C25K warning: it can change you in more ways than one.

[TJFlute]

It sometimes feels like I've always been a runner. But of course it has actually just been over year since I graduated. I read something today (nothing to do with running) which reminded me how I used to be and it made me realise how much I've changed since doing the C25k plan.

Let me explain. If someone had asked me before starting C25K "Are you.......

Stressed

Anxious

Tired

Unfocused

Depressed

Moody

Burned out ??"

The answer would have been 'yes' on every count.

Luckily for me back in January 2011, I was looking for something to get me fit and to help me lose a bit of weight. I found C25k but little did I know that it was going to give me so much more. I am now the opposite of all the words in the list:

Calm

Content

Energized

Highly focused

Upbeat

Even-keeled

Optimistic

If you are just starting out on the plan; good luck and be assured ..it can be life-changing in more ways than one.

[Greg_M Graduate]

And some people think its all about trainers!

With you all the way Theresa.

[TJFlute in reply to Greg_M]

Thanks Greg, you're an amazing support to everyone

[AliB1 Graduate]

4 months in and for me it depends on which day you asked me as to which list summed me up the most! This week definatly more days on the first list...but I will be grabbing my life back this weekend & holding on tight so hopefully by Monday I'll be more calm etc

[TJFlute in reply to AliB1]

Hope you get to chill out a bit this weekend and catch up with life again!

[Burstcouch Graduate]

I could have ticked all the first list as descriptors of me before I started

I hope to achieve many of the second list like you over time.

[TJFlute in reply to Burstcouch]

There's no reason why not

[Deryn61 Graduate]

That is a brilliant post, I am still a newbie runner but I already feel running has changed my outlook for the better x

[TJFlute in reply to Deryn61]

That's brilliant! (it's not just me then )

[sfb350 Graduate]

I've noticed many changes just in the couple of months since I started - other people have noticed my change in outlook and that I'm dramatically less stressed. It's really quite amazing !

[TJFlute in reply to sfb350]

Yep, my kids have noticed a big difference, especially my nine year old daughter who now thinks I'm the kindest nicest mum in the world!!

[Minuette Graduate]

Great post

Yes the C25K has worked wonders for me, makes me feel much more confident and energised

[Gems]

That really is fantastic to hear

[Allybally Graduate]

Great post, totally agree!

[Alaiyo Graduate]

Thank you for the fantastic post! I am still very much a newbie, and I can't say I am always optimistic or even-keeled, but I definitely notice a boost in mood when I run, and I think it stays with me for a few hours at least.

[hopelessCause]

I love reading posts like this. I have been agoraphobic for 30 years and am desperate to start this programme but I am too scared to leave the house. I just don't know how I'm going to achieve it. Not only to I have to fight the fear of being outside, I also have to overcome all the usual demotivators that every experiences...like tiredness and rain and so on...

But it's always great to hear how beneficial running is for others. I don't have anyone to run with - having a running partner would make a big difference I think.

[juicydee Graduate]

Thanks Theresa - SO much! I have stress a-plenty with all the stuff I'm juggling and my tutor at theological college is really sympathetic. However I wasn't prepared for his reaction when I first told him I had started running - he was absolutely and utterly thrilled!! Honestly, I think he places more value on this than on all the theology we learn (the fact that he's just organised a conference called 'God and Sport' might be a clue to where his interests lie). And college even has a heading they can categorise this under in our end of year reports: they call it 'formation'.

It's making me all the more fascinated to explore the connections between physical endeavour and mental/spiritual wellbeing. It's so encouraging to hear how it's still impacting you a year on - keep posting!!

[bizzyb Graduate]

Hi, Great Post, I am all the ones on list one, totally over-committed at work for the past 3 yrs and no sign of a let-up. Sometimes I am some of the ones on list 2, running is great for de-stress and relaxation, I always see it as a "yoga" session as I come back in relaxed from the run.

[TJFlute in reply to bizzyb]

That would explain the name 'bizzyb' ! There is no let up in some jobs. I seriously admire everyone who is in full time stressful jobs and still fit in their runs. I'm full time at the moment and I'm finding that I have to take my running gear with me and do it straight after work or get up at 5 am which just isn't happening!