I've always been a "sporty" type of person - but could never run more than 5 mins without needing to stop.
Now in my late 40s and with an increasing waistline, at the start of September, I decided to give the C25k programme a go - I wasn't overly hopeful it would help me though.
I found the early runs relatively easy - as my previous attempts at running had all been "stop / start" so it was no difference to me - but disappointment did set in when I realised my previous attempts at "runs" had taken as long as the "run / walks" of Wk1!!
I soon got into the programme though (helped by reading the blogs on here about how others were improving - I still had my doubts about myself though!!) and coped with the gentle increases.
The first 20 minute run worried me - but I surprised myself by doing it.
I struggled on the step up to 25 minutes runs (Wk6r3 & Wk7) - but after some advice on this forum, decided to push on through to Wk8 - despite not really completing the 4 x 25 minute runs, which was a good decision as I seemed to break through the barrier, found Wk8 easier, actually started not hating what I was doing (was going to say I started enjoying what I was doing - but that was a bit strong!!) & managed to banish my mental Gremlins!!
I did my first Wk9 run on 30th Oct - on a treadmill due to work commitments.
10 mins in, I got a pain in my calf, just below the knee - but decided to run through it.
Bad decision - as I was limping for the next 2-3 days & the muscle pain seemed to weaken my knee!!!
After a few days rest - I was still a bit wary - so decided to try a couple of Spinning classes (as this seemed less "impacting") - I enjoyed these, as I always have.
I then found my old Gremlins starting to find their voice again - maybe I am not cut out to be a runner, will my knees etc take it, should I stick to Spinning, after a week away - could I manage 30 mins??
But today, I decided to give it a go.
I almost didn't as I started to find excuses - but after reading a few blogs on here, I got some of my Wk8 enthusiasm back.
Off I went, the first 5-10 mins (my crisis time) weren't too bad.
I actually got annoyed that I had to pick my way past a removal van on a country lane (in the past I would have used that as an excuse to walk!!!)
After 10 minutes, I got back into my stride & despite a couple of hard bits, I completed my 30 minutes - I actually felt like I could have run for longer!!
On completion, I felt great.
I had managed an outside run of 30 mins for the first time in my life!!
And it felt ok - comfortable & good are again probby a bit too strong for the way I felt!!!
For those of you just starting out - GOOD LUCK & believe in this programme!!
I didn't - and probably still don't believe it could work, but my results seem to indicate otherwise!!
And keep reading others blogs for inspiration.
I have my final graduation run to do (probably on Sunday) and still can't believe I have got there!!
Thanks to all who helped develop this programme (especially Laura - sorry for some of the things I called you while out running!!!) and all who blogged and helped keep me going.
Happy running
(that is the first time I have ever said that!!!!!!)
If I can do it - you can!!!