C25K - since Graduation

[Ratcliffe]

Hi Everyone, its been an absolute age since I posted on here, probably when I was in about week 6 or 7 of the program.

I finished C25K I think in October 2014, between then and last Christmas I was fairly regularly running parkruns in varying times, and generally enjoying myself.

Then last July, having not run further than 3.6 miles ever, I challenged myself to enter the Lutterworth 5 mile race. I managed to get round in what I still consider my finest achievement, and completed the course in 52 minutes or so. Fantastic!

After this due to work and sore knees, I did almost nothing until Christmas when I discovered a local running club near me who were really great with slower/new runners and I joined them.

In the last two and a half months, I have entered and completed 2 six miles races, and a 7 miler. I am also completing at least one run a week of 5 miles. This to me is incredible from where I started, as I am completing these runs with no stops - just setting a steady pace and trying to be metronomic with it

But the biggest challenge, and most fun is yet to come! I have managed to secure a place in the Great North Run, albeit by the charity route for this September. I have always wanted to do this, watching it every year for at least the last twenty years, but never imagined I would be able to enter and hopefully complete it!!! I am SOOOOOO excited, and I get to raise some money for Guide Dogs, a charity I've admired since a kid.

I'm still overweight, and slow at 15 1/2 stone, but I am now an overweight, slow 15 1/2 stone person, who can run at a consistent pace for a hour and a quarter.

So its a MASSIVE thank you from me to the C25K scheme, Laura and everyone who posted along the way when I was posting my updates.

A note to anyone currently going through the C25K program, if *I* can do it, anyone can! Enjoy your running

Hugs for everyone,

Derek

(The pic is me finishing the Stilton 7 race a couple of weekends ago resplendent in my new club colours )

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

Those are great achievements, Derek. Well done and thanks for posting about your running story. I love reading about what other people are doing post-grad. Best of luck for the GNR

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What an inspirational story! Wow...thank you for sharing

Superb that you are raising money for charity, whilst really enjoying yourself

Heavy, yes as you say, but fit... and looking at your pikkie you are a tall, but big framed man anyway.

Very well done..great to read your post! Keep us informed of your progress ?

[IcanandIwill Graduate]

Wow. I'm just a beginner so you are an inspiration.

[SolNaveen Graduate]

What an inspiration, well done and it just goes to show, if you follow a structured program, you can make fantastic progress, its just a case of mind of matter!

Out of interest, have you tried any interval training to up your pace, how did that work out for you?