I completed my final 30 minute run this evening and I'm so proud of myself!
In early January I decided I needed to do something about my sedentary lifestyle and terrible eating habits. I was really getting tired of being overweight and out of breath with the mildest exertion. I'd recently purchased a Kindle and was looking for weight loss type apps. I was intrigued by a c25k app I found because I never could run - and hadn't in 35 yrs - but it was something I always wished I could do. I started searching the internet about running programs and eventually stumbled upon the NHS Couch to 5K podcasts. I spent an evening reading numerous blogs and I was really inspired to give it a try, and so began my running journey with W1R1 on January 20.
I didn't realize it at the time but the trail I've been running on is a tiny bit over 5K. I stuck to the same route for the entire program because I liked having the "company" of all the other people out there walking, running, roller blading, biking. I find all those active people to be very motivational.
Around the same time that I started this program I began eating healthier and counting calories. And about half way through I added in other exercises on my rest days. I've lost 17 lbs so far and I'm feeling so much more energetic these days. I'm not done yet, though. I have about another 45 lbs to go. The body hugging running clothes I bought are helping me keep on track with healthy food choices.
I'm one of the very slow runners so my 30 minutes of running isn't anywhere near 5K. My fastest 5K (30 minutes running plus the rest walking) was 47:42 on W9R2. Now that I've gratuated I'm going to start varying my runs to work on increasing my distance first, so I can run 5K without stopping, and then my pace.
I'm looking forward to continuing my running (and fitness and weight loss) journey!!!
Happy running everyone!
Written by
TX-Bluebonnet
Graduate
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TX ... Big congratulations ... really proud of you for making it ..It is funny how lots of us start out never having run and suddenly we find it gets under our skin
Keep up the good work and happy running and hope you hit the 5K soon
Thank you, it is funny how this running has gotten under my skin. Still in a bit of shock over it.
I'm in central Texas and it's starting to get hot here. The forecast is saying the next week will be in the upper 70s to lower 80s, and it's not even summer yet. I'm not sure how I'll handle running in the heat.
I'm in the Middle East and running in 80+ degree heat at the minute. Not quite sure how I'll cope in the summer when it's 90 during the night and 110+ during the day. Sure I'll find a way though. Trying not to think too far ahead yet.
It was in the lower 80s during my late afternoon run today. I'm hoping I'll adjust to the heat. Or maybe I can find a route with more shade. I don't have the room or money for a treadmill so I'll have to figure something out. Good luck with your ultra-hot running.
Yey, cool. It is strange how you almost feel like the runner in yo has "grown up" with the people on this forum, we read about each others experiences and trails. You feel a little pride when you see a graduation.
That's fantastic! Well done! I'm about a week and a half behind you and will have to start looking at my diet...I feel great but amn't shifting any of the weight. Might have something to do with red wine. Anyway, enough about me. You must be walking on air.
Wow, you are amazing! Very many congratulations! I liked the bit about the 'others' (walkers, runners, bike riders etc), for company. I agree, I enjoy it and it is comforting when I see others out there exercising. Good luck with your continuing journey.
Congratulations on your graduation, fantastic job, well done. I am also on the get fitter/healthier lose weight journey beofre my 50th this year, and have found this program and the people here so inspiring! Enjoy your success and here's to the future!
Congratulations Bluebonnet (love that name!) It's lovely to see you crossing the finishing line. And your time is very similar to mine (though your running must be faster, as my first full 5k run was slower than your run/walk!)
Thanks so much greenlegs. For whatever reason I had a better than average run that day. It might be a while before I can do that pace again. I do plan on staying. I have to say, I was really glad to see so many graduates still hanging around to offer support and to share their pre and post-grad experiences. Hugs to you all.
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