A year ago today, I downloaded the Couch to 5k. I felt I couldn't let today go by without at least a little acknowledgement, so I'm just going to post a wee reflection on here, I hope you don't mind!
When I downloaded the app last year, I knew I wanted to get fit. But never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted what I would achieve in the next twelve months.
I have lost 20% of my body weight. Last year, I was a size 14/16, 12.5 stone with a bmi of around 28.5. I'm now a solid size 10, 10 stone and have a bmi of around 22.
But believe it or not, that's not my biggest achievement. Two weeks ago, I completed my first half marathon. For those who like to work in metric, that's 21.1km. If you had told me during that first C25K session that I would able to complete that distance in a year, I would have thought you were mad!
Couch to 5k eased me into physical activity, and now I can't stop moving! In addition to my runs 3 times a week, I now also do Zumba and weightlifting and am currently learning how to swim.
The hardest run was the definitely the first. I remember getting all hot and bothered, I couldn't breathe, my lungs were on fire and I was cursing myself for making myself do it. But I stuck with it, and oh boy am I glad I did!
So I hope that my story will inspire some of you in the way that I was helped by the C25K community back in the early days (back when it was hosted on NHS Choices - retro!). Believe me, this community was an amazing lifeline when I was just starting out, and I definitely couldn't have completed the programme without your support!
So stick with it. It WILL hurt. You WILL get injured, your muscles WILL get sore. But the elation of pushing through the pain and achieving something that you never thought you would is a million times more powerful than any amount of tiredness.
So...yeah. That's my story.
Bring on the next twelve months!
Written by
snoopybing
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
you have achieved so much in a year. to hear "first" half marathon sounds as if this may become a regular thing. I am approaching my year anniversary aswell at the end of the month so heres to celebrating
Still loving it thanks! I managed 10 miles last May, but suffered two bereavements in June so didn't get to do a race or anything. I've just started building up the times once again.
I must pluck up the courage to do a race this year!
Nice! Half Marathon........how was that? I am plucking up the courage for one of those later in the year?
I found getting from 0-5K hard, 5-10K not as hard somehow and at the moment 10-15K quite hard and am hoping (urghhh) that I go back to a not so hard turn again.....but I have low expectations
Interested to know how big a step you found it and do you think you will keep up that kind of distance on a semi-regular basis?
Aww it's a blast. I loved it. There were 30,000 runners, so I really felt like I was part of something. AND I wasn't the last one across the finish line, so that was a plus!
Yeah I also hit a wall at around 14k - looking back I think it was because I was going too fast. My advice would be to start slow, stay slow, but if you can, pick up the pace in the last 2k or so.
I have another half in a month or so, so I'm keeping my training momentum up for that, but long term, I'll probably aim for 2 x 5k during the week and a 10k at the weekend.
That's assuming I don't get caught up in another race...
Well done on your inspirational post re running and weight loss; it sounds like it's been a major lifechanging experience for you.
I'm currently up to ten miles (well I was until 9 days ago when I hurt my ankle so am now off road for a couple of weeks). I was exhausted at the end of that run but am aiming at half marathon distance eventually once I'm fit again. The running has definitely kept my weight loss off too.
Great read - I am only starting week 2 but feeling positive and determined to keep going. I am 12.5 stone with BMI around 29 . . lol the old you! To read how you have achieved so much is great motivation for me and I have it in black and white that 'it can be done'! Well done.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Last time I run was for a bus many years ago 
Was it really 3 years ago?
Whoops - this wouldn't have happened a year ago!
Started Couch to 5k a year ago, completed the Great North Run yesterday
1st Parkrun of the year today - New sport. 
