Run my first 5km ever, and this is what it taught me

Hi All! I know I have not been posting in a while, but that is only down to work/family commitments. I read your posts all the same. I have a funny story to tell you or at least, I think it is. A while ago, I went back to the gym. (I cut my membership 3 years ago due to financial problems, and that is when I gained my extra 10kg.) So the aim was to go back to my 60kg from 70kg. (My BMI was 29.) So I went back to the gym, and I was disappointed after a while nothing much happened, have not lost WEIGHT really, went for the occasional run (next to the gym activities.) I was really upset for the scale not moving, even though I could see the inches go here and there. 3 weeks ago, my friend asked if I want to do a 5km charity run with her, in 10 days time. I do not know why I said yes. I did not really like running that much and 5km without a stop felt like shooting for the stars. For the next 10 days, I went for 15 min runs every other day, but the max I could manage was 2.5 km. I will cut a very long story short: I did the 5km, without a stop in very good time, and since then I LOVE running. Because it is all in your head! It is a mental sport, and when you are distracted by a mate, all the cheering ppl and also you just want to really do it, you do it! Yes, since then I had a few lesser runs, but it really gave me a bug. Then I saw some photos from the day, and something did not look usual. Firstly: all the action photos from the day show a woman grinning from ear to ear, even 1 km before the finish line where I was a bit exhausted. It looks like I had fun. And I did! I am radiating with pride, fun and just the joy of being with others on this event. And secondly: yeah I am curvy (and always will be with my boobs but I am really strong! Strong legs, thighs and arms. And slim tummy too. And I turned to my partner and said this, and he said: 'Well yeah! Of course! You have been turning into the iron lady for the last few months! With all that gymming you have been doing why are you surprised?" So I hope you see the moral of the story! Yes, I was not losing weight. I was losing FAT. In the last few months, I muscled up! And it suits me too And I love running now - all I needed is a friend roping me into a charity event. And it took me this to finally understand that I may never go back to 60kg, but if I carry on like this, I will look like my old self: sporty and happy

[Ceals]

Fantastic story, thank you for sharing with us. Really inspiring and i will get to running in the not too distant future I reckon.

[YellowRose55]

Great inspiring story Hidden loved reading it. Well done you for completing the 5km run with your friend and I'm sure now you have the love for running it won't be your last one.

Sometimes we don't notice our own changes and it takes someone like our partners to point them out or photos like the ones from your run. You have done brilliant so well done you!

[Active_43]

Brilliant Hidden , I hope they gave you a shiny medal for all your efforts. What a great achievement. It's easy to get hung up about the number on the scales but what you are doing to much better for your health.

We are all different and we have to do what works for us to be healthy and live a good life.

Btw. what is 60kg?? hahaha, chatting to a friend the other day and we haven't been that sort of weight since we were teens. We are now in our 40s but probably eat more veg and move more than we did as teenagers!

have a great day x

[Hidden in reply to Active_43]

True- I eat more veg than ever, and quit smoking too, so I would choose these years over anything now Thanks for your support!

[Sun_seeker]

Yay - well done on your 5k and it sounds as though you did a good time too. I hope you always remember the euphoria you felt a wonderful achievement.

And well done for accepting that your body is happy 😊 to be the shape and size it is without you losing actual weight. What a fantastic advertisement for a healthy lifestyle you are 👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Sun_seeker]

Thank you so much!

[Mimirossi Maintainer]

What a fabulous post CurlyBayleaf! Well done! I am beginning to realise how much of a mental thing running is. Obviously a lot is to do with your body, but how you are thinking while running really affects the performance. I am so pleased for you!

[Claz]

i recently ran 5k for race for life... i weigh 17st and had never run in my life... i know how good that feeling is complete it and you should feel proud of yourself for doing it... i also do a lot of exercise and the scales dont move so your post reminded me again that its not all about the scales x

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Hidden ,

This is a very inspiring post - and I am really happy to hear how much you're enjoying running. Congratulations on your achievements, and Happy Running!!!

Here's to the 'sporty and happy' you!

Zest