simple is. Well done!! 🏆