My last post! :(

[Lee337]

Hey there guys/gals,

Following on from my last update...it's not great news, but also, not a major surprise for me to be honest. Let me explain...

I was expecting delivery of a treadmill way before Christmas (I ordered the damn thing on October 27th!) and that was hopefully going to give me some inspiration to keep up with the running as I was flagging a bit. With working night shifts and doing way too many hours I just wasn't ever in the mood to go out running and hoped that a treadmill indoors would help.

Well, now I will probably never know, because can you believe it, but the company I purchased the treadmill off let me down (for the 3rd time!) by not getting it sent out to me on the day they promised yet again. I had even postponed my Christmas break by one day to wait in especially for it. I had told them about this and so they promised me it would be there, but at 8pm that evening with no sign, I finally gave in and went off to visit my family for the Christmas period. Before I set off, I got onto my computer and sent an email to the company stating that they have let me down yet again, I'm very unhappy and it's now too late to deliver it and they can cancel the order. (The following afternoon while I was at my sisters which is at least 4 hours away from my home, I received a phone call from a Tufnells delivery driver saying, "I've got a parcel here for you mate"). Well, I told him he was 24 hours too late and they did know they were supposed to deliver it the day before at the latest, to which his only response was, "So, you don't want it then!!?" My answer was, "Yes, I *did* want it...but about 2 months ago. It's a bit late now! Besides, I'm over 4 hours away!"

Anyway, looking back, it's probably a good thing it wasn't delivered after all because as I mentioned in my last post, I was suffering with a constant pain in my right foot and a few days ago I managed to get in to my local doctors for advice. When I told them of my history, and what I had been up to for the last few months I was advised to stop the regular running!

Now I need to let everybody know on here that I was born with a thing called talapis (clubbed foot), and I was quite a rare case because I had it in both my feet, whereas it usually only effects one foot. I never wanted to tell the forum this because it looks like an excuse, but I need to say it now in order for people to understand where I'm at. Don't get me wrong, I am in *no way* looking for any kind of sympathy because I still consider myself to be a really lucky guy, and I say that because when I was born (in 1966), people born with this usually never walked properly ever again, and given that both feet were effected, all my family thought I was never going to walk unaided for the rest of my life. However, I was very lucky to have had pioneering surgery from one of the best surgeons in the world at the time who specialised in treating this birth abnormality. I was operated on at just 10 days old and again after about 18 months. I then had regular exercises done on my feet by my parents for a long time as well as regular checkups for a few years.

To this day, nobody would ever know I was born with talapis and almost all of the scar from the operations have disappeared now as well. However, it seems that when I'm running, I am putting more stress and strain on my tendons, and given that they aren't as strong as they would normally be, they just can't cope. So, while I am ok to run for short periods, I've been advised not to run as often as I have been.

So there we are folks...I am not actually sad, because as I had admitted on a few occasions before, I wasn't actually loving this running lark and only kept up with it through sheer determination to succeed in something I set out to do. (I was hoping like some others on the forum, that the love for running would eventually appear in the end if I kept up with it - One of the reasons I ordered that treadmill). I am very happy (and proud) of the fact that I achieved my goal in completing the C25K programme and I even actually managed to complete a 5k run, even though my feet felt like they just wanted to drop off and die afterwards!

One of the main reasons I chose the C25K plan was because I wanted to give my heart muscles a work out and get myself a bit healthier. I didn't do it to lose a load a weight (although, trying to get rid of my ever increasing belly did have it's appeal!) Well guys/gals, I have now found another way of getting similar exercise and I don't have to leave home to do it, so I can continue no matter what the weather is like! You are all wondering now what on earth it is that I am talking about aren't you? Well, I'm not telling! Hee hee. Only joking...it's good for morale! No, seriously, I have recently bought myself a VR (virtual reality) system for my computer. It's brilliant, and some of the things you can do on there will make your hair curl!! lol

So, I bid all you really lovely people on here farewell and would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that was there to give me the inspiration and encouragement I so desperately needed. Seriously, I would not have completed it without you all...THANK YOU so much!

All the very best with your future running (and/or whatever else you decide to do).

I love you all.

Lee.

-x-

[loisamelia Graduate]

Oh Lee337 I'm so sorry to hear this But as you say, you achieved your goal of 5K and that is something to be very very proud of, especially overcoming what you have. Its been great to share your journey if only for a little while. I really wish you all the best for the future

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to loisamelia]

Thank you loisamelia All the very best with your running future!

[McFitty Graduate]

The Last Post...I can hear the bugle...

It's been lovely sharing the journey Lee. I can imagine you now wakeboarding the Zambezi and paragliding off Kilamanjaro from the safety of you living room! You completed the programme, ran yourself 5k and we've all enjoyed your posts. You can always pop back for a virtual cuppa and a catch up you know Have fun mate

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to McFitty]

I wondered who was going to be the first to see that. Nice one! lol Anyway, yeah I may just 'pop up' sometime in the future, ya never know! All the best McFitty Keep on running!

