60 Seconds

[LeeTimesThree]

When I began this program, in all honesty, my primary concern was that it wouldn’t be challenging enough. Surely all the incidental exercise of cycling around a notoriously flat city and chasing the kids to put their pants on put me way beyond ‘couch’. Getting completely out of puff after my very first 60 second run soon disabused me of that notion! I appreciate the encouragement Denise, but I think you may be wrong just this once.

Having just completed week six my initial arrogance has turned to pride. Running for 25 minutes straight seemed a frankly laughable ambition six weeks ago. But at the 24th minute, when Denise said “pick the pace up if you feel you can” I felt I had something in the tank, I actually went for it, I was actually getting those knees up, I really did feel like a runner!

As I gasped my way into the 5 minute cooldown walk all I could think about between gulps for air was the difference between my first 60 seconds and the 60 seconds I’d somehow just managed. And that liquid rolling down my cheeks wasn’t sweat.

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

Awesome 👏 keep going

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife]

Lacing up as we speak.

[linda9389 Graduate]

I love this post. It may be over six years ago since I first did C25K, but I still clearly remember all the emotions you describe.Congratulations, you're so close to graduating now 😊

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Thank you. It really does feel transformative for so many people. I hope to look back on this myself in six years as a real runner.

[red_faced_runner Graduate]

Fantastic to hear, well done!!

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to red_faced_runner]

Thanks. It felt like a landmark moment.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

This has hit such a chord with me, and I suspect there are many people who think week 1 is going to be too easy until they actually try it! Thank you for saying it out loud x

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

It was honestly such a reality check. I’ve always been skinny, eat pretty balanced, don’t booze anything like I used to and haven’t owned a car since I was 17. I thought running slowly for one minute was for the truly unfit. Turns out that’s who I was.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to LeeTimesThree]

But not who you are now!😊

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Couch to 5k is up there with the internet as one of the inventions of our times.

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Many of us have been exactly where you are now! And it only gets better. But there is often a moment where you realise you’re a runner.

I don’t know where your running journey will take you, we’re all different! Good Luck though, fellow runner as you head towards graduation. That faster 60 seconds must have felt wonderful and I’m sure there’s more where that came from!

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Much appreciated. It feels good right now, my mind wanders to what might be possible down the line. The Amsterdam marathon went past our house the other week! Trying not to get too ahead of myself ; )

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to LeeTimesThree]

There’s no harm in setting your goals now! Just take it easy, though - follow the programme and you’ll get to that marathon, but step by step! I know too many people who have had to take a lot of time out on the injury couch. Make sure you do all your stretches before and after the run. Maybe introduce some strength training, too.

Perhaps the emotion that you feel is part of the runner’s high! And the fact that you never thought you’d be able to do it. I did feel that when I ran longer distances. At the beginning of the last km of my only half marathon run, I did the same as you! Relaxed my shoulders, took a deep breath and went for it. Cried for the whole kilometre! It was the fastest km of the run.

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Appreciate the advice and kudos on the km of tears! I’ve found a new goal.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to LeeTimesThree]

😊

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏This is very emotive Lee as many of us recall feeling as you do! Every time you put on those trainers and head out to do a run you are a winner! Remember in your enthusiasm to start slowly & then if you have anything left in the tank at the end to raise the bar as you did! Well done & keep sharing! We look forward to being at your finish line! 🏁

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Just returned from W7R1. Same again. Halfway through the 25 mins I’m trying to keep it steady but thought I’m not going to repeat the feat. Then when I got there I knew I could give more and had the memory of how it felt to try. It’s hard to describe why it chokes me up straight after but I think it’s the long held idea that I am not the kind of person who can achieve anything at all in the realm of physical activity.

[Annieapple Graduate in reply to LeeTimesThree]

🍏Many of us had no self belief when we started! Mine was from remarks from an unkind sports teacher. I never achieved anything in sports until at 67 I decided to try C25K secretly & amazingly with the incredible support from this forum I graduated with tears of joy! This brought a new sense of self belief which has spilled over into many other areas! You have definitely got this!! You can do it!!

[LeeTimesThree Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Your story is inspiring. I never really believed the maxim ‘If you have a body, you’re an athlete’ before. I do now.

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

In my opinion week 1 is the hardest of all. Do that and you can do anything.

Well done for completing 25 minutes

[LeeTimesThree Graduate]

Thanks. I agree. Nothing so far has hurt as much as the realisation of how little breath I had to offer. I felt like the unfittest man alive!