1 year on

[PDIGC]

This evening marked my first anniversary since completing the Couch to 5k program. Many others have previously commented about their own journeys, but it still amazes me how far I've progressed since week 1 run 1 when I struggled to run for 1 minute. I've never yet managed 5k in 30 mins, which is fine, but I can do it in 34. I ran my first 10k event last November here in Gran Canaria and last month I completed the HU virtual half marathon. All testament to this wonderful, life changing programme. I now run 3 times per week, some long some short but generally about 20-25km per week give or take. When I started I also decided I needed to improve my diet, mainly just by reducing portion sizes and making healthier choices. This combined with the exercise, I've lost 31 kg - or a couple of pounds short of 5 stone and my waist down from 36 inches to 30. I can't actually remember the last time I was this size - probably at secondary school about 50 years ago!

I celebrated tonight with a 6km run, although I should really have done a 5k! It's very hot here at the moment and it was still 30⁰C at 8.30, but I finished in 42 mins. I realise all this sounds like I'm blowing my own trumpet, which I suppose I am a little as I feel proud of my achievements, but I also hope anyone just starting out or in the middle of Couch to 5k might take some encouragement from the fact that it really does work.

Happy running all!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

What a story you have to tell, you have made amazing progress 💯🌟🎉🏃🏃🏃👏👏👏

[Zev1963 Graduate]

Thank you for your inspiring post. Yes it is a great program. I think running is a wonderful pass time. Very little stuff to buy or carry, you can do it just about anywhere, you can explore new places and enjoy the outdoors, good for the head and the body. I don't think that running has a huge direct affect on weight loss, but it changes the way we think about what we eat, and our health. We enjoy running, so we want to treat our bodies in a way that lets us enjoy our running even more. So we eat more sensibly, and take better care of ourselves Great to hear how much you are enjoying your running, and how it has had such a positive impact on you. Here's to many more years of happy running !

[BarbieW Graduate]

That is so inspiring -you are doing so well, thanks for posting

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Thank you for this...and you should feel very proud for the achievement! Well done you!

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Blow that trumpet! Good to read your happy story.

[Jools2020 Graduate]

You have every reason to be proud of your accomplishments! Very well done. It’s true that running can help you look at your diet and make improvements. And once you get into doing longer runs, it can help with weight loss, too. You lost a lot of weight and must feel so much fitter!

[Gthants]

Wow - well done! I have just finished the programme and have run for 20 mins and 25 mins since. You have just a couple of years on me, but it is fascinating to hear how you have pushed on to greater distances. I feel like my journey is just beginning, but I'd definitely like to go in the same direction and make running a permanent part of my life. Thanks for this affirming post!

[Hillrunner2201]

Thank you for this, it’s good inspiration and definitely not blowing you own trumpet!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

This is amazing 😍😍😍

So much to celebrate that it’s hard to know where to start. Absolutely fantastic achievements and it’s not even the end of your story. You’ve got more adventures in those runner’s legs of yours! Just enjoy them all ❤️