This is one of a series of posts that I hope to write, written very much from the perspective of someone living with cancer, but reflecting on the similarities between that journey, the journey of becoming a runner and also the journey of life. Each of those journeys can have daunting challenges but each one can also have joys and triumphs, if approached with positivity.
Having followed this forum for over nine years I have come to recognise some of the personality traits that individuals exhibit which can either hinder or bolster their chances of success with Couch to 5k. Personally, I was not very happy just a few years ago when the programme was rebranded as the C25k Challenge, simply because I was acutely aware of the very many participants who come to us with very fragile self confidence, especially about their physical ability, who might have severe doubts that they can accomplish this challenge. So many have a crippling fear of failure but the purpose of this forum is to reassure folk that they can indeed prevail and this community is the secret weapon for success, as stated in the first of these posts healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
I do wonder how many never get as far as starting simply because it all seems far too daunting, especially if they have no history of exercising or come from backgrounds where exercise is an alien concept. So many state on here how self conscious they feel about being seen out running, often attempting to disguise the fact that they are actually jogging, or heading off at unearthly hours to avoid the gaze of neighbours and even family. Those self same individuals invariably end up proudly dazzling in newly acquired gaudy lycra, protected by the armour of new found self esteem and confidence………in just a matter of weeks.
Many who have not exercised before are referred to C25k by medical professionals because they are showing symptoms of inactivity, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes or prediabetes and a whole host of other life limiting conditions. Others arrive because of their self realisation of the realities of their physicality.This simple little plan really can reverse many of these conditions permanently, transforming lives and future health prospects. However the self belief has to allow the new runner to commit, rather than make them think it is a step too far and not for them.
Our personalities, beliefs and philosophies of life come from our genes and from our life experiences and those can be liberating or self restricting. If we believe that it is impossible for us to achieve some “challenge”, then we probably won’t waste energy on attempting to do it, so it will remain forever out of our reach. Just to accept that if we try, we might possibly be able to get the result, we free ourselves from those self imposed limitations and, lo and behold, many of us discover that we are capable of achieving far, far more than we previously believed. C25k is a perfect example, which opens up whole worlds of possibilities, simply by instilling the belief that the first tentative step can and will lead us to success. C25k can only be failed if you return to the couch on a permanent basis. Stepping outside our comfort zones is hugely liberating.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who come to the programme with overconfidence, often because they used to participate in sport and believe that their bodies can adapt to the challenges without paying heed to the caution that we attempt to communicate about slow and steady progress being the safest, sustainable way forward, paying attention to the need for rest days and not doing too much too soon. These individuals can be representatives of all genders and all ages, although I suspect, without any conclusive research, that males between 30 and 45 make up a good proportion.
Their self belief is admirable, but coupled with an arrogance that they don’t need to “learn” how to run………..after all, they used to do it all the time when they were younger………leaves them open to becoming early arrivals at the injury couch. Not only are they older, but there is so much more to learning to run than just putting one foot in front of the other as quickly as you can, which is why the FAQ Posts were created healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which give some basic crucial information on a whole host of running related issues, useful to all runners.
Our personality traits and attitudes obviously come into play in so many other parts of our lives, where they can also have a profound effect. Another aspect of personality and running that has long intrigued me is the difference between target oriented individuals and those of us who are less driven. This was exemplified for me by a friend and fellow cancer sufferer who sadly died last year.
I am pretty laid back, while she was a much more dynamic individual who by any standards was highly successful in her career and just about everything she attempted.
Once diagnosed with cancer she created a bucket list of things she wanted to do with her remaining life.
Once diagnosed with cancer I decided to find joy in every day, however mundane it was.
On Petrina’s list was the desire to run a Half Marathon for a cancer charity and in her scrupulous preparation she opted to follow C25k to build her basic running body. In this post healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... I wrote about a wonderful run that we did together, comparing notes on running and living with cancer.
Of course, with her unerring focus, Petrina completed C25k and her Half Marathon and we did indeed run together with my wife, on one other occasion. However, like so many target oriented people that I have met in the real world, or encountered on this forum, once the target had been achieved, Petrina soon stopped running. Having fallen in love with running because it made me feel fully alive and not being at all interested in either the bling or the undoubted kudos that accomplishments such as Half Marathons, Marathons etc. can bring, I have never understood that approach.
