On this day last year, I started Couch to 5K. I remember all the thoughts that ran through my head as I laced up my trainers (pub shoes - no actual running shoes for that first run) and headed out to run home from the office. And I remember how long those first one minute intervals felt!
My C25k journey was a rollercoaster of feelings, experiences and learning. But I kept going and kept improving. Every run was a chance to find out something new.
Just before my graduation run in week 9, I ran in Buttermere - and watched runners coming in from a 9 mile fell race. And decided that was what I wanted to work towards.
And last weekend, just before my running anniversary (and before the snow - lucky), I did a run up Lattrigg and Lonscale Fell. The best run I have ever done, in glorious surroundings and watching a hovering buzzard as I was heading back off the fells.
Lots of graduates have amazing stories about how running has changed their life so I wanted to share mine. On that first run, I never would have believed that I could do this but your body can surprise you.
To all those starting your C25K journey, to those in the middle and those who have graduated, do keep sharing your stories and supporting one another. It keeps us all inspired and motivated, even when there’s a chill in the air and we’re wondering why we do this. The answer for me is this type of run in the fells. For other people it will be something else and that’s what makes running so amazing. It connects us as a community but also allows us to explore what makes running great for each of us.
Looking forward to reading other people’s stories - and seeing what’s next for me on my running journey.
Written by
Vespina
Graduate
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There was definitely some power hiking mixed in with the running - but much, much more running than there would have been 12 months ago. It’s wonderful being out there, isn’t it?
Hi Vespina. The run, the scenery and underlying story are all wonderful to read. We just don’t know where our running will take us, and the only way to find out is to get out there and try (using the advice from the forums of course). My aims have varied as my running life has progressed, from “should/can this 66 year old even start C25k?” through 10k, 10 miles and HM. I have had lots of set backs, injuries in particular, but I have a good physio and I am, finally, becoming more sensible about pace!
I am sitting here experiencing a slight tinge of frustration; a couple of weeks ago I had reached 15k on my way back to HM distance, and then a chest infection struck. Now, when I could be out there building up the miles again, we have snow, slush and mud to contend with! Deep down though, I think that I have just about accepted that all I can do is to enjoy my next run, whenever it is, and no amount of angst will change that.
I am lucky enough to be able to run on trails which start 5/10 minutes from my front door. The woods are full of birds, including the odd buzzard which I am sure shows up when I seem to be flagging! There are also lots of encouraging friendly people and my cafe; nearly always the final point on my runs. So, the best run has to be the one I can do on the day, whatever it is. Wishing you many happy miles 🙂
Ah, so frustrating when winter illness and the weather conspire against us. And it’s hard to think about those amazing runs we’ve had when we feel stuck indoors - but wonderful to have those memories and the knowledge that the next run is waiting for us when we’re ready.
I have a 15k tomorrow so will be thinking of you and running it for you until you can get out there again. Going down through the Dene to the river and then along the banks until I’m at my required distance, hopefully with some wildlife for company. Your running routes sound amazing.
🙂 That is so kind Vespina; a lovely thought. Have a great run. I think I might be able to run on Sunday. How far and how fast I will leave my legs to work out👍
Hi Vespina, yes recovery is going better than expected 4 weeks tomorrow from surgery but still having problems bending my knee not sure how long it will take. Dr was talking the other day about maybe doing Manupulitive surgery (MUA) hope I don’t need to go down this road. So desperate to get the bend so as I can get back into the gym, miss it so much, but nice to check in here and see what everyone is up to.
Glad you’re on the mend. Hope the knee starts to ease up and you can get back into the gym. Always feels like such a long time when you’re out of action but hopefully not too much longer to wait.
Thank you. I’ve decided that two Lake District runs in 12 months isn’t enough but they do seem to coincide with running milestones. They’re always glorious.
Happy Runniversary.... and very well done you! Great post and great photographs... you have come a long way and there is still a heck of a lot more to see !
All amazing. Everyone appreciates how much your poetry brings a smile to our faces. And we learn things too in a fun way. And see our shared experiences expressed in ways that capture what we’re thinking but sometimes don’t know how to explain. So definitely amazing.
How wonderful to read your success and story. Thanks. I haven't fell run for many years, it takes me back the when I was younger and ran the three peaks.....OMG! I had forgotten!?!?! 🤗 It was my favourite terrain for running. Madness ensues during life, I'm certain!
You have inspired me soooo much. Thank you, I needed this. Wahooooo!!!!
That's a great story Vespina , I love where your running takes you. C25k is just amazing for giving you insight to an exciting world. Happy runniversary and enjoy your fell running in that beautiful area!
Thank you. I’m lucky to be able to get out there sometimes. Definitely better than my dark winter runs past Asda - but it makes them more special that it’s not every day.
I can’t quite believe it either. When I first spoke to my coach after completing C25K he asked for my running goals and I was almost too afraid to tell him, thinking it was too ambitious. And here we are. You never know what you’re capable of, one step at a time.
So well done! Your story is inspiring. And Buttermere is one of my favourite places on earth - makes me want to visit it again and even imagining a run there 😊
The run is lovely, Rabbit. I can definitely recommend. Really doable, not too technical, flat. It’s 6k around the lake so a perfect little bimble. I even acquired someone’s dog. Full post here for more details and lots of photos: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
If you had trail shoes you could run some and walk other parts. That’s what I did on the mountainous bits of this run above - strategic walking is all the rage with those ultra runners 😉. As my coach pointed out, you’d never say they weren’t runners because they walked some of it. It was a lovely way for me to start my trail running and it’s lead to amazing things. As you say, never say never. 👍
Absolutely. Thanks so much for all your encouragement and advice. I had layers, a space blanket, map, compass, whistle, head torch but I felt well prepared
You're welcome! Yes, when I did the trail event mentioned in my profile there was a compulsory kit list very similar to that.
Have you any more projects in mind? I have the benefit of having hills on my doorstep. Annoyingly, though, I've spent most of the time since the Trail du Gévaudan alternating injuries, illness and unfavourable weather (heatwave, thunderstorms and ice) so I'm still working back to HM distance. Hoping to get back to longer distances and more interesting terrain this year, but if not, I'll just have to be content with what I have.
Wow, I’m seriously impressed! That narrow path along Lonscale Fell with its steep drop into the valley is scary enough to walk along! I can’t imagine running along it! Truly inspiring 😊
Wow! I remember well how motivating and inspirational I found your original C25K posts and pictures when I was following on behind you, and this is exactly the same. What an impressive journey, well done 🙂
Congratulations on your runniversary, Vespina . Running in the Lake District is wonderful and I’m very impressed you chose the fells. I loved running Keswick parkrun, a beautiful route.
Great story! I’d love to follow some fell routes again this summer I’m in the lakes and peaks at various times.
Congratulations and this is just the start of finding the benefits to running.
I’m excited for you! Please do keep your thread going and popping other runs on!
This is my second time around on C25k I out of love with running due to injury. But I’m back! One of my early events was a fell running weekend in Derbyshire…by the end of the weekend I certainly knew what it means to run fells. I returned the following two years and was a much stronger runner and it was the community the organisers, scenery and community that kept bringing me back!
Thanks for sharing your story and your photo. So lovely to see and hear where the miles have taken you. I’ve had a week off due to being poleaxed by work projects. So good to get a lift from hearing about your runs.
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Yesterday was my one year runniversary
Stidingedge asks does C25K help you when it comes to fell walking?
