Done It! Week 9 finished now to catch up with the speeding tortoises!

[stewieUK]

OK, so the last run of week 3 is now under my (ever reducing) belt. Did a total of 4k including the walking so not exactly speedy.

Sense of achievement? Yes and no.

I've done all my running in the gym to ensure my aged knees don't get too much of a pounding plus it's easy to control the pace. (Once I've finished running, I hit the weights and machines followed by a good 10 minutes on the bikes.) I'm not sure I'll feel a "proper" runner until I get out into the open but, to be honest, I have some reservations about hauling my 120kg frame around the local footpaths at the moment. The ground is hard and the best part of 40 years of playing and refereeing rugby has taken its toll on my knees and I don't have a great deal of cartilage left in one of them after a couple of trimming sessions.

I think I'll continue with the weight loss and venture out when I'm a slim and sylph-like 100kg!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I hope you feel really proud for completing the programme. Look after those knees!

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Well, they've looked after me for 66 years so it's probably the least I can do for them!

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Congratulations - what a great feeling 😀

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to lightweightkate]

It really is. Feeling almost as fit as when I was refereeing rugby. Playing doesn't count - too much beer involved!

[Suebguineapig Graduate]

Hmmm, don't knock yourself. My Dad was a lifelong road runner, long distance and he has recently given up after third cartilage op (nothing left to work on, was the surgeon's verdict). But when I was talking to him about how so many people seem to think that running outside makes you more of a real runner, he looked at me as if I was mad. Seemed he agreed with my " a run is a run" philosophy. I'll take that from a true expert. So, if you get out great. If not, so what? You are still doing same cardio and strength building. IMHO!

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to Suebguineapig]

Thanks for that. It's certainly worked well for me so far. I'll get a bit more weight off and give it a try outside i think.

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to stewieUK]

Hey! Just noticed the GRADUATE description. I guess i am a real runner!

[Suebguineapig Graduate in reply to stewieUK]

Precisely!

[Irish-John Graduate]

Congratulations and have no doubts that you are indeed a 'Proper Runner'

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks John. I'm feeling a whole lot more proper now I've joined the GRADUATE ranks!

[OldPossum]

It's all about personal preference isn't it? I hate the treadmill and like the feel of the fresh air. Hubby is happy in his hamster wheel in the garage bin my book anyone who completes week 9 is a proper runner. It doesn't matter how you get there we are all AMAZING. So well done Runner stewieUK 😀😀👏👏🎉🎉

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

Thanks OP. It's great to have encouragement and help all the way through. I guess the hard work starts now - those pesky tortoises seem to be getting faster as time goes by!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Amazing, well done on your graduation!!! Please, please, PLEASE try running outside soon!! I was so scared to, it took me 7 weeks to get outside and once I did I could never go back to the treadmill and wish I'd done it so much sooner!

Congratulations though. Don't forget to ask for your shiny new badge!

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Badge asked for and received! I will try out my knees outside with a few gentle short trots along the railway line footpath near here just to see how it goes. I'll keep you posted!

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your graduation 🎓 🎓 🎓

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks or should that be Diolch yn fawr?

[Frank-ntj]

Well done on taking up and completing the program, it's a great achievement! Feel proud and keep it up! 😎

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to Frank-ntj]

Thanks Frank. After getting this far I think i'd be crazy not to keep it up. Just need to persuade the better half to join me on the journey so she can feel the benefit as well.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Congratulations. Don't worry about your current speed. It can now become a post-graduation goal if you'd like it to be. Sounds like you've got a great routine going. And of COURSE you're a proper runner.

[stewieUK Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks, I like that - I'll keep repeating to myself that I am a proper runner.

[McFitty Graduate]

Repeat after me...Stewie is a proper runner, Stewie is a proper runner, Stewie is a proper runner! Don't you just feel amazing? Congratulations Mr. Graduate!