a year on...

[Soozz]

I'm not entirely sure whether it was 3rd or 5th of July last year that I started C25k, but anyway it's a year since that first scary, I'll-never-do-this W1R1! This programme really has changed my life. I have now lost 3 stone 10 lbs, feel so much better about myself, KNOW I look better, and most importantly, I'm considerably fitter and healthier than a year ago. I am training for 10k - slowly, there are so many hills round here that you can only run so far before you encounter a fairly daunting incline, so the only way is to gradually conquer the hills and stretch out stamina and distance that way. I love running and have just invested in some running SHORTS (I last wore shorts in 1989!) - although I've yet to actually wear them, ha ha. I get unnaturally excited when I buy new kit or running shoes, and read running magazines and articles on the Internet.

I could not have done any of it without the C25k community - we support each other on the journey and moan/giggle/share/ encourage each other on this blog site. I feel I've got a whole lot of new friends with our shared experience, and it's amazing how much we share of our lives as well as our common interest in running. Runners are amazing people! there are very few runners out there who don't smile, wave or say hi, and I often wonder if people I see it running have also done C25k.

So thank you everybody, you are brilliant! Happy running.

PS To mark the day, I did Speed - something I couldn't have dreamt of a year ago. I didn't do a long run because I'd already done a Pilates and a Swiss Ball class so my legs were already a bit tired! excuses, excuses!

[MotherGoose Graduate]

Well done for keeping going - it's not always easy is it? I think once you get to that point where you realise yes you can run and then you start to enjoy it, it is very addictive! Good luck with your 10k and get your shorts on - the sun is about to come out!! x

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Yay, congratulations! And what a list of achievements - fantastic It's amazing just how life-changing this programme can be, and your blog is a wonderful celebration of all you have achieved. Happy running

[greenlegs Graduate]

Good for you! Now get those shorts on, and show off your legs!

[Pat184 Graduate]

Hi soozz great blog, a good years achievements ,I am a few weeks behind you but what a year we have had with all the ups and downs, pesky hills but the great support we have had has been amazing . No running for me for a few weeks, dislocated my shoulder last week . Pat.

[Soozz Graduate in reply to Pat184]

Oh, no, Pat! that is supposed to be excruciating, Hope it's soon better. Sue x

[Pat184 Graduate in reply to Soozz]

It was Soozz it happen at my exercise .the paramedic filled me with morphine and they popped it back in at the hospital . First time in 74 years went in a ambulance

[Soozz Graduate in reply to Pat184]

how awful. I bet it's still tender from all the wrenching around too, even though it's back in place. Take care! x

[Hidden]

Couldn't agree with you more, a fantastic year, congrats on your anniversary.

[SVR28]

Great post. I'm new to this (Week 3 run 3) so it is lovely to read blogs like this.

Very inspiring.

[pingle Graduate]

Lovely to hear from you Soozz. You graduated around the same time I did. While I haven't achieved your fantastic weight loss I am still running and did a 10k Race for Life a few weeks back. It was brilliant and I'm sure you will enjoy your 10k too. Haven't quite worked up the courage to go out in shorts either but given the warmer weather it looks like I might have to! Carry on running and keep enjoying it!

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

Well done Soozz! Nice to see you here again!

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

Happy anniversary Soozz. I remember last July so well, as I began on July 31st so that first month or so I was right behind you!

Congratulations and keep in touch, love Delia xox

[Soozz Graduate in reply to DeliaItaly]

Special thanks are due to you, Delia, and Legion, and also AliB and TJFlute, who encouraged me when I really needed it. I feel we've shared something amazing - got through the downs as well as the ups. Certainly we all shared your anguish when you broke your arm and had to wait 6 weeks or more before continuing with the programme. How're things for you? I know you were having a difficult time and hope you are OK. love, Sue XX

[DeliaItaly Graduate in reply to Soozz]

Things are crazy! I am still running 3 x a week but everything else has gone a bit haywire since mum died. Dad has been diagnosed with vascular dementia with delirium -- whatever that means -- and despite a carer 24/7 I am plagued by guilt. But, I am trying to stay as positive as I can and have every intention to keep on running even if I don't blog as much as I did. Hope to meet you in person one day, love, Delia xox

[Soozz Graduate in reply to DeliaItaly]

Oh, Delia, my heart goes out to you. You mustn't feel guilty, you are doing the very best you can with a difficult situation. It really Is a balancing act trying to cope with ageing parents,children, work, husband etc. and keep a little bit of time for your own sanity. Remember you can always offload here if you need to.

It would be great to all get together one of these days! love, Sue xx

[swanscot Graduate]

Happy anniversary. Like you, and Delia, I too started C25K in July 2012 and, like you, loved the encouragement from others in this community.

Now go out and flash those legs in your new shorts!!

[Mitts Graduate]

You might never get better weather for shorts, Soozz, get them on!

I'm another July starter, must have been towards the end 'cos I was a day behind Delia for a long time till she broke her arm!

Happy days thinking about it, what a lot of support we gave each other, like a wee group of friends within a bigger class.

Is Sara still around? And Gayle and hubby?? And Mattaitch??

Happy running everyone anyway, and thank you, I don't think any of us would be where we are, running-wise, without the others!