C25k - Done & dusted? A challenge, certainly; rewarding? You bet!

[Dontlikerunning]

Have just completed Week 9; Day 3 and feel pleased with myself. There is every possibility now that I'll start enjoying running itself, and not just when it stops, as was the case for many years.

The programme has taught me that running 30 min x 3 times a week will provide a useful base to maintain, or maybe even improve, aerobic fitness, as well as being a foil to regular yoga practice.

My approach was to run on a day about basis. The 9 week programme shrunk to 8 weeks by completing 7 runs every two weeks. I took this approach because doing 3 runs a week would have a 2 day break at some point and, being true to myself, I know that would have regularly provided the excuse to procrastinate - a sure way to making the break 3 days, then 4, then ....

Thank you for giving me the space to learn that less really can be more, and that trying to improve every single time I go out of the door (as I used to believe) is truly a fool's errand.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Absolutely fantastic-congratulations to you on a brilliant achievement, especially as you’ve had some challenges with enjoying your runs. Some serious mental toughness from you to finish! Hope you’re celebrating! 🏃‍♀️💪🏅👩‍🎓🎉

You can get your badge here…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There’s a great post about post c25k running here…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Now you’re finished, you might find that the freedom to choose and vary your runs a little more to your liking will help you enjoy it more. That’s the key thing to aim for! Stick at max 30 minutes or thereabouts for the next couple of weeks, or until that becomes comfortable for you. Shorter runs might be fun too-I love a twenty minute run! New routes, hills, that sort of thing. Have fun! Who who knows where your legs will take you! Good luck graduate!

[Dontlikerunning Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks, there are plenty hills to choose from hereabouts, and muddy trails but I'll need to keep rebuilding stamina before I get back to those 🙂

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[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

that’s so true  Dontlikerunning …there’s no need to strive for greater things when what you’re doing is comfortable enough and works for you…well done on completing the programme…this is just the beginning!!

[Liono Graduate]

Congratulations! Is a name change now in order?! 😂

[Dontlikerunning Graduate in reply to Liono]

😅 Still too early to call .... 😉

[DocEmmett Graduate]

Congratulations, Dontlikerunning! 🏅🙌

Yes, surely a name change is in order, but for continuity 'The runner formerly known as Dontlikerunning ' is a bit clunky isn't it?

I know entirely what you mean about the C25K plan being a game changer - C25K and this brilliant community of runners changed my view on running too. Well done, and all the best in your running future.