I am not target driven, I prefer to savour the journey. Yes, I am proud of my PBs but the runs that I remember most are slow life affirming runs across beautiful countryside, either alone or with my wife. Apart from one 10k race and a handful of parkruns nearly all my running has been purely for fun, while feeling at one with my environment, with no hint of competitiveness. Even as cancer began to affect my performance my enjoyment of my runs did not diminish………….the opposite in fact…………each run, however slow, was precious.
Life, running and cancer have reinforced in me my belief that the journey is far more important than arrival at the destination.
No need to rush.
Stay slow, see the journey and you will keep running, keep smiling.
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IannodaTruffe
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Brilliant post as always Tim. I am hugely ambitious and driven in my life/career and definately 'type A'. This is why running has been so brilliant for me! At school, if I wasnt the best (or at least up there), then no point trying. So I didn't.Starting to run at the age of 56 (5 years ago now), I had to accept that this was not something that I would excel at (at least not in the conventional sense). But here I am running slowly, and not as often as I would like but so, so happy with my ability to get out there and do it! I am full of admiration for you and your approach to running and to cancer. I hope that when I have to face such health challenges, I can wear it as well as you do x
I am sorry to hear that Petrina has died, she seemed to be a force to be reckoned with. Glad though that she aceived her goals, in her way.
Hi Helen. I am hoping to write a piece about education and exercise, because our school sport system really does seem to fail the majority. It is great that running has provided you with permission to be an "also ran", which has no shame or ignominy attached to it.
We can't all excel at everything and we should not feel inferior if we don't beat records. The fear of failure can be overcome by a programme like C25k and can consequently give such great pleasure in being active to those who learn to relax and go with the flow.
There was something of a revolution in PE a while ago although a moral panic over the (assumed) lack of competition may have rolled that back again. My sons were blessed to attend a school where, recognising that group sport was not working for one of them, the school foundation funded gym and climbing wall access for him (they did all get to do this at some point but he started earlier)
What a lovely and inspiring post from you, you make running no matter the circumstances enjoyable, certainly there is no need for anyone to rush, as Oldfloss says"slow and steady "is the surest way to enjoy running.
As I am sure you know, Al, the basic principle of C25k has always been NO PAIN, NO PAIN, in opposition to the old fashioned and scientifically flawed NO PAIN, NO GAIN that prevailed in most education and turned off generations from exercise.
This is really inspiring and giving me some food for thought. I read your link to your other post of your run with Petrina too and it shows how running can change a huge part of your life and how lucky we are that we get the opportunity to go out and do it, I’m extremely grateful that my body allows me to take me on my running journey (which has only just begun). Thank you for sharing 😌
I started running being more than averagely fit, simply because of my physical work but running changed me mentally, giving me a huge confidence boost. It did change my outlook in many ways.
You are quite right to appreciate that your body permits you to run.............run while you can.
Every time I read your posts they draw me in they are incredible you really should write more often and if you don’t already know you are such an inspiration to so many people. Thank you
Writing is providing me with a cathartic release, although I think HU admin have their eyes on my rambles as I encountered a maximum character count of 7000 on this post.
I shall just have to learn to be concise............ it's never too late!
Such a thoughtful positve post, as ever IannodaTruffe - thank you.
Speaking as someone who's generally motivated by projects and deadlines, I hate C25K being framed as a "challenge." I think it positions it inappropriately as a one-off, tick-box, move-on-to-something-else activity, rather than the lifestyle change I understand it was originally intended to be.
As far as races go, they're not for me. Too much focus on speed, and I've never quite understood why, if you enjoy an activity, you'd try to get it over as fast as possible! I'm not into bling either.
I do enjoy the "doing more than I thought I could" elements of distance and elevation. Never intended to complete a marathon though, it's just that an event with particular emotional resonance for me got moved to a date I could do, so I decided I might as well give it a go. On the day it was a glorious experience (the training was another story!) filled with wonderful views and amazing people. Can I remember my finishing time? No.
Sending you sunlight and fields of gold from my walk earlier today.
Blue skies, fluffy clouds, trees, straw bales and fields of gold in France
We are all different........thank heavens........ and C25k does seem to work for most, if the unconfident can be nurtured and the overconfident restrained for their own good.
I admire anyone who trains for a half marathon or marathon because I found that training for longer distances took all the fun and spontaneity out of my running. I guess I am either missing an ambition gene, lazy or too much of a hedonist to apply myself unquestioningly to something devoid of pleasure.