[Davoda Graduate]

I have huge admiration for you, not just for running at all AND graduating, but for keeping going with something you actually didn't really enjoy, so you could complete it, inspite of the barriers.

Best wishes with where ever your path takes you.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Davoda]

Thank you Davoda ! All the best with your running future.

[Tailsmo Graduate]

You will forever be a member of the exclusive C25K graduate club, no one can ever take that away from you. It has been a pleasure reading your posts, and I will miss you. Good luck in VR world, and if your need to slim gets you thinking, pop over to the weight loss forum and join us in a virtual walk on the Pacific Coast Trail.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Tailsmo]

Thank you Tailsmo ! It's been my pleasure to write posts that you have responded to so kindly. I will miss all of you too, which is why I may just 'pop back' from time to time in the future...if I'm allowed!

As for my VR world...at the moment I'm too busy breaking into a major sweat trying to knock the head off my next boxing opponent!! (God only knows what I actually look like in the real world prancing around the lounge like Muhammed Ali in his youth!! Thank god I live alone, eh? lol)

[Mollydex Graduate]

All the best to you . Pop in for coffee

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Mollydex]

Thank you Mollydex All the best to you too!

[Cuig1975]

Hey there my virtual friend , you've been the inspiration here and very supportive to us, I've been getting out about twice a week but sick kids and mammy have left it difficult but the evenings will get longer.....

You have done so well and I'm sure you'll have the odd re jog with sand between your toes and think of all of us..... I'm emotional here ..... What is it with this forum .... It's like we know everybody

Your virtual reality bits sound awesome 😂😂😂😂

Keep I touch here xxx🍀🍀🍀

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Cuig1975]

Hey Cuig1975 , thank you very much for your kind words and the support you've given in the past too. I appreciate it.

Yes, the VR is awesome, it really is. I highly recommend everyone give it a go and see for themselves. It opens up so many opportunities! On my first 'venture' into VR a few weeks ago, I was 'virtually' walking around a massive park, throwing a frisby into several targets (baskets) dotted around a course, whilst competing with & also chatting with two American lads and a lady from Portugal. I entered this communal play area and didn't even realise there's a microphone built into the headset, so I could not only 'play' along with these people but I could also talk to them in real time as well. Amazing!

Anyway, I will indeed try to pop back in every now and then to see how everyone's doing. Thanks again.

Keep up with your running, you're doing so well and I'm glad you still enjoy it. x

[Angie1958 Graduate]

Hi Lee337, this is the first post I've put on the site but I felt I must reply to you.

I'm sad to hear that your running has to come to an end as since joining I've read, followed and really enjoyed every one of your posts. My husband and I started C25K before Christmas and today we have just completed W8 R3....one more week to go!! 😁

It's through reading posts like yours thats given me the push and determination to continue whenever the goings got tough! For this I thank you 👍🏼

Congratulations on achieving your goal... you completed C25K and also ran a full 5K. You definitely deserve to be very proud. I wish you well for the future, enjoy your VR system and once again, Thank you for being such an inspiration

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Angie1958]

Hi Angie!

Thank you for your kind words and that really does give me great satisfaction to know that I've somehow in my own small way helped to inspire others like yourself in your own journey on the C25K plan.

Yes, I must be honest and say that for me it was a struggle most of the time but everytime I got home after a run I felt really good about myself, if a little sore! I am very chuffed that I managed to see it through and didn't have to give in before the end, like some others have unfortunately had to do.

All the very best to you and your husband with the rest of your running future even though you've almost finished your C25K now...just a few more runs and you've done it. Well done to you both!

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Lee, what a hero to graduate with that issue to contend with... good on you! And as Tailsmo says, no one can ever take that achievement away from you.

I hope you continue to enjoy your new exercise regime. Him Indoors trashed his knees many years ago playing football and was told to stop. It was the twisting that was the problem. So he took up running but eventually his knees couldn't cope. So he took to road bike cycling and it has become his passion. I know it's a different story but I wish you equal joy in yours. x

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

Ah, thank you AnneDroid

I was ok at the beginning, I really was. It was mainly the breathing to start with and once I had that under control I really thought I was going to be ok, but around the start of week 8 I was not able to shake off that aching foot and with every run it just got a bit worse. So, I'm really chuffed I did get through it and I am very thankful that I was actually able to do so, unlike some other poor souls on here who have had to give in before reaching the end. I'm so glad I pushed myself on to the 5k mark in that very first post-graduation run of mine as well. If I hadn't done it then, I don't think I would've ever got there, so that is very satisfying to know I did it. I actually achieved 5k!

