Yesterday I gave testimony to the merits of running.

[serendipitygal]

Yes, I went out to the supermarket after my graduation run (Ooh, I love that lol) and the check out lady commented on my atire and then went on to say that she hated exercise and couldn't run and anyway, she had bad knees. I smiled and said, do you know, I also HAD bad knees. my knees used to grind and grate and ache going upstairs and especially down stairs and yes, the first two or three weeks they ached from running but now they don't!

I had actually said this to Peter the day before in leeds (when I had to walk up stairs (twice) to find a toilet) normally, they would have been hurting, and now they don't.

Aside from being able to run, my knees are obviously stronger and less painful---I am reluctant to say pain free just in case.

It seems I am becoming a fanatic and feel like singing from the rooftops about the benefits of running lol

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Keep on singing! My knees are like your knees. I still grind up and down stairs (and grimace and moan sometimes), but they are getting a bit better, and I'm not going to let them stop me graduating!

[serendipitygal Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

I honestly hadn't realised they were improving but they really have. I always avoided trying to run as everyone said it would be bad for knees, its high impact etc. etc. but i am so glad I ignored it.

I only wish I had attempted C25K before

Good luck, Janet

[Maysie1 Graduate]

There should be a warning (written in capital letters) with the c25k podcasts so that we all fully understand the risks, ie that there is a very high risk of becoming running bores when graduating.

I am exactly the same now!

I have spurred on 3 others to start the programme too, so lets spread the word...!

[serendipitygal Graduate]

There really should, shouldn't there?

If it spurs people on to get fitter, I think it's acceptable, although some of my friends might not agree lol

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done SG! I run to 2 supermarkets now that I always thought were too far off. I can't be a*sed to get the car out as both are on such a hellish road, so to be able to run to get stuff (albeit in small amounts) is great and a mark of just how much running can help in all areas of our lives.

My niece has started running, inspired by my being successful at C25k. She started it without telling anyone but she has confided in me. I'm ever so chuffed

[serendipitygal Graduate in reply to misswobble]

wow Misswobble, that might be my next aim- to run to the shops There are a number of them within 20 minutes walking distance so maybe a plan IF i remember I don't have the car with me when I'm shopping lol (and I have done a trolley load before when Ive been walking- doh!)

Great news about your niece too. Can you run together once she's graduated?

[Hidden]

My knee has improved too, I had an accident years ago that never really stopped hurting...weird isn't it I'd have thought running would make it worse...

[serendipitygal Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It is isn't it Curly. The myth that running os bad for joints as prevented me from trying in the past. I used to be a semi pro power lifter (14 years ago now) but always resisted cardio but quit the power lifting after seeing all the ex professionals in their 60's using sticks and really bad knees and joints. I think the squatting did leave my knees creaky and grinding so I am THRILLED they are no longer aching and hurting so much.

[Tomas Graduate]

Wonderful that you are reaping the benefit AND spreading the gospel at the same time

[serendipitygal Graduate in reply to Tomas]