I'm the stereotypical 'lurker' on the forum as I avidly read but not often do I post, I find the constant posts of motivation, inspiring comments and the plain tips on running, a joy.
People really do care you know.....
I started my own journey on C25K in 2013 and couldn't believe the difference running made to me in both the physical and mental senses. I've just retired from quite a stressful job (responsibility for 200 people) and running gave me the mental release from the stresses the dayjob presented to me each day.
Now I have more time I intend to have a more structured running plan across the weeks ahead and who knows, the inspiration from this site may motivate me to aspire to a half-marathon plan should this ol' fella's bones allow it. I know one thing though, I know I can count on support from you all here.
I admit to cycling more now as well. I know, I am a sinner. But what has inspired me in running from this forum has helped me to achieve some goals on 2 wheels, RideLondon 100miler, London to Paris for Parkinson's Society to name a couple but whatever we do the constant that exists in us all is the desire to be appreciated and supported when times are challenging.
I see that every day on here, it's an amazing place.
All of you that post, lurk or administrate, please keep going, please keep the camaraderie that is so prevalent at whatever stages we are individually on our personal journeys, I know it made a difference to me, I'm sure it makes a difference to you too.
Like I say, people really do care you know.
Written by
marpick
Graduate10
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You may be a lurker, but you’re still a member here and this post is brilliant. Graduated in 2013 and STILL running - how fantastic is that!
I love the idea that there are loads of people out there who read our posts and are inspired, but don’t actively post themselves. I did that for a while myself.
And I hope I’m still running when I retire. Enjoy the extra time, now you can really follow a plan and a half marathon is not that difficult really😈😂 Ha, ha.
Good luck with your running and cycling. They make good partners 🙂
From couch to 5k you can go anywhere you wish. It’s a matter of training. Slow but sure will take you there. We have lots of marathoners - myself included - and a few doing ultras. I did my first marathon on my 60th birthday.
What a lovely post! I'm a 2013'er too and still going and still here. Like you, I do other things for my body that running introduced me to 😏 but running is my first love. And I've hung around here for all the reasons you give. It's my little running family and I can't leave.
A huge well done on your fantastic achievements, that's some way to cycle!
Good luck with your retirement and enjoy every single day 🤗🤗🤗
I'm a relative newbie by comparison, having started C25K just under 2 years ago. You're right about this place being amazing, and without it I'm not sue I would still be running regularly.
I'm secretly hoping to work towards a half marathon but haven't et stumbled upon a plan that suits. The furthest I've run so far is 20km, and only the once. This morning I was pleased with 15km in just over 1 hour and 30 mins, but was completely knackered at the end.
Good luck with your retirement - I retired early on ill health grounds and am loving the freedom to do stuff I want to. Look forward to hearing more from you (unless you go back to lurking again 😂😂😂)
Thank you Razouski, like you I've retired a couple of years early but for no other reason than I just thought, enough's enough old man, live your life...
I do currently run at least 6 days a week and the structure will change rather than frequency and also well done to you on the distances you've achieved, I'm in awe and hope to aspire to being able to address you as just 'Raz' in the future if I cut down on the lurking and post more 😉
Only currently able to manage 10k distances twice a week due to time constraints and intersperse with late evening, between 9&10, shorter runs but I do try and keep the legs working! 😊I'm a night bird when running, body seems to prefer it!
I’ve never run at in the evening, I’m always a first thing in the morning runner, probably because I like to run on an empty stomach - frightened I would be 🤮 otherwise. 😂
I'm a C25K newbie compared with you (only graduated in November last year) - but also find running really helps in managing the stresses of my job (responsibility for 200+ children in my case).
It's great to hear that your still positive 5 years on and a half marathon plan sounds impressive.
Such a lovely post and you have articulated what so many of us feel. This forum is, as you say, a VERY special place. I don't think I would have achieved my own goals without checking in regularly for the support, advice and a chance to chat about all things running related with like-minded folk! So many inspiring stories have made me laugh and cry...it has also been a safe place to retreat to amidst the sometimes stressful times of life. Good luck with your running and cycling now you have retired. What a great opportunity to set some new goals and share the journey - we are always keen to cheer and shake those virtual Pom poms! 😀
Thank you Sandraj, very kind and like you, I love reading the posts on here, by their variation they bring such a richness and colour to my running!
Nothing wrong with cycling. And so glad you stuck your head above the oarapet - and with such a splendid post as well. Your six days a week is awesome.
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Park run 3, new place😁
Nice place to run on a hot day.
A great new place to chat about our running. 
When the school entrance is the only place to run🏃♀️🏃♀️
