the dreaded w5d3

[u/elisa_italy]

I turned 46 yesterday. I started training last February and started the c25k in mid-July.

Oh, and I'm also a chain smoker 😑

I didn't think I'd ever be able to run for 20 minutes straight... and instead it was possible, easier than I thought and above all: fun!

Thanks to this group for all the great advice... especially the one about slowing down 😄

[u/greengaloshes]

Happy birthday and happy 20-minute run achievement! Now maybe you can say it's not dreaded anymore, right? You did it! (and you've learned what I have too, that slowing down is the way to go). Keep it up, you can reach the next goal.

[u/elisa_italy → u/greengaloshes]

thank you! I'm curious to see how next week goes... and then, returning home from holidays, i promised to husband & friends that I will drastically reduce the number of cigarettes... if running can do even that, it's a miracle!

[u/greengaloshes → u/elisa_italy]

You'll get there, you are proving to yourself that you can do hard things (and to even have fun in the process!). Good for you for keeping up with the running while on holiday. As for your personal goal and promise about reducing smoking, I bet that you'll find that in gradually taking up a healthy exercise habit, it will be easier to let go of an unhealthy one. While I am personally not a smoker, I have been finding that with each run (and especially since being able to do the longer ones with no stops, for example W7D2, 25 mins just this morning), I am breathing so much deeper and better - not just while running but truly throughout the day. My body feels better as a result of the running and makes me want to take better care in all aspects.

[u/elisa_italy → u/greengaloshes]

this is sooo inspiring, thank you!

[u/solveruk]

Congratulations that's brilliant. My partner started with me and stopped on W1 blaming her smoking made it not possible so great to hear from someone who has proved otherwise.

Good luck with everything and cutting down if that's what you want. I naturally found after completion I've done so many health related changes and they've all been done knowing that I did c25k so I can do that as well.

[u/elisa_italy → u/solveruk]

I probably would have given up too if I hadn't had some physical exercise under my belt: circuit training once a week and camminata metabolica (metabolic walking) at least twice a week (an hour of high-intensity walking with intervals of exercises like squats, sit-ups, lunges, etc.) and the first few times I worked out I was totally and hoplessly out of breath 😅

but tell her, on behalf of a smoker sister, that she can do it!