I started c25k about 8 years ago. It worked its miracles, helped me to get to multiple half marathons, build confidence, lose weight, stay off smoking, build a routine, make friends, meet and enjoy things with my boyfriend and more.
No excuses, but I've let things slip for a while. Partially cos I had other things to train for, partially due to a pretty traumatic bereavement. Until 2 weeks ago, I hadn't run since early March. I was smoking about 30 a day, not doing much walking and generally not being very kind to myself.
Purely by coincidence, July 4 was my re-independence day. I did an Allan Carr smoking seminar, which has stuck so far (two weeks whoop!) and did W1R1 in the midday heat! Because I feel like I've still got some stamina and fitness, I then did W2R1, W3R1, W4R1. From Week 5 though I'm going to do it properly! I have the Royal Parks HM booked in October, and the plan is to gently build up to doing the distance, without any care for speed. And staying off the Cigs!
I was reminded of this forum, which I joined first time round, purely by chance, and what a great bunch you are So that's why I'm back - hello!
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Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.
We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.
Injury often strikes out of the blue and can stop you for days, weeks or even months.
All very good points, I am trying to be relaxed about it, and not typical runner "gotta train through everything!" I actually found that guide a few mins ago and it good reading
I suspect that you're not alone on C25K in perceiving a typical runner as being "gotta train through everything," so please may I say, to anyone reading this, that's really not the way to go.
There's a difference between giving up when it feels tough, and knowing when to slow down, stop, or take a break. Don't push yourself to run through pain, or if your heart's hammering, or if you feel breathless, sick or dizzy. Stick to the runs as indicated in the programme, and don't increase frequency, time, or distance. If you're running somewhere hot, use your common sense: use sunscreen, wear a cap, go out during the cooler parts of the day.
And yes, I've broken several of those rules in my two-and-a-bit years of running, but never repeatedly. You live and learn. Running's not supposed to be a penance, it's there to be enjoyed, so relax and run happy!
Hello you, and welcome back, yup, it’s a great programme and this is the place to be 😀Keep running and if you need incentive to keep not smoking go look at our sister site Quit Support, they cheered me through the tough times and sent me out for a run
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So that's why I'm back - hello! 
Hopefully but possibly not! I'm trying to be relaxed about it. If I don't feel fit enough or have any inkling of injury I will leave it
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