C25k (couch to 5k)
This morning our latest bunch of Couch to 5k runners - did their graduation run at Castlerea parkrun, some of the group were missing with other commitments, so we will run together next week, but these 6 ladies, did amazingly well this morning, going from zero - 6 weeks ago to a 5k run in average of 36 minutes this morning!
Running the 6-week C25k program is for me personally my most enjoyable “class” if you like. People sign up, usually worried about their fitness levels, I tend to get lots of messages, starting with “I’m not very fit” “will I be slowing everyone down” “I’ve never run before” and “I’m carrying 2 stone, more than I should”, “will I be able to do it” - trust me everyone has the same worries. And the answer to all of the doubts, all of the questions is YES you can - now occasionally, someone picks up an injury or illness which stops them from completing the 6-week course - but to date, we have a 97% completion.
Running always seems really hard when you return as an adult, my story started with Couch to 5k back in 2011 - my first parkrun nearly killed me! But running for me nowadays is not just for physical fitness, its my head space, my escape, and my coping mechanism for dealing with life’s ups & downs.
Milton Keynes parkrun 2011 - OMG I was wearing shoes :-)
And I guess, because I personally have gained so much from running over the years, physically, and mentally, not to mention life-long friendships with my running community - I’m passionate about introducing others to running.
There is no better feeling - than running a parkrun graduation with people who 6 weeks previously, thought you were quite mad to suggest that they could run an entire 5k, by simply following a program set out each week, turning up, doing their homework, and having a little faith in the process!
Likewise, seeing C25K graduates, joining the running club, showing up week after week, training for races, doing technical sessions, making friends, and building their confidence.
Running can truly be life-changing!
This blog is dedicated to all my running friends & a special thanks to Keith for helping me run the program!
The answer is “yes you can, with consistency & commitment, anything is possible”
parkrun is a free timed 5k - run by volunteers every Saturday morning 9.30 am start, you can run or walk, kids & dogs (on a short lead) are welcome, you can find details of Castlerea parkrun here
Happy Running
Sheila x
Our earlier Summer group of 5k - at Castlerea parkrun graduation