One year on.

[Frank-ntj]

I haven't posted lately as life tends to overtake at times but it has been a year since I first made the effort to get out and get some exercise. I have never been a runner and at school I used to dread the annual cross country run as I was always a tail end Charlie. Me run for 30 minutes non stop, this will take some doing or will I give up?

This leads me to say one thing. What a great programme the NHS C25K is and with the support and friendliness of this forum, it is second to none. It was about a year ago that I decided to take up the C25K challenge, many things went through my mind as exercise and me never seemed compatible, but after retiring I decided I didn't want to become a permanent fixture on the sofa glued to the tv.

I started the programme but couldn't finish it in the 9 weeks, after redoing several modules it took me 12-13 weeks to graduate, which was just after Xmas 2014. By this time my new found hobby had taken hold like a drug and I was hooked and looking at where to go from here. After reading on this forum about Parkruns, I took the plunge, registered and have completed 18 in total so far with a PB of 26mins 29secs. Is this really me! What ever next!

It just goes to show, that you don't have to be some kind of racing snake to get your trainers on and go for a run round the block, and if I can do it anything is possible for everyone. It also helps to have a forum like this, to seek advice and support when things are not going as hoped for, from a personal point of view long may it continue.

So what's next for me? I had a moment of madness earlier in the year and entered the Great South Run, at first my family thought I was off my nut, they are probably right as I also don't mind running in the rain! But after a year with my new found hobby I can comfortably run continuously for 8 miles and meeting the goal of 10 miles for the GSR isn't as onerous as I once feared.

For anyone who has taken the challenge of C25K and struggling at the moment, have faith in yourself you can do it! Keep up the good work you will surprise yourself, I certainly have and I have also had the added bonus of losing 2 stone in weight, what more can you ask for! Make the most of it and enjoy your running everyone.

Frank

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Nice one Frank. What a difference a year can make.

[Frank-ntj in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Ian, yes I'm over the moon.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Perfect post sir! Just lovely😀

[gary_bart]

This forum certainly makes a big difference, too. Apart from the friendly, encouraging attitude that prevails, there's also an accumulated body of knowledge here about strategies that work, and best practices. Things like not being distracted by the quest for speed, for instance. And then there are the success stories. As we hear more and more of these, it becomes easier to believe that firstly, maybe the programme will help, and then later, that even more is possible. Thanks for sharing yours.

[Frank-ntj in reply to gary_bart]

You are right there Gary, there is a lot more to this forum and long may it last. It's such a pleasure to read encouragement rather than someone trying to put you down. Good luck with your running and enjoy.

[poppypug Graduate]

Good Evening Frank !

What an absolutely fantastic, brilliant post ! It has been such a pleasure reading your posts on here and on GC.

You are an inspiration to us all and a lovely lovely guy to boot !

Heres to the next year and all the Happy running adventures it brings. All the very best to you !

Cheers ! * clinks teacup * xxx

[Frank-ntj in reply to poppypug]

Thank you Chris, and I'm glad to read that all is well with you and you are back out again. Teacup now that sounds a good idea 😊. xxx

[danzargo Graduate]

Brilliant to read this Frank. Absolutely brilliant. You'll do the ten miler. How do I know? Cos I just know you will. You;ll just do it!

[Frank-ntj in reply to danzargo]

Cheers Dan, keep smiling mate! 😎

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done Frank - lovely story of a great year!

[Frank-ntj in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you Ully, hope alls well with you. 😎

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Many congratulations Frank. You've achieved some brilliant milestones on that year and I'm sure there's more to come.

[Frank-ntj in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you IP, I have appreciated the support given by members of this forum.

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Congratulations Frank you are doing brilliantly and long may it continue

[Frank-ntj in reply to Mummysaurus]

Thank you that's very kind.

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

Great post, Frank. Congratulations on your first runniversary; here's to 's great many more!

You're right, C25K is a fantastic program and really, truly works, so well. It's been life changing for a good few of us.

Good luck with the Great South Run; you'll have a brilliant time, I'm sure, anf you'll love it!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Happy runniversary Frank, you need a new forum name now! You've done so fabulously well, you'll smash that 10 miler xxx