For anyone who needs encouragement

[OldPossum]

Hi everyone. I haven't posted here for quite a while but I'm still around and more importantly still running

This time last year I was obese and told my blood pressure was high but being a stubborn soul refused medication. Nothing much changed until in May I discovered C25K. I had a very slow, painful start but stuck with it. A year on I am 4 stone lighter, my blood pressure is normal and I have so much more energy.

I still haven't achieved 5km in 30 minutes but on Sunday managed it in 33mins 55 secs but my first attempt took 46 mins 28 secs. Nor have I reached a distance of 10km but I have extended my running capability to 7.1km. However, for a girl who failed to run 400 mtrs at school, many many moons ago, without stopping for a breather this is quite impressive.

I have run in snow (well sleet if I'm being totally honest!), rain, frost, the dark and this morning gusty winds. As I turned onto a sheltered path, grateful for some respite, I spotted the shadow of a runner in the early morning sun and do you know what that runner was me!

So for anyone just starting, thinking about having a go, or simply struggling. Stick with it, go for it and enjoy. Coz if I can anyone can.

Happy running to you all

[McFitty Graduate]

"I spotted the shadow of a runner...and do you know what that runner was me!"

This is truly the most wonderful post OldPossum . Every up and down, high and low, the struggles, the successes, all wrapped up in that shadow.

Inspirational. Truly. 😊

[OldPossum in reply to McFitty]

Thanks. How are you getting on McFitty ?

[McFitty Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

Not as well as you! 😁But hanging on in there!

[OldPossum in reply to McFitty]

I bet you are doing better than you are letting on 😀😀

[McFitty Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

I do wish that were the case! Littlest pooch had her knee replaced early Jan. 6 weeks crate rest became 12, with constant monitoring. I'm getting out as and when but it's a bit hit and miss at the moment. Get this... I even resorted to an old Jane Fonda workout on YouTube the other day😂😂😂

[OldPossum in reply to McFitty]

Blimey. Isn't that the old mantra of "no pain no gain"! You're a very brave woman 👏

Really sorry to hear about your little pooch. I hate it when they are poorly, you always feel so helpless. I hope she is recovering well.

[McFitty Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

She's beginning to put some weight on it and final xrays in a couple of weeks😊

I should be okay for the next blindfold run😆

[OldPossum in reply to McFitty]

Aaaaagh!!! Fazzical has gone back to the beginning and started all over again. Only outside this time not in his hamster wheel 😀

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Hello OldPossum. How lovely to see you back here again and what a great post! It's brilliant that you're still running and obviously loving it. Big congratulations on the weight loss too - 👏👏👏

[OldPossum in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks. The running has actually made me want to eat better. Can't run if the body is not filled with the right fuel. Whoever would have thought it 😳

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Fabulous and inspirational post. Well done on your many achievements....

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Marvellous - a really good read. Well done!!

[Hidden]

Great post. Similar story to mine ! Although when I started C25K about April ish ! (Can never remember when I started) only had about 1 1/2 stone to lose.

and Well done for getting out in this weather. Sorry I couldn't resist saying this when you mentioned "Shadows". you could say "you are a shadow of your former self" . But in a good way weight wise !!

[OldPossum in reply to Hidden]

I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am. 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I wondered where you had gone!!! Here you are.. lovely to have you back

You have had a great journey and still here and sounding great.. keep posting? It is lovely to hear how we are all dong as we move on.. I made 10K, eventually, not intentionally but just running steadily and having fun... ( like you) I am still rambling in my posts too, although not as much... new granddaughter keeps me busy! The runs still three times a week and loads of walking!!!!!

The shadow that is you, looks pretty good.. welcomeback x

[OldPossum in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss I had spotted your 10k post. Very impressive. Am so glad you are enjoying your granddaughter. 😀

[skysue16 Graduate]

Fantastic post, very inspirational

[Minniewinny]

Have you lost the weight just by running and eating healthier? Whatever the route... it has worked and Well done OldPossum - A lovely read.

[OldPossum in reply to Minniewinny]

Yep. Just running and healthy eating - no faddy diets. Of course the really hard part comes now - I have to keep the weight off 😱

[CJ24 Graduate]

Beautiful post OldPossum truly inspirational.

[Shivani05 Graduate]

What a wonderful post! Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration.

[healthyjoel]

Love this. Way to go!!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Hi there. Great to hear from you again, what an inspirational post, but then you always did. write lovely posts. Happy running.

[Anniemurph Graduate]

What a fantastic achievement, and what an inspirational post! Well done

[RunaroundSue]

Hi @oldpossum

Like you I have neglected this forum, but it is interesting to see we are both upto about 7k. I am still not quite down to a 35 minute 5k though, but really happy with what I am doing. Running three times a week.