NSV: I graduated from C25K!

Julie_Donahue
Julie_Donahue Posts: 394 Member
in Success Stories
I started MFP on January 1st at 306. After losing about 10 pounds, I started Couch to 5K. I got off to a slow start, and kind of stumbled through the first 4 weeks. I thought I was going to die when I ran for 60 seconds at a time during the first day. But week 5 (with the 20 minute run!) was the turning point. Something clicked.

It didn't get easy. But I got better. I'm still not fast, but I have not run a full 5K (3.1 miles) twice! And I've completed the C25K program. I'm still 276 pounds (down 10%!!). But I'm not letting that slow me down.

I run slow--my fasted run is 4 MPH, but I can only do that for a song or two. My comfortable run is at 3.5 MPH.

But, I am RUNNING! Me! The almost 300 pound, 43 year old Mom who never ran!!

This is one of my favorite pictures:
I+run+slow.jpg

Replies

  • beckimj
    beckimj Posts: 186 Member
    congratulations!!!!
  • hope002
    hope002 Posts: 1,066 Member
    Congrats!!!!! I completed c25k 2 weeks ago, I know how you feel :)
  • rissaloses
    rissaloses Posts: 38 Member
    Way to go! You have definitely motivated me to start this program!
  • jchocchip
    jchocchip Posts: 72 Member
    Well done! I love c25k. I did it last year and now run a slow 5k every Saturday and try and do a mid week run too. Week 5 was a great feeling!
  • elsbbels
    elsbbels Posts: 190 Member
    Wow amazing well done! I just did week 5 day 3 yesterday, and something clicked too, I couldn't believe I ran solid for 20 mins! What an achievement for you I cannot wait to graduate! :D!!
  • GC2B
    GC2B Posts: 168 Member
    Well done.
    I hope that you inspire more to try it, its a great programme.
    And please dont worry about your speed, that will come later (so I'm told).

    xx
  • dmw45
    dmw45 Posts: 73
    I'm too busy to finish for another few weeks but you are great inspiration for me to stick with it and come back to it when things slow down for me!! You had me running outside on Easter when the gym was closed because you'd done it, and since then I really prefer to do it outside! Who knew? ;)

    Best part is you graduated just in time for the weather to be nice!!
  • shellbellnz
    shellbellnz Posts: 115 Member
    Awesome, its such a good feeling isn't it. I was amazed that I finished it and I am still doing it. I still have not run 5k, as I run quite slow I think. But I am just blown away that I can even run for 30 mins at a time. Some days I still want to stop though but I made myself keep going.
  • Ifraj01
    Ifraj01 Posts: 2 Member
    You are awesome! I just started the program and your story is just what I needed to hear.
  • Angimom
    Angimom Posts: 1,463 Member
    High five, you are awesome! Congratulations!
  • flisafakto
    flisafakto Posts: 143 Member
    Congrats! This is really great! I've had my struggles with C25K and this is very inspiring :)
  • xbleedingxglitterx
    xbleedingxglitterx Posts: 27
    Congrats!! So awesome!! I just started week 2 so reading your post inspires me to keep going :)
  • CoachBillRogers
    CoachBillRogers Posts: 1
    Awesome. I am on week 2 day 2 of C210K. It is quite a challenge. I fasted first to bring my weight down, doing other exercieses too. I weighed 302 on Jan 2nd and am down to 241 now. Keep Pounding Pavement!
  • MissMormie
    MissMormie Posts: 359 Member
    Great job! Really, well done. See what you can accomplish if your set your mind to it?

    And the speed, it'll get better as long as you keep going. When I finished a couch to 5k I was at a speed where I was literally being overtaken by people walking their dogs. I'm still not fast but I can now outrun old people with crutches ;)
  • nickgarner6
    nickgarner6 Posts: 106 Member
    Rock On!! You're doing awesome!
  • cgo8890
    cgo8890 Posts: 32
    great job! very inspiring!
  • rebeccawwalters
    rebeccawwalters Posts: 37 Member
    Another saying I really like..."No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping someone on the couch!"
  • firedenswife2012
    firedenswife2012 Posts: 18 Member
    I love the quote from your picture! This group really encourages me to keep on keeping on.
  • Wende3
    Wende3 Posts: 41
    I am on week five and will do workout three tonight. I am nervous I won't be able to make the 20 minutes but I'm going to give it a shot! Congrats to you!
  • simplyme99
    simplyme99 Posts: 68 Member
    What an accomplishment! Yay for you!!!
  • mfrkorey
    mfrkorey Posts: 176 Member
    That is soo great! You are already seeing great progress in your profile pic!
  • mygrl4meee
    mygrl4meee Posts: 943 Member
    Very good!! I am 2 runs away from being finished with it myself.
  • lawna73
    lawna73 Posts: 6
    Congrats and good for you!!! Keep up the good work, it will continue to get better and more rewarding. You have an amazing success story!! Keep us posted on your journey, it is an inspiration!
  • Lind5ay90
    Lind5ay90 Posts: 376 Member
    That's so great! I'm doing week 5 day 3 today and I am SO nervous! All I can think about is that there's no way in heck I can run for a solid 20 minutes. But, this definitely motivated me! Thanks!
  • kmrbriscoe
    kmrbriscoe Posts: 25 Member
    Congrats!

    I will finish up week two tonight, and have scheduled a 5K a week after I am supposed to finish the 8 week program as an incentive! It is not easy but I am really enjoying it. I used to run when I was in the Navy but that was 50lbs lighter than I am now and 20+ years ago. :-) I was worried my knees would bother me at this weight but I am not having any issues.
  • silvergurl518
    silvergurl518 Posts: 4,123 Member
    this is what i call inspiring!!! we all start slow....i'm a slow *kitten* runner! i ran an 8K last weekend....there were 195 runners and i finished in 175th place. but whatever! i finished! you are awesome!

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