This was me six years ago! I couldn’t run at all but started with a goal of 5k (which I’d failed at before). And I think you’re right, the reason why I did make it that time round was because a) I had my people supporting me who were more experienced runners. They were super supportive and non-judgemental of my snail pace! And b) I really wanted to prove it to myself.
Fast forward to now, I’ve run two marathons and lots of half marathons. Because if I could do 5k…I could push to a 10k, right? And so on 😂
Omg!! That's AMAZING. It's never even crossed my mind to want to do a half or full marathon but now that I'm enjoying running so much more, my mind is automatically like "well what if..."
We'll see where this journey takes me but you're such an inspiration!
Such a great post! I did exactly the same and have graduated now to half marathons but I couldn’t believe how much the gradual, couch to 5k to 10k and following training helped. So good for other new runners to hear that they should take it easy on themselves, too. I’d also add that new runners may want to try a run club. It’s kept me motivated and even my little introverted ass has made great friends there.
This is so inspiring. Like a lot of ppl probably have done before me, I let everything about my running just dwindle away after I had my babies. But something has been nagging at me lately to start again. Your post (and your advice) is the kick up the bum I needed. Thank you truly for that.
I'd love to try running again, but my thing is finding somewhere to do it. I'd love to run around a park or lake, but there's just nothing like that close by.
This was very timely thank you for all the detail. I'm comfortable with a 5k but nothing more and I'm working up to a 10k this year.. This is what I needed to read!
Love how you nailed the control thing. When everything else is spiraling, picking a hard thing you can actually influence is such a underrated form of agency. I had a similar phase where lifting became my only predictable win durign a rough job transition. The part about slow runs building aerobic fitness is spot-on too, most beginners blow past their aerobic base trying to hit paces that look good on Strava and then wonder why they're always injured or burnt out.
This was me six years ago! I couldn’t run at all but started with a goal of 5k (which I’d failed at before). And I think you’re right, the reason why I did make it that time round was because a) I had my people supporting me who were more experienced runners. They were super supportive and non-judgemental of my snail pace! And b) I really wanted to prove it to myself.
Fast forward to now, I’ve run two marathons and lots of half marathons. Because if I could do 5k…I could push to a 10k, right? And so on 😂
Still slow, but proud of the progress!
Omg!! That's AMAZING. It's never even crossed my mind to want to do a half or full marathon but now that I'm enjoying running so much more, my mind is automatically like "well what if..."
We'll see where this journey takes me but you're such an inspiration!
It’s weirdly addictive! I’ll be cheering you on for the journey!
Such a great post! I did exactly the same and have graduated now to half marathons but I couldn’t believe how much the gradual, couch to 5k to 10k and following training helped. So good for other new runners to hear that they should take it easy on themselves, too. I’d also add that new runners may want to try a run club. It’s kept me motivated and even my little introverted ass has made great friends there.
This is so inspiring. Like a lot of ppl probably have done before me, I let everything about my running just dwindle away after I had my babies. But something has been nagging at me lately to start again. Your post (and your advice) is the kick up the bum I needed. Thank you truly for that.
I have wanted to try running for a long time, this might be the year I actually do it. Thanks for sharing your journey.
I'd love to try running again, but my thing is finding somewhere to do it. I'd love to run around a park or lake, but there's just nothing like that close by.
This was very timely thank you for all the detail. I'm comfortable with a 5k but nothing more and I'm working up to a 10k this year.. This is what I needed to read!
Love how you nailed the control thing. When everything else is spiraling, picking a hard thing you can actually influence is such a underrated form of agency. I had a similar phase where lifting became my only predictable win durign a rough job transition. The part about slow runs building aerobic fitness is spot-on too, most beginners blow past their aerobic base trying to hit paces that look good on Strava and then wonder why they're always injured or burnt out.