Serial Offender is back.

[LeeU]

I'm a serial offender, I know, I'm a bad, bad man.

Having completed this brilliant program twice before I should have known better.

When COVID started I had a really bad cold/flu bout, after that I was really lethargic for a long time, we've had lock downs, working from home, etc, and I KNOW I should have carried on the running, but I didn't.

While the running stopped, life continued, and so did the snacks, unhealthy eating, etc.

It all lead to a downwards spiral I know all too well.

I read the daily email with jealousy and a continued promise that I'm going to restart the program AGAIN.

When I last did the program in 2019 I thought I'd never return to the weight I was before but I beat it this time.

The extra weight and sedentary lifestyle lead to me getting backache if I walked more than 50m let alone 30 minutes, I wouldn't say shortness of breath but I knew I was carrying the weight.

I could go on and give you the full story but I won't bore you, I had some holiday booked from work, my wife wanted to go away so I booked 2 weeks in Egypt, as usual.

I spent up to 6 hours per day in the sea, plus walking around the hotel, etc, got me moving again.

Since I got back on the 5th I've been using the adaptive Garmin step count to push me just that little bit further every day.

I took yesterday as a rest day and then this morning, loaded the C25K app and did a very leisurely W1R1, a couple of gremlins came along for the joffle but they looked downbeat when Laura told me I'd done brilliantly and run 1 was over.

I had a few aches, etc, as I went through the run but nothing that said stop but I do have a pulled muscle in my side that does can't me some pain at times.

In the past I've just carried on through the program but this time I may repeat runs just to help increase my fitness and aid in weightloss, etc, but I'm back on the wagon and aiming not to fall off of it again.

As usual, my running diary will be posted on here, feel free to ignore it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

...and there you ARE!!! I am still here and am so glad to see you back, my friend !

Well.. you have said it all...we all know that you are back... and the only thing you have to do, is keep running!

I shall be watching for your posts... and the mantra is. as it ever was... go on...you tell me ?

Slow and Steady!

Seriously, many many of us have had setbacks... I had to start from scratch again 202/2021... built back and then another series of setbacks...but I am here, as are many of your friends.

Pop into the Runners Return, and share your comeback please!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Lovely to have you back with us

Flossx

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🤣I had a good laugh but how wonderful that you have made it back! Flick those gremlins away, & be encouraged by Laura! You are going to conquer it one run at a time!! Well done 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Welcome back that’s a great start

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back Lee.

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

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

To keep running, keep posting

Enjoy your journey.

[Sisteract5 Graduate]

it’s brilliant that you’ve started again - well done you! Keep positing your progress - all of the messages keep us all going 😊