That said, targets, either fixed or loose are a great guide for training.
You've absolutely nailed the reasons why I hated marathon training IannodaTruffe . I got no satisfaction from the process, which I viewed as a necessary evil in order to get the desired result. I'd like to get back to longer distances again, but in my time, and without a rigid training programme.
Here's another photo, taken just now on our terrace where I'm typing this, for you 🎁😊
Plants, wind-chimes, trees and views from a terrace in France
It needn’t 😀. I love it 😍. I mostly hit the trail and just disappear into the wide blue yonder for as long as it takes 🏃♀️ Stopping to eat, drink and enjoy the view. I go off at tangents as the mood takes me, often discovering previously unexplored territory.
I really enjoy events 😀. I don’t whether it’s just runners where I live don’t take themselves too seriously, but I’ve always had a blast doing races. I like the fact that runners of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities can all take part. It’s a level playing field with everyone setting off together, running the same course. Some faster than others but so what 😀🤷♀️ Coffee, bling, cake. That’ll do 🙂
As a graduate of the hiding from the neighbours to conspicuous Lycra programme, I also appreciate that the journey is more important than the destination.
I do have some future milestones I'd like to tick off, but none of them are as important as just getting out there regularly and getting some miles under my feet.
I do different things to keep it fresh. At the moment I'm doing a specific plan directed by the watch. If I start to find it boring, I'll do something else.
I don't regularly enter races. I've only done one paid-for race because my work colleagues also entered it (and most dropped out, leaving just four of us on the day). I do run parkrun. That's mostly for the little chats before and afterwards, or for experiencing different places.
I am fitter and more grounded than I ever was even in my teens. Why would I want to give that up?
PS. Petrina is not a common name. The only one I know of is my godparents' daughter.
Together you have come up with the best description of what C25K does/is - ' hiding from the neighbours to conspicuous Lycra'!IannodaTruffe you are spot on with your comments about enjoying the process. You, and this forum, helped me to realise that not everyone will manage 5K in 30 minutes but that doesn't matter. What matters is learning what you can do. For those like me who are older and never ran before it's an utter liberation to realise what this aging body is actually capable of, having been underestimated all those years. Thanks for another great post as well as all the help, support and encouragement you've given us.
Running is liberating and appreciation of the process is a huge learning event.
I used to be involved in amateur theatre and many of our productions involved an element of improvisation and workshopping. This was often my favourite part of the process and, unlike most others, I could have happily foregone the eventual final performance, as the personal development came through that creative process.
Others prefer the security of scripts and defined boundaries.
Finding what works for us as individuals is of course the secret and the fact that running can be so many things to different people makes it a special pastime.
It has always amazed me that folk are willing to devote so much time to training, which many do not enjoy, just for the glory of the achievement on the big race day.
Running, at its best for me, is almost like meditation in that it leaves me mentally boosted and refreshed, despite the physical effort.
As ever Tim priceless and so encouraging to take time out, read and absorb it!!
I graduated from c25k just over a year ago after losing weight and I wanted to see what my body and mind could do. I saw a running event starting the 26th December and signed up for it, which is something I have never done or had the desire to do before. I have since run around 10 of them and have 6 more before the end of the year. All are paid for, and most will have a bit of bling and probably a cert. Also, each of these events have been towards a good cause.
I run the events for me because I can. I'm never going to win and will mostly always end up finishing somewhere in the middle.
Running for me is something I absolutely love and is something I could never see myself doing nor could I understand why anyone would want to do it. I do train to be stronger and improve my time. But it is for no one else but me.
I run them because for me it enhances and marks what I am doing and think why not mark the fact that I am able to run whilst I still can.
By the way, I am only writing this post to show another perspective and did think about not writing it at all. But I also wanted to share the joy of my running experiences as well.
Edit.
I also want to add the I would be somone who suffers from anxiety, I had a bad breakdown for various reasons about 15 years ago. I have found that running is something that helps me cope with my anxiety better than any counseling or medicine has ever done. This for me is my therapist.
That is the power of this forum. We can learn to understand other points of view. Rather than be sources of factual information, as the FAQs are intended to be, I hope that these posts will be more philosophical and trigger discussion, from which we all can learn.
I started running for my physical health but it was the boost to my mental well being that I most cherished and in fact miss the most.
As always, wonderful writing, insightful and again, deeply profound.
