My 2nd year Runniversary

[BethC]

As the title suggests today is the 2nd anniversary of my completion of C25K so I hope you'll allow me a little self indulgent post.

Every year I sat and watched the London Marathon wishing I could run - it seemed like running was something out of my reach until I started this programme. OK so I've not (yet!) run a marathon I may never, but this past year has seen a big consolidation of what I learned in the programme.

I've done a couple of race 10kms and loads of training ones - running all the way - which as a nearly 50 year old chubby girl I am immensely proud of. However the thing I am most proud of is completing the Oxford Half Marathon last October. I really never thought I could do it. But despite training set backs (while on a long run fell over an out of control dog in the park and broke my wrist and needed stitches in my elbow - I've got a great scar - I don't run in that park now except for parkrun. Then just before tapering I got shin splints and tibula posterior tendonitis. I did the HM after ultra sound treatment and taping and now run in compression sleeves) - I finished it! It wasn't quick or pretty but I did it!

I've got a couple more 10kms planned - Richmond/Kew in September and then the Birmingham 10km the day before my 50th birthday. Then my husband has agreed we can have a go at another HM in 2017. Cardiff we think, if I can manage the training without injury this time! With hindsight I think I went for the HM distance too quickly I was barely running 10km when I started training, the wrist break/stiches set me back too.

So, my message is to everyone on here just starting out You Can Do It! And if you want to run further (and maybe faster) than before, you can, just give it time. Most importantly - Enjoy it!! I've met loads of lovely people at parkrun and people in the street smile and say hello - it does give me an enormous sense of well being!

Happy Running everyone!

[sparky66 Graduate]

What a beautifully inspirational post!! And shows great determination.. what a tough road to victory you have had.. you obviously love running now.. looking fabulous..and every bit a RUNNER!! Some amazing achievements.. WTG you

[BethC Graduate in reply to sparky66]

Ah bless you. Thank you!

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Great post and inspirational to a Week 3'er like me - celebrating the big 5-0 this year and I hope I can go on to do what you have achieved. Well done and thanks

[BethC Graduate in reply to lightweightkate]

Thank you! It probably took me longer than most but it's definitely doable! Good luck with the rest of C25K!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great post Beth, and a great message too: patience, patience, always patience. You've achieved so much, especially considering your injuries. Good luck with your future challenges and congratulations on your 2nd runniversary

[BethC Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thanks so much. Yes patience has been key. I know now I rushed things a bit as I just wanted to run an HM, now I've done it I can take my time with the next.

[Monkey25 Graduate]

Wow! Great achievements, great determination, good luck with future runs.👏☺

[BethC Graduate in reply to Monkey25]

Thank you! And to you too