Wow! Thank you.

[Kafen]

I didn't really believe I could succeed with this. I have arthritis and I'm considerably shorter on my left side than my right. Other than that I have never exercised. I didn't even really do PE at school as there was often a way I could avoid it.

I was scared and I found some of the runs hard; but I never ceased to be amazed that I could do them. Of course, some runs were worse than others; but I took comfort in the contributions of everyone on here in that there will be good runs and bad runs, some things hurt, shoes help, sometimes weight doesn't come off for a few weeks (I'm still waiting!) and other very helpful wonderful stories and snippets of information.

I have terrible problems with my ankles, my calves were constantly cramping and around week 6 I bit the bullet and got some new shoes :-D. It took a couple of weeks; but I can say that my ankles are most definitely improved and the calve cramps are gone! Like magic.

Yesterday I achieved my greatest achievement to date. I ran 5k for the first time ever. It took me 39 minutes and I'm so pleased. It wasnt easy; but I just kept going somehow.

I'm doing the Race for Life in a couple of weeks. It now seems achievable. I'm still amazed!

Thank you very much Laura for your podcasts, Sarah for being a good leader in our Wednesday's C25K group and of course all of you, who are sharing your experiences and giving advice. I cant tell you how much help you've all been. Thank you so much for keeping me going.

Happy running everyone.

Take care

K

[Fentaz42 Graduate]

Thank you for taking the time to write your story. It's exactly this kind of blog that totally inspires me and gives me the courage to keep trying! I'm onto my 3rd run of week 1 and definately don't feel like a "real runner" as yet but I know I'll get there!

So, well done and congratulations on finishing your 5k run!

[lycranotlikely Graduate]

What a wonderful blog A testimony to what C25K can do for us all.

[ktaylor217 Graduate]

Wonderful! Always gives me a tingle when I read blogs like this. C25k is changing lives!

[Kafen in reply to ktaylor217]

Just spotted you're a graduate of C25K. Well done! It's a marvellous feeling isn't it. I haven't found yet how to set my status to graduate; but I know I've completed and that's great.

Thank you very much for your very kind words.

Take care

K

[Run2go]

wow- what a fantastic story. You have inspired me to keep going despite my bad ankles, aches and age and fat. Slow and steady and amazed at how my body can do things If I approach it in a gentle way. Well done and good luck with the Race for Life!

[Kafen]

A Thank you so much for your lovely replies. They too are really encouraging. Keep going. I can honestly say that it does get better. I'm still telling myself that now as I get ready for the Race for Life.

Good luck.

Fentaz42. Well done on coming this far. I remember being there and thinking absolutely no way can I do this; but hey, I did! You will too.

Lycranotlikely. Thank you very much for your kind words. C25K must be a spectacular programme if I can do it. Thank you.

Ktaylor217. Thank you vey much. It's fab to read how everyone is doing, agreeing with what they say and finding that we're all getting there together.

Run2go, take it easy and you'll get there. Chip away at it and before you know it you'll have done it. The ankle thing is horrible. I couldn't walk between runs which was awkward. I make sure I stretch out my ankles - point the foot forward as much as you can (I think of a ballet dancer stretching out the toes) then point the foot upwards with the toes stretching towards your leg as far as you can and release. It is a good idea to support your leg while you're doing this! I also have anti inflammatory tablets and gel - nothing new there, I'm just applying the gel to my ankles when I need it. as well as everywhere else! Last week was the first time I realised my ankles were now ok.

Thank you all once again for your kind words and support. Good luck with the C25K. You can all do it.

Take care

Happy running!

K

[Hidden]

Well done and I love your inspiring blog. It's exactly this kind of thing that shows just what can be done. Congratulations and all the very best to you.