Four years ago I started the couch to 5K programme, I got as far as week 7 before a very sore achillies tendon put paid to running - my physiology said it would snap if I carried on running.
On 20th August 2016, 4 years almost to the day I tried again, this time I had read about what causes Achilles pain ensured that I stretched it before and after each run and didn't go anywhere which had a hill.
I dutifully ran every other day until I got to week 9. Not going fast at all, just focusing on getting to the end. Which I did in late October.
At the same time I was dropping my calorie intake generally and doing the 5/2 diet (5 days on about 1600 calories, 2 on 600).
I now officially feel good, and having dropped 3.5 stone only 3 more to go and I'm no longer overweight as far as the NHS is concerned.
When I stopped as the weather was bad for a few weeks I went back to week 6, then did a week 7, a week 8 and am now back from my second week 9 podcast.
it does feel good to know that I can run for 30 minutes, can lose weight and generally feel great.
Thanks Laura.