It all (re)started six years ago....and I've loved every minute ❤️

[Langley-Loper]

Today, my phone told me that on this day, six years ago, I posted in Facebook that I had started Couch to 5k. Well what a journey!

I titled this (re)started because until I got pregnant (my son is now 20), I was very active and sporty and even did a bit of running. Fast forward 14 years and I was 48, plagued with minor ailments and generally exhausted. One day I gave myself a good talking to and decided to do something about it.

My C25k love affair began. I can remember my legs aching ALL THE TIME. If I had not run when they hurt it would have taken me six months to complete! I started out in my son's old PE trainers and my gardening shorts and shirt. After a few weeks I got some proper running shoes and some shorts and shirts off ebay. I have worn out the shoes and several other pairs but the shirts and shorts are still in weekly use.

I turned in a 5k PB of 23:08 a few weeks ago and a HM PB last October of 1:49:49.

This community was so useful when I started out, both for browsing and asking specific questions.

C25k can take you wherever you want it to. Set a goal, have a plan and stick to it. And don't forget to enjoy the ride x

[NDC5k]

Well done. I'm just about to start my journey (day 1). Keep going.

[Frankenfoot23 Graduate in reply to NDC5k]

Good luck with your journey!

Aim for a slow jog pace rather than a fast run, it will stop you getting out of breath too easily and help you build up stamina over the weeks ahead. And don't worry about some of the longer runs in the weeks ahead, you will be ready for those when they come around

[Naturesweapon Graduate]

Hello Langley-Loper , your testimony is so impressive! And I feel inspired that at 48 you turned your health and fitness levels around and not only that, but you keep going and at the tender age of 54 (according to my calcs) you have achieved your incredible PB records! Well done and thank you for sharing! Role model 🏆🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

It’s been quite a journey! Congrats on some phenomenal PB’s reached there. Wow. Nice to hear you are still running regularly.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Happy RUNNIVERSARY you! What a ride you have had...

Thanks for posting this here... all our new runners need to see just how far this wonderful running may take you...

In your case to very fast 5K and a very impressive HM too ! WOW!

Here is to many, many more runs and as you say...many more times of enjoyment! x

[Sweetchips23]

Hi love you post, very inspiring,

Second time around for me with a small hiccup of a hip replacement but back running now and end goal London marathon 2024, a little way to go but training is going well and you’ve made me think anything is possible🥇 😁🏃‍♀️

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

What an inspirational running story - well done!

[Marshwillow2]

Thank you for that inspiring post. It resonated with my own experience; the exhaustion, the aches and pains, but having started the C25K i feel I'm getting some control back on my life and health. I'm changing my stars. 😊 thanks!

[Frankenfoot23 Graduate]

What a great post! Your PB's are super, but more importantly, you are still loving it Me too - I'm usually a bit of a quitter but I graduated about 10 days ago and am still thinking it's one of the best things I've ever done. I spend the rest days looking forward to my next days run All the best.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Happy 6th Runniversary Langley-Loper, you have never looked back, what an amazing runner you are!

I remember fondly when we crossed the Bridge to 10k together using the Magic10 plan with SaskAlliecat and Oldfloss and Sandyscroll years ago. What fun we had.

You continue to inspire me with your running acheivements, so strong and dedicated.

🏃‍♀️👌xxx

[Langley-Loper Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I remember being terrified at the thought of a 7k run while we worked through that plan - it seemed so far!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

We certainly did!!!