(I don’t know how to write this without it sounding rubbish or plain weird, but..)
To come to the level of consciousness you obviously have and to share that uncommon wisdom with others in such a way that the spark of Awareness ignites a sleeping ember in others is - in the opinion of this also non ‘target driven/no rush’ woman - IS one of the very small handful of achievements that actually have any true merit or meaning.
This forum has been an outlet for my creative writing urges and I found that running created wonderful periods during which my mind could wander and explore all sorts of issues.
Put the two together and here are my posts. If they take folk on a mental journey, all the better.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is so helpful for people to realise... that the running can be exactly what the runner wishes it to be, but it is their choice to make and not a prescriptive, pressured programme.
You, amongst a few others here, know so well, why and how I run...running and soaking up every sight, sound and sensation...lifting my spirits, freeing my mind and releasing the words that form, unbidden in my head as I run, in my endless rambles.
Each run, a new experience....
" Still round the corner , there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.. "
Tolkein was correct.
Stay strong my friend, stay smiling, and as you would expect me to say, stay slow and steady .
Thanks, Hil. As you know, I feel very privileged that the forum membership still tolerates my verbosity.
There were at least two threads which had to be abandoned within this post, because, for the first time ever, I came up against a maximum character count, which is going to force me to become more concise.
That was a wonderful and inspiring post IannodaTruffe , thank you. I’m so sorry your friend passed away. That must have been hard. 😢 It’s good to hear that you’re still enjoying your runs. They must help no end.
I am methodical and I am stubborn. My family always joke that once I find something I enjoy, neither hell nor high water will prevent me from succeeding! C25K fit the bill perfectly, and the fact it had a little app where the runs were ticked off pleased me no end! I didn’t miss a beat, and 4 years on I’m still as keen as ever.
However I am not competitive, and whereas I’ve loved entering as many races up to HM as possible, they’re done for fun and for the bling. I’m proud of my haul! 😅 I’m also proud of my determination. That’s where my stubborn streak comes in, and it’s served me well. 🐂
Running is here to stay. It needs to be fun, and I keep it that way by going to the gym if it’s too hot, too cold or too windy (I don’t mind rain), and if I’m following a plan it needs to be “friendly”. (Hello Coach Bennett 🥰). I’ve made the most wonderful friends through HU, and we have a hoot at PR meet-ups and races.
I agree wholeheartedly, C25k is a life changing experience for many.
Unfortunately I am not able to run any longer, as the pain and risk of spinal cord compression is too great, but while I can still get accepted here as an interloper I will continue to write the occasional post, while I can.
I love your post Tim! I relate very strongly to your philosophy on running. Never thought I could possibly run - from schooldays- and now am running when I can, not always that often. I love being out on my own, savouring the changing seasons and nature. I have no real ambitions and sometimes, reading posts about 10ks and half marathons I feel a bit lacking, at fault. But when I read your words it helps me to accept that being in the present, which I most fully am when I’m slow running, is more than enough. Thank you
Fresh air, beautiful surroundings and an appreciation of my own physicality is all I need to feel gratitude for still being alive, even if my body is restricting me in some ways.
I don't really need to say how much I agree with this do I? But I shall!
There's a difference between 'a wee project' and a 'target' I like a wee project and although I feel a sense of sadness if someone doesn't take running forward into their life beyond graduation I feel the process has given them something that can't ever be taken away. Perhaps starting out feeling this is something they are 'supposed' to do forever is offputting for some, even though I am always emphasising the programme is about acquiring a fitness tool.
I'm glad of those who have the appetite to push. I have a minimal to nil interest in sport but appreciate the uplift that true athletes give to others. And whilst I used to find my father's obsession with stretches and squats at every opportunity (possibly because he was a man who found waiting difficult) utterly cringe making, I had good reason to value his dedication to the squat in helping me to honour his wishes to be cared for at home.
I was interested to hear my husband (not a man well disposed to exercise other than a pleasant walk and a good view in himself or in others) counselling someone else that running is free and at times like these I feel this is very important. 'Self care' is much promoted but looked at carefully it often involves expenditure and possibly activities antithetical to other health goals.
We all take what we need and there is room for all types of personalities in running.
One thread of this post, which I had to delete because of an HU character count restriction, was about the extremes that we sometimes witness from those who push frequency and intensity of running in the hope that that degree of effort will make them better runners. I have noted that some of these runners have had weight and eating disorders, which make it appear that they are almost punishing themselves with their exercise regimes.
