C25k round 2

[Gwenllian1]

I first did c25k in 2019. Oh it was hard! But I did it and I ended up loving running and have even done a couple of 10k runs, inconceivable in those weeks of staggering around, face puce, wondering what on earth I was doing. It was so hard that I was pretty sure I couldn't face doing it again so in an odd way it kept me running. I felt I couldn't let it slide because an extended break might creep up on me and then I'd be back to square one and might just wimp out of trying again!So for five years now I've been sort of running: always slow, never all that far but getting further, sometimes jeffing, but getting out week in week out for 2 or three runs and eventually feeling I would describe myself as a runner. I've always read this forum, occasionally commented but haven't posted for a while.

Over the last couple of months a couple of health problems have derailed my running. They are still not really sorted out but I began to feel that if I could get running again I would have some sense of agency, of taking some control instead of being passive and a patient which does not suit me at all. So I decided to go right back to the beginning and redo c25k, inspired by the many familiar friendly names I've seen on here coming round again!

I chose Steve Cram. Last time I used jo whiley and liked her very much but I thought a new start needed a new voice. And it was good! I hadn't lost quite as much fitness as I imagined I would have. It all felt very doable and the really great thing about going around again is that you know it works. I think I would have been very daunted simply to run again, even after 5 years of regular running, because I know I'm less fit. I'm aware of tiring more easily and would have felt a bit adrift but I'm pretty sure that with the structure of the app I can do this now. So here we go: 70 now, not 64, but still ready for the next adventure, one step at a time!!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 👏Well done for going back to basics. You definitely can do this & will enjoy it too. Relax, take it slowly & pop in here and tell us how it’s going! 🏃‍♀️ 🙌

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks for the encouragement! Back to basics is exactly it. It was like coming across an old friend!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

OH MY!!! Here you are ! Hello again!

It is so, so good to see you back with us! Yes.. I am still here, still slow and still steady !

You have had a rough time of it it seems but like so many of us... the way back is clear... and you are on the way ! Do pop across to the S and F forum for some great body support ideas... they do help!

Loads of us have done the repeat and it is so much fun... a familiar friend, just like us

We are all older, and wiser, and stronger too.. stronger than we realise... because you are HERE and you are doing this !

So looking forward to your posts...

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks so much for the welcome OF! I will have a look at some strengthening exercises. I've got some hand weights and theoretically use them a couple of times a week but it is amazing how easily I put that aside. I'm much better at being disciplined with the running. Mmmm, I really need to sort that out don't I? Don't know why I find S&F less satisfying. Any tips on really embedding it in your week? I know you do quite a lot! And yes, lovely to see old friends redoing c25k. It's good to know I'm not alone!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Awesome and welcome back, 😀

[drl212 Graduate]

Congratulations on getting back to it! Glad to hear it went well for you.

Do keep us posted on your progress...