Anyway, thanks for your nice words and may I wish both you and yours all the very best for the future. x

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Good luck, Lee337 ! Pop in now and then to bring us up to date with your VR skills - it sounds great! Sorry you can't keep running, but if you weren't enjoying it it's probably better this way. You got to 5k anyway and that is some achievement!

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thank you JaySeeSkinny

Yes, exactly! I never got to that point where I was in love with running (although, I was expecting it to come if I continued with it for long enough) so I'm not really that upset about it, especially as I've found a great new way of keeping fit! And like you say, I did achieve my goal of completing C25K and I even managed a 5k run as well, so I'm satisfied with that.

All the very best with your running future!

[Pc59 Graduate]

Wlll lee you are alwaYs a graduate 😊 & you achieved your goal!! Thats what matters! You also helped & motivated so many people me included so thanks😊I also haven't been out for a few weeks due to holiday period & chest infection but hope to get back out soon! Not at the "i love Running stage" but one day maybe 😀 Take care & enjoy your virtual world😊X

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Thank you Phyllis!

It was always nice reading your posts/replies and following you on this journey as well, and I wish you a very speedy recovery from your chest infection, and I hope you get back to your running again soon. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll also fall in love with it like so many do. x

[Flossie22 Graduate]

Congratulations on sticking with the programme to graduate Lee, that's an amazing achievement for you. So sorry that running hasn't worked out for you, but enjoy your new VR games and hope that they keep you fit. Pop back here now and then just to say Hi. 👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻💪🏻😀😀

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Thank you Flossie22 !

Yes, it's been a tough few months, but I wouldn't change anything and I'm so glad I was able to complete the plan and even do a full 5k as a bonus!

I will miss all your very informative posts/replies, and I will try to pop back from time to time to see how things are. Take care. x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You succeeded at C25k and will always be a graduate Lee.😊 Doctors orders must be followed...but don't forget you did it and the friends you met on the way. Good luck, and pop in from time to time. X

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Jan!

Yes, I made quite a few new friends on here and I'm really glad I stuck it out and graduated. It was tough, but I think it was definitely worth it. x

[dereham-girl Graduate]

This has made me so sad - for you firstly but also for me as I feel I've lost a great running buddy I totally understand where you're coming from and won't hold it against you but I'm seriously gonna miss you and your informative posts. I was thinking over the last few days that we'd not heard from you - so I at least know your ok and good to hear you're finding new ways to keep yourself out of trouble lol

Onwards and upwards my dear running bud

Maybe our paths will cross sometime in the future - I dearly hope so.

xx

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to dereham-girl]

Ah thanks for that my dear friend dereham-girl ! x

I'm also sad that I'm leaving you all behind, but I will try to pop back from time to time to see how you are all doing.

Yes, I have definitely found a new way of 'keeping myself out of trouble' as you put it, and what a way!! I highly recommend you give it a go if you get the chance, it's great. And who knows...our paths might cross in the virtual world!

Anyway, take care of yourself and I may catch up with you later my ex-running buddy... x

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Oh well Lee - some things are not meant to be. You gave it your best shot and showed true grit and determination.

All best wishes for the future. Take care.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you Ullyrunner !

All the very best with your running future. Take care of yourself too.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Farewell... it doesn't sound as though running is for you (or I think you'd not have taken the opinion of a GP and would have been after an orthopaedic specialist, preferably one who runs themselves) I had my own feet remodelled as a young teenager (not for talipes) in the 24/7 company of those little ones having similarly extensive work on their talipes to yours and then as an adult looking out for talipes in babies (it is shocking what can sometimes get missed in initial checks)

You've proved something important to yourself by completing C25K and you'll always have that - it's a great foundation on which to decide you are not going to continue running if you don't enjoy it. I wish you well with keeping fit in other ways.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank you for that GoogleMe

Yes, as I had said many times during my C25K, I wasn't actually loving it at the time and I was hoping that I would fall in love with it in the end, but it won't be the case now anyway as I have other ways of staying healthy and I really enjoy it. I am glad (and proud) that I stuck with it, and managed to complete it, and can even say I have ran a full 5k non-stop, which is something I really never thought I would ever say before!

All the best with your running future.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

It sounds like the world was looking after you in light of your delivery problems with the treadmill. I'm sorry running hasent worked out for you but your right to listen to your expert advice. I know you fought your gremlins and won and that is always something that you can tell yourself if you need an extra morale boost in the future. Take very good care of yourself Rfc x.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you RFC!

Yes, I reckon I had a close shave with the treadmill, as like you say, someone must've been watching over me and making sure than I never took delivery of it.

All the best. Take care. x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

gosh- you are so amazing to have achieved what you did do, and every respect to your decision... have fun with the VR programme !!

