First 25 Mins Straight and could have kept going!! 🤯
Long time lurker, first time poster but had to share that I finally finished a 25 min straight run!! I’ve been dreading the increase in running time, but I have to remember that even a 10/3/10 split felt impossible a couple months ago.
For some additional context, I’ve been taking the program VERY slow. Like, I started back in December 2025 slow hehe. I was a high school athlete and tore a ligament in my ankle, which I re-injured in 2020. I’ve had issues aggravating that injury in the past when I’ve exercised too hard without proper training and care.
So if runs feel hard, I redo them until they feel easier! I haven’t always been able to do 3x runs a week, but any run in the week was counted as win :) And, (maybe this is controversial!) I haven’t been running with a particular 5k date as my deadline. I find I have more motivation and less stress when I’m not pressuring myself!
Since I started running, I’ve had way more energy, less stress and more confidence! I’ve also lost 15 lbs, gone down 2 sizes (US) and generally had more motivation to stay consistent to keep my progress going. Plus with proper stretching, warmups and cooldowns, I don’t have shin splints or really any leg pain! As I stay consistent, I see my mile times getting shorter and feel my stamina increasing.
I think the best part of my training so far has been learning to extend grace and kindness to myself as I’ve moved through this program. I wasted a lot of time putting myself down for not being active or hating my body or being frustrated at my pace. I also got sober back in 2022 (shoutout sober runners!!) and running has absolutely given me a place to turn my brain off and tune into my body.
Anyway just had to brag on myself bc I rarely do and I’m feeling really proud and motivated! I’ve been following the C25K program in the pic carousel above which has been insanely helpful for my disorganized brain. Can’t wait to complete the 5k in a couple of weeks. Keep on running folks, your posts inspire me!!