Being competitive is fine, being non competitive is fine but a healthy middle way should always be defined, in my mind, by enjoying and being satisfied with your exercise.
Maybe I don't understand the self imposed pain because I am too lazy or hedonistic, but I always enjoyed my running..........apart from when I pushed too hard.
Hi IannodaTruffe, I can’t meaningfully add to these great replies to your splendid post so I will simply echo that you are truly an inspiration to me. Your writing is clear and fluid and tremendously helpful to someone who has been one of those 30-45 year old males getting injured through lack of knowing or lack of wanting to know how to run properly. Best Regards, DocEmmett
If you ask runners who have a few years running on their legs, most of them will tell you that they are far less obsessed by performance than when they first started.
Naturally we use the metrics of pace etc to compare ourselves with others, but with the dawning realisation that there will always be some faster than us, just as there are some slower than us, most become content to run for themselves and if competitive, against themselves.
PBs are great to achieve.............but generally not much fun.
Lovely post, as usual…very inspiring and full of wisdom…& from the heart…
Running certainly made a huge difference to my life & although it has taken a back seat while my new found ‘working life’ and career have taken off at 100 mph, I still have the urge to get out there as and when life allows and I run for the joy…no time, no distance, no pressure…just because I can, that took me a while to get my head around…I found this forum at around week 4, my confidence with the programme was low as I questioned my ability to move on…but I read some posts & asked for help and suddenly, after a few more weeks, there I was showing of my first ‘badge!!!’
I understand how one word can change an attitude to something…I did parkrun last week which I’m not a big fan of, the bloke who normally speaks to everyone was away so someone had stepped in his shoes…the words he used at the start were ‘this is a three lap race’…at that point I switched off…that word ‘race’….I am sure some of the weekly runners def see it as a race as they grunt, sweat, huff & puff their way passed us snails, not even looking as though they’re enjoying themselves!! occasionally telling us how well we’re doing (!), to them we must look like we’re out on a lovely Saturday morning jaunt…but the word ‘race’ could easily have made me skulk off behind a tree and head home..I don’t want a ‘race’ I want a ‘run’ or a ‘run/walk’…or whatever I’m feeling that day…race is a pressure word!! I shall be having a word with John who is the founder of brighouse park run and also a friend of mine…and I will make sure that the word ‘race’ doesn’t enter the park on Saturday!!! I don’t like to think of C25k being a ‘challenge’ either.
There’s been many, many new runners on here who’ve started in their back garden until their confidence and self assurance has grown and they’ve ventured off into the outside world!! All of this takes time…
I love your honesty & your attitude…I love that you want people to enjoy every moment of their running journey how ever far they’ve come because you share your joy every time you post….even your post with you & Petina was full of positivity & possibility. I’m sure running with you was a great comfort to her.
So glad your new venture is being a success, Bev. Being self employed can give you at least a feeling of some control over your destiny, which the employed are often denied. However, it can become tyrannical, like a marathon training plan, if you don't keep a good sense of proportion.
Many years ago, after a really hectic few months in my workshop, with few breaks, when I really had been pushing hard, I completed a couple of major contracts and decided to treat myself to a day off. It was a perfect windsurfing day and I set off excitedly to my favourite venue. Within half an hour I realised that I was far too physically exhausted to handle the conditions, which would normally have been my ideal.
A lesson was learned that day to maintain a healthy balance between work and play and I never let myself get run down by overworking. If the balance is correct, then you also maximise your ability to work.
I am sad to read that Petrina has died. I remember your post with the story and that lovely photograph of the two of you. But it sounds as if she managed to tick off many goals from her Bucket List.
We’re all different and run for different reasons. As you probably know by now I love my races and bling but my most precious runs are those I do alone with nature. Just me and the world. Wonderful.
I still remember that gorgeous photo you posted once from one of your runs in the Devon countryside. Do you remember it? Stunning it was. Views like that are made for us to enjoy and relish.
The fact that we are all different is what makes the world go round and seeing other's perspectives is always fascinating.
Fundamentally we are more similar than different, which is why it seems so odd and such a shame that some can apply themselves so diligently to the training for a big event, succeed but then ultimately give up. It seems like they missed something so crucial......... enjoyment.