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you ju-ju-

Yes, it was tough, but I got through it and am pleased that I did stick to it until completion. Take care of yourself. x

[Inspiredmum Graduate]

So sorry to hear that you're not able to run any more. Be proud of your achievement in finishing the programme and also in running a 5k. Exercise should be about enjoyment as well as the end result. I'm glad you've found another way to exercise that suits you better, so enjoy your VR world and I hope you it gives you more pleasure than running did. All the best.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Inspiredmum]

Thank you Inspiredmum

Yes I am proud I did it but as I said before I was never in love with it but now I have found a new way of staying fit that I can actually enjoy as well!

Take care of yourself.

[Raven2016 Graduate]

Oh Lee! We will miss you on here.. Some things just aren't meant to be, are they?

Good luck with whatever you choose to do next (and the VR sounds hilarious! I suspect I would pay to watch you do that )

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Raven2016]

Thank you Raven2016 !

I will miss you all on here as well, but like you say, some things aren't meant to be sometimes. And yes, the VR is great fun and I would also like to watch me when I'm using my VR kit as it must be a fantasticly hilarious sight! Take care.

[Razouski]

Sorry to see you go Lee337 , but I can totally understand why. Hope you find something else to take the place running. All the best for the future.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Thank you Razouski All the best to you to!

[june67 Graduate]

well done Lee you did succeed and I am sure it was painful but hey you are a graduate drop in now and then and let us know how you are and enjoy that VR.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to june67]

Thank you June!

Yes, I will pop in from time to time! Take care.

[Von99 Graduate]

Good luck Lee in your new fitness regime. Congratulations for completing C25K! X

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Von99]

Thank you Von99

All the very best to you and your running future! x

[melly4012 Graduate]

I'm sorry to hear that your running journey is over for the time being. 5k is an amazing achievement considering the factors you've mentioned so many congrats to you. Perhaps you could visit the forum occasionally to inspire new runners and let them know that really anyone can make that 5k with the right determination. Good luck with all your non running ventures.

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Thank you melly4012

Well I guess anyone can read all my previous posts in order hopefully get any inspiration of what can be achieved if people are determined enough, but yeah I will be popping in from time to time in the future anyway. All the best and take care.

[poppypug Graduate]

Ah sorry to hear this Lee, but I completely understand your reasons why.

Just wanted to say that you have done brilliantly, once a Graduate always a Graduate .

Please drop by anytime and let us know how youre doing. This forum is like the Hotel California, you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave

Good Luck and all the best xxx

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Haha. Thanks poppypug

Yeah, I will pop in from time to time. Thanks!

All the best! x

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Curiously, I found your post quite uplifting, your story of the treadmill made me giggle!

You've done fantastically well to stick at something that you're not fond of, you're a C25K graduate and you should be proud of yourself!

I think it's ok to move on to some other sport, I've done so may different things over the years, body building, belly dancing, swimming to name just a few, you know when it's time to move on - best of luck with whatever you try next, don't forget us, come and tell us how you're getting on xxx

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thank you for that Curlygurly2

I think I had a close shave with regards the treadmill in the end and I'm glad it made you smile!

Yeah, I'm enjoying my new health regime and the really great thing is I can change it with the click of a button!

No, I certainly won't forget anybody and will return in the future to check on you all.

So, all the best for now! x

[debze Graduate]

Hi Lee, I was just thinking about you the other day wondering how you were getting on and I'm so sorry to read that this is your last post. I totally understand where you're coming from though and I think it's an amazing achievement that you set out on this journey of c25k especially when you weren't 100% enjoying the running, and then achieving your goal and completing the plan in such a short time as well as running 5k (which I still haven't managed yet! lol)

You've done so well and proved to yourself that if you set yourself a goal you have the mindset to get there.

On the flipside VR systems are amazing! My youngest son has the sony VR one and I've had loads of fun drag car racing, deep sea diving etc on it over xmas lol.

I wish you all the best and thank you for being my support and encouragement to run. I don't think I would have completed the plan (or it would've been harder anyway) if I hadn't been trying to keep up with you lol.

Take care and hope to see you pop in now and again. Wishing you all the best

love deb x

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to debze]

Ah thanks Deb!

Yeah, as you know I never really fell in love with the running and I was hoping it would eventually come but it wasn't to be in the end. That said, I am glad I did it and really pleased that I actually stuck to it and managed to finish the plan and even complete a 5k run before it finally defeated my poor old decrepit body! lol

Yes, I'm glad I've found a new way of staying healthy and, as you know, it's great fun at the same time!

I'm glad I was around at the same time as you (and others here on the forum) and we all helped, encouraged and inspired each other. It's a great, friendly, helpful forum and I will miss being a part of it to be honest. But, I will pop back from time to check in on how you are all doing. Talking of which...I presume you're managing to run more often now you have your own treadmill?

Anyway, all the best Deb, take care and keep on running! x