Another Couch to 5k in the books! This was not my first go-around, and I think at this point I may be a groupie. But I credit C25k with so many positive improvements in my life that I’ll wear that identity with pride. I asked Ravina Handa, a fellow C25k alum, what surprised her most about this round. She shared “How easy it is to make friends with someone new at C25k. Everyone is there to run but to be social too.”

Saturday of week three, Keri told the group some insight she had once received from a soccer coach: it takes three weeks to form a habit. At that point, it still felt like death when I ran, but the pay-it-forward encouragement helped me keep going. And even if I didn’t notice any improvement, I’d been running consistently for three weeks as had the other 40+ C25k participants. For me, it was week seven when I finally felt like perhaps this running thing wasn’t so bad. 

Speaking of our coaches, extra big shout-out to our fearless leader Keri! Thank you Jackie, Kristen E., Kristen C., Matt, RJ, and Scott. I am sure I am not the only one who finds the distraction of conversation and hearing “walk” at various increments motivating and hugely helpful. And thank you for Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks for continuing to sponsor the Upper Valley Running Club & C25k. We are very lucky to live in a community that supports these opportunities for Lebanon residents but also the greater Upper Valley. 

Running the Red, White & Blue was much more enjoyable than I anticipated, made especially lovely by the pina colada snow cone at the end. Given the humidity, I was tempted to dump it on my head–but I figured that may not be socially acceptable and/or could make for an especially sticky ride home.

On a personal note, this is the first time I’ve done the C25k program and continued to run on my own once it was complete. I don’t know how long this will last, but for now, I’m running 2-3 times/week.

See you all in the fall!