The view in the photo you mention is just up the hill from me and it still gives me endless pleasure on a regular basis.
Petrina was a one off who we all felt privileged to have known. I was delighted to be asked to write a piece to be included in the eulogy in which I stated that while I still draw breath, the tiniest spark of her spirit will carry on...............but I won't be running any half marathons.
You are a true inspiration and you have made running work for you. The idea of sprinting would be total anathema to me, although I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the athletes in the Commonwealth games.
It is so easy for us to write ourselves off, especially after illness and my current situation means that I am constantly having to reassess what I can and can't do, but as long as I can celebrate what I can do, it all balances out.
Great post and comments! Well worth spending the time reading.
I've been a member of HU for many years but have not posted for a long time. When I first completed C25K and engaged on my running journey I perhaps took it for granted what I was able to achieve after coming from a rather inactive lifestyle.
A few years later after completing various events including a few ultra's I ironically suffered a cardiac arrest during a HM and technically died for a minute or so until some lovely ladies beat the hell out of my chest prior to being zapped by paramedics!!
Since that time my running and trying to complete C25K again has been a totally different journey to my initial runs. I am currently on Week 2 and I now have a totally different mindset and the journey is far more important than the destination. Whilst age and underlying conditions effect my running they never put me off trying as hard as I can to get out the door and if I only run slowly for a few minutes then well done me!
Just do what you can, when you can and of course do it slowly and enjoy it!!
Your posts are full of positivity Tim and a pleasure to read. You are of course, my champion, as I am in the run for fun club. I can appreciate the acheivements and ambition of other runners, once graduated. For me, it's enough just to please myself, meeting my edge, and I'm still amazed that I'm actually a runner. That knowledge sits well with me. The c25k program has given me that confidence.
I will carry on running, more regularly once my little grandson is no longer such a draw. Maybe he will run with his Nannie one day...I hope so.
Running up the lane I jumped on to the verge. A dog walker passed by on the other side and commented "you heard the vehicle coming, it's so good you don't have those thingys in your ears all the other runners wear." I want to hear as well as see the world around me I somewhat pompously replied I guess! But at that moment the humble sparrows were chatting in the hedge and a magnificent red kite was calling overhead as the farmer passed in his truck. And I'd had a welcome brief and spontaneous conversation as we passed. Aren't we lucky. Thank you again for continuing with your essays - wonderful. And I could speak a whole sentence, possibly pompously, maybe I could run a bit faster......🤣
Becoming more familiar with your local routes through the changing seasons and appreciating all the life that can be encountered is not exclusive to runners, but I always believed that oxygen saturated blood pumping vigorously round the body heightened both senses and emotions.
I have an outline for a post celebrating the interaction with the natural world.......... don't hold your breath.
Thank you so much for this inspiring post. As always your words are so well thought out and set down with a nurturing style. If it wasn’t for you and others on this forum I would have given up during c25k. So thank you for your wisdom and care. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for such an inspiring post. Having only joined the forum 2 years after starting C25K and wanting to progress to 10km and generally learn to run again but properly ( I used to run years ago, but realize now I didn't take as much care as I should have done) , I was blown away by the wisdom, kindness and sharing of advice and information given by yourself and many others. Your post made me stop and think, I whizz through life and never seem to seem to have a second any time, but I should, because as your post shows, life is just so short really.
As always, you are a wealth of information and always so patient with people, even when the same question has been posted several times by different folk.
I'm in my mid-sixties and started C25K two years ago, during a covid lockdown when we were only allowed out to exercise. No-one was more surprised than me when I made it through to the end of the program. Now I run three times a week and love it. And I'm still flabbergasted that this is me! This forum, and particularly your own posts, have been hugely influential in my success. At first, I pushed myself as hard as possible on every run and often felt nauseas by the end. Your posts taught me to slow down instead and enjoy my runs. Thank you, thank you! Sending you love and strength from Sydney. ❤️
NO PAIN, NO GAIN was the prevailing approach to sport and exercise in the last century but the more enlightened and scientifically validated approach of building strength and conditioning by slow and steady increments really is much more enjoyable.
Despite folk here saying that slow running was good for development, nobody could ever tell me why. It was my own research that has now gone into the FAQs that I hope has made it more understandable.
As always, an excellent post. I’ve just re-read to get some inspiration. I had to halt my running for some months, due to covid and a great deal of work travel. I’m now determined to pick it up again, starting today 😁.
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