well tomorrow is the day that I finish the programme again. I never say I’m going a run, as I am one of the slowest-of-the-slow joggers - I am completely ok with this, but always make it clear to people as, if someone saw me, they’d probably wonder what the heck I was doing!
Out of interest, I looked at my stats from when I first completed the programme - Sept-22 my w9r3 was 32mins and distance was 4.18k. Fast forward to yesterday, and my wk9r2 was 30mins and distance was 3.21km. As I had said briefly on my opening post, I have really noticed a difference in my fitness and weight since turning 40 last year. I instantly felt a shift in my hormones and I’m now carrying weight around my middle when I have not had that problem in the past. So I do think all that factors in on my pace getting EVEN slower. HOWEVER, I am not here to win any races, I am here to complete the programme, and god willing, I will tomorrow. And be able to keep it up going forward - which in turn will maybe mean losing weight and gaining a wee bit of speed.
I’ve put this post up so others can see, particularly 40+ women, that you are not alone in this battle
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MoaningMyrtle24
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Slow works... and it is getting you back to revisiting the podium! Just relax and enjoy...
After that... this is just going to get better, because, whilst not a guarantee for weight loss, it is going to make you stronger, fitter and more inclined to keep running.; and the more you run, the more it all evolves... strength, stamina, distance and yes... often without us realizing it...speed
Thank you! I am so much slower than I used to be! I think ages is a big factor in that (& hormones). Like you, I have completed this before - more than once, but injuries or a holiday have seen me stop. So I am attempting again. Like you say, there is no competition - even with yourself. Just fitness and maybe a bit of weight lost.
well done for finishing the programme again and thank you for sharing your slowness. It’s very encouraging for me to find other slow runners. I’m slower than you are but I’m doing the stepping stones runs and gradually getting a wee bitty faster and considering a 45 minute run for my next progression so proud of myself as you should be too!
I am in exactly the same position as you are. 5 years ago I used to run a lot. Then injured myself so had to stop. I am doing w9r3 on Monday. But I would never call myself a runner as my pace is most people’s brisk walking pace. But I always think to myself that it is better than sitting on the sofa eating biscuits 😊. I am also early forties and wanted to improve my fitness and health. So thank you for your post made me feel a bit better.
Wishing you well for the Week9 run3 event. I look forward to hearing how you get on with that run and your plans for the next stage.
I know you’ve done it before but I hope you feel equally proud the second time. It is a great achievement and you should be very happy and glad that you have made the not inconsiderable effort and commitment . 🤩
Well done on completing the programme again, shows real stamina and determination. I am definitely much slower than I was a few years ago when I also first followed C25K. I have no idea why except that I have been through menopause since then and am definitely much heavier now! But I feel proud to be going out there and trying, it has certainly helped me mentally and physically. There are loads of us in the same position, so thank you for your post which reminds us we are not alone!
I haven’t run for three months because of a fractured toe. I graduated in 2020. 2021 I was a tad less slow, early 2023 again, a teeny bit less slow but after that I really tailed off. That said, I was enjoying the running just as much if not more.
I think age is a factor but also, unless one is competitively inclined, I think we gradually just relax into the runs and see them as enjoyment rather than a contest to constantly create new PBs or keep up with previous paces etc.
I am going to start running again in the autumn but in the meantime I am doing various online cardio classes daily and really enjoying it. YouTube is a marvel!
well I done it - 30mins covering 3.53k - was absolutely knackered at the end, really gave my all in the last few minutes. Thanks for all your comments, this forum is great for encouragement
Well, to me you are amazing - well done! I'm 65, and am much much slower than I was over 10 years ago when I ran a half marathon. I can't believe I did it back then, nowadays it's all I can do to run 30 minutes and I doubt it's even 4K, let alone 5. I've not measured it, I just go with Steve Cram's timings! You're right, we aren't in a race, we are just there to get ourselves a bit fitter and keep healthy as we age. I don't care about entering for 10K or anything else now, I'm just pleased to be able to run 30mins. Maybe as I do it more often i will go further, who knows, but for now, I'm content to just be "running" for 30mins. So keep on keeping on!
Look forward to hearing about your last run of the programme. Slow and steady!
Don’t base your now on the past! You’re about to finish as a new person! Keep up with your running and be consistent. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes…
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Week 9 Run 3 😁 
Wk 9 - run 3
Week 9 Run 3 Complete! ✅
Week 9 Run 3
Week 9 run 2 
