Graduation at last

[Austen304]

About twelve days ago, I recounted my troubles following W9R2, which I turned into a 5K in about 45 min. I had done it for R1 but the second run gave me very grotty knees and a number of signs of strain dotting about my thighs and calves apparently randomly. After a week of discomfort and occasional ouches, I tried my bike for a couple of short outings, which went reasonably well, and did a walk in parkrun territory with my family yesterday. I decided to try a run today, after the rain had stopped, intending to call a halt after 15-20 minutes, but actually completed the required 30 mins. So my assessor (me) has judged that I have graduated. I await the morning, to see what the effects have been of the latest run before deciding what to do now. I know I could do the parkrun now but I must be cautious about the knees - grotty I can cope with, but seizing up, no.

I know it has been written so many times but C25K is a wonderful thing. If it provokes a non-athletic 80+ male to find he enjoys running and wants to do more, then the NHS should sell it more prominently.

[Soosysoo Graduate]

Well done!! Big congrats for sticking with it and being Sensible about your aches and pains

I agree - C25K is a fantastic app and NHS should be using amazing graduates like you to promote it. X

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Wow Mr Austen sir! I am so impressed- they should make you the poster boy for C25K!

Many congratulations on your graduation. Long may you continue to find it enjoyable.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Well done, paced urself well there and you are a GRADUATE! Don't do what I did - start a 10K programme on Monday (ouch old knees still a little troublesome)!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Well done on graduating, and I do hope your knees are ok tomorrow. Yes, it is an amazing programme, I agree.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

At 80+, sir, you have set a record in my experience on this forum. Congratulations on graduation and also the wonderful example you are setting to many others. Three cheers to you and three cheers to C25k.

Caution is always the best course with any aches and pains. I hope they clear soon.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Many congratulations ☺

[Austen304]

Thanks to everyone for their responses to my post. I should have added that the forum members' support makes a great deal of difference, particularly when things aren't going smoothly. Knowing that others have been through the same experiences and that there are people who will give advice and encouragement is very reassuring.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Austen304]

You are absolutely amazing !

Take a bow Mr Austen and Many Many Congratulations to you on your Graduation, that is absolutely wonderful !!!

Sorry to hear about your knees , you are right in being cautious and listening to your body.

Dont forget to ask for your Graduates Badge, if you havent already done so. Its on the right in the Blue pinned post under the heading " Graduate Badge October 2015 "

May I wish you all the best for the future ! xxx

[Lotty41 Graduate]

Many congratulations I am sure people just starting out on this programme will find your story very aspiring. Good luck with thd knees.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

I missed this post but I just want to say many congratulations to you. What you've achieved is remarkable and, given you are 80+, even more so! I hope you have many injury free, fun running adventures.

[Austen304 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you for your kind remarks. I don't intend to stop now but I'm not sure of my ambitions beyond the parkrun yet - that's enough challenge for the present.