Starting C25K again for fourth time....

[JoP61]

Back after 7 weeks on the IC with ankle ligament damage. My very strict physio says I can try a run, but to build up gradually and start with short intervals if I don't want to risk another injury. So it seems a perfect solution to re-do C25K! I first completed the programme 5 years ago, then a second time coming back from a broken metatarsal (🙄), and a third time with a friend who wanted to start running.

So excited today about doing W1R1. Felt a bit nervous as I set off, but Denise Lewis is watching my back so I soon relaxed. Good to know that I haven't lost too much fitness - the one minute intervals were very manageable, and my foot/ankle felt strong. I remember the first time I tried W1R1 I was gasping and struggling for breath after 4 or 5 intervals! It's amazing to me that someone like me who hardly ever exercised was able to develop a running habit in my 60s, and become fitter than I've ever been in my life.

Following my physio's advice I'm starting to run again at the gym - he says the last thing I need is to turn my foot over tripping on a tree root or similar! So I was on the treadmill grinning like an idiot at the thrill of running again - the other guys in the gym no doubt think I'm some sort of crazy woman!

Looking forward with hope to the longer runs in the forthcoming weeks.

Good luck to everyone currently on the IC, and happy running to the rest of you. Keep running, keep smiling. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you... out there and doing it! So many of us repeating right now... and I know exactly how that first run felt!

Jangling nerves and heart pounding until you get going and get going you did! Take it gently and enjoy the running back to full strength... keep us posted too please

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much for the encouragement! Jangling nerves is a great way to describe the way I felt.

I was trying to work out why the act of running brought me so much joy today - something to do with feeling strong and empowered possibly.

I am tempted to rush things but I know that's a recipe for disaster, so I'm going to stick strictly to the programme and not miss out any runs or rest days. (I know you get told off on this forum if you do that 😂😂).

It's very rare for me to post anything these days, though I always keep up with other people's news. So thank you for encouraging me to post - I'd forgotten how therapeutic it is to express one's hopes and fears on this very supportive and positive forum.

Sounds like you are progressing well with your current repeat! 👏👏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JoP61]

We only, tell you off because we care 🤣 If we do push too hard, it really can make things a lot worse... and I do know how hard it is sometimes to just stay relaxed and slow and steady...

I empathise so much, with you... I was off for a while, a few years back and returned under strict orders from a Physio on what to do and what not to do... i did as I was told!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I always say that the best thing about running is the joy... for me, it is the essence of it...

The forums are so supportive...non judgmental and always motivating... I know over the years they have helped keep me buoyant and hopeful over some very hard times...

I am on Week 6 and hopeful to get Run 2 in tomorrow or Sunday... weather permitting! I am really enjoying it... and yes, I am taking it slow and steady x

So stay with us and do share your running... please x

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

👍🙏

[linda9389 Graduate]

Sso good to see you back. Here's to crazy, here's to grinning and here's to running comebacks 💪

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Thanks so much. From your crazy grinning mate! 😀

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Yes to all that! I've had uncannily similar running and injury stories to you and I'm also very carefully working my way back through the program, and just happy to be doing it. (Couldn't do the treadmill though, it does funny things to my balance, so I find good predictable surfaces to trot out on)Btw I think that repeaters often find w1 R1 a bit of a shock. We think it will be easy peasy but when you've become used to longer runs, all those stops and starts are trickier than you'd think! (Ask me how I know 🥵). Keep posting, it's nice to see how others in the same boat are getting along.

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Yay! Let's do this together! What week are you on?

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to JoP61]

I'm on week 5, I've repeated a lot of runs to build up really slowly. I've done run 2 but I'll be repeating it before attempting run 3. (Maybe a couple of times, I'm feeling the effects of my flu jab!)

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Best of luck - slow and steady wins the race, as we know. 👍🏃‍♀️

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

You capture the joy of returning to running perfectly; great to read.

Like you, I would never ignore physio’s instruction; trust is a big part of the relationship …..and anyway, they would always know! 😬

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you so much! Can't wait for W1R2 on Monday.

You're right - the physio is the boss! 😂

[Ritmo Graduate]

I'm doing it again after a foot injury also. At Parkrun today (soggy) I finished week 4. Next week is the dreaded week 5. I'm in Worcester next weekend so I'm going to have a go at Worcester Parkrun

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Ritmo]

I think there are enough of us to form the IC team! Best of luck with Week 5! 👍🫰

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Wishing you loads of luck on this journey. It’s brilliant you’ve got a physio to support you-they’re magic people! Looking forward to your updates. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks so much - the physio has really helped the recovery process. I'll post on my progress and hope to stay injury-free for a while! 🫰😀