One year on - where can C25K take you?

[Vespina]

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.

[clarys Graduate]

Wow that is impressive, I can just about walk up those fells - what a great achievement in a year!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to clarys]

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?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Very well done .And yes this programme can certainly change lives .

Here's to your next 12 months !

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks. Excited to see what the future holds. For all of us.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

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 🙂

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

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.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate in reply to Vespina]

🙂 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👍

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ah, that’s great news, BC. Hope it’s a wonderful run (if you’re out there, I’m sure it will be)

[Hidden]

Well done on how far you have come, what a beautiful story and more beautiful amazing pictures as always, good luck for 2023.

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Hope your recovery is going well and you’re able to get back out there soon.

[Hidden in reply to Vespina]

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.

Love your pics, I think your in the wrong job!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Frenc Graduate]

Oh Vespina that sounds like such an amazing run, what a great way to celebrate your runniversary. Many happy returns! 😊

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Frenc]

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.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

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 !

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss. Loving the running and loving this community and the inspo. And your poetry 🙂.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Vespina]

Well of course , running is amazing, this community is absolutely awesome and my poetry ??? Hmmm All in good fun... thanks you x

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

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.

[Leotigris Graduate]

What an incredible achievement in 12 months! I do a lot of walking on that sort of terrain but can't imagine running it!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

There was definitely some strategic hiking but I’m pleased with how much I was able to run. Wonderful being out there. I picked the perfect weekend

[MakingTheMost Graduate]

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!!!!

Xx

[Vespina Graduate in reply to MakingTheMost]

Aw, glad to bring back memories of the fells. Three peaks sounds amazing. Such beautiful scenery.

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

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!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

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.

[Cowladyrunning Graduate in reply to Vespina]

I agree - it feels like a treat then!

[rose-finch]

from c25k to fell running! Wow! Thank you for the inspiration and the beautiful pics 😊

[Vespina Graduate in reply to rose-finch]

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.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Vespina]

Literally: one step at a time. Very well done!

Yes, I well remember my first attempt at Week 1 and how those 60 second intervals felt almost impossible.

[Rabbit561 Graduate]

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 😊

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Rabbit561]

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...

[Rabbit561 Graduate in reply to Vespina]

beautiful pics - thank you! I’ve walked round many many times but it would be a big push for a slow runner like me but never say never 😃

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Rabbit561]

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. 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Awesome, I've just looked back in your original post and look how far you've come, happy Runniversary

[Vespina Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you. It’s amazing how much changes courtesy of C25K and this community.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Vespina]

Yes it's wonderful isn't it?

[Cmoi Graduate]

How wonderful Vespina , glad you got to make your fell running dream come true!

Upwards and onwards, quite literally!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

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

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Vespina]

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.

Happy running!

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

I found your post emotional Vespina. I'm so proud for you. You have found joy for sure. Happy running, you awesome graduate! 🌄

[Vespina Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham]

Aw, thank you.

[Upsidaisy Graduate]

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 😊

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Upsidaisy]

It definitely kept me alert as the mileage clicked up. Worth it for the views (which I paused to look up at as I was looking where I put my feet)

[OldManRunning Graduate]

Great post, great journey. No doubt you will inspire Vespina 😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🤸‍♂️👍

[Liono Graduate]

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 🙂

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Liono]

Thanks Liono . Hope your running is going well

[Dexy5 Graduate]

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.

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. I’ll have to take a look at the parkrun route. Bet it really is a beautiful one

[GetGemma]

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!

Here’s a pic enroute to Mamtor.

Mamtor fell run across Peak District ridge

[Vespina Graduate in reply to GetGemma]

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.