W5R3 & Red Jacket Energy!

[Xedweb]

Hello, first time posting! Been coming here for the hints & tips so thought I’d share what’s got me this far. Before starting C25K I’d not run since school PE lessons back in…1983. Today I completed W5R3 (still amazed I’ve done it 😎). What’s helped me so far is 1) Trusting the programme- it’s helped thousands of others so chances are it can work for me. 2) Slow down - any time I’ve struggled, slowing down has got me through. 3) Relax - I seem to be able to breathe more easily when I become aware of the tension in my chest & shoulders, take a deep breath and relax. And finally 4) red jacket energy- wear something bright & when I’m tiring I imagine absorbing energy from my bright red jacket & it gives me a boost. Might be mad, but it works for me 😉 Good luck everyone on your C25K journey. I love reading your stories - we can do this!

[drl212 Graduate]

Fantastic!! You've zoomed in on some important lessons. A few I would add is every run is different and often a run is not as you expected it would be!

Wk 6 can be a bit tricky after that Wk 5 high, but I'm sure you'll do great!!

[RunforMum Graduate]

Love the energy in this post! I found w5r3 the most significant run of the programme and was also delighted to achieve it. Well done. 👏

[Folkylass Administrator Graduate]

Well done on your C25K journey and I can see that you have done brilliantly so far. Only 4 weeks left which isn’t long at all and you will have completed C25K . I’m sure with all of the positives in your post that I’ve read you will accomplish your C25K journey with no problems at all and take your running journey further. I have dropped a link down below that was written by the late great IannodaTruffe with FAQ about C25K .He was such an ambassador and fantastic support for the C25K community aswell as all the other running forums here. I’m sure you’ll find his information helpful I know I did when I started.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Good luck in your running journey and please let us know how you’re getting on. 😀

[Lentlily Graduate]

Great post and great summary of the things that supported me when I did it. I should get more into the habit of reminding myself to relax as it does really work. Love the red jacket energy boost, I once heard a sports coach on the radio talking about using visualisation techniques to improve performance. Think you're doing something similar. You have a brilliant strategy so you are well on your way. Happy running & thank you for the positive vibe!

[Gthants]

Really well done on your progress so far! And I agree with all that you say. The last point is interesting: I felt like something of an imposter when I first started C25K. I thought everyone was looking at me and wondering what on earth a then nearly 61 year old bloke was doing out there "running". I wore blend into the background kit. Now I have a florescent yellow running top and an even brighter layer; I have orange pumps; I have bright blue and pink shirts. NO ONE is looking at me, and if they are, I hope they're thinking how awesome it is that a near 62 year old bloke is running!

Keep it up & more power to your stealth energy!

[Xedweb Graduate in reply to Gthants]

I know exactly what you mean about that imposter feeling- I was the same! And you’re right, it turns out no one is looking although since I started running I’ve suddenly started noticing runners of all shapes, sizes and ages all over the place 😂 I reckon with running you officially become more awesome with every passing year (at least that’s what I’m going to be telling myself ) 🙌

[Gthants in reply to Xedweb]

I think I'd rather like a t-shirt with "Officially Awesome" on it! 🤣