Too fat, too unfit, too old!

[RebeccaSK]

I know that's what many people who know me are thinking - but I'm proving them wrong. I'm about to start week six - for the second time. I was doing so well and then shin splints made an entrance. I broke my foot five years ago and as a result I have a collapsed arch on one foot and over pronate massively! In February a friend, who had never run before she started training, ran a half marathon to raise money for Syrian kids - a cause we both support. She may have finished last but she ran the whole thing! She inspired me! I joined a gym and started swimming. Then something prompted me to enter a novice triathlon which takes place in September!!!!

Before this, I have never been able to run. I've tried various programmes but never got anywhere. Then a friend mentioned the Couch to 5K and I thought I'd give it a go. My last run (Wk5R3) saw me run for longer and further than ever before - 20 minutes without stopping. I've had to go back to the treadmill as it's kinder on my shin splints and have invested in proper orthotics (don't bother with the Groupon ones) and compression sleeves for my legs and so far my shin splints are staying away!

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

Brilliant, well done for taking the plunge - literally in the case of swimming - and aiming to do a triathlon. Great thing to aim for, do keep us posted on your progress. And of course you'll prove "everyone" wrong who is saying that you can't do it. We're here to encourage you, and it sounds like you're one determined lady.

And a FANTASTIC cause. One close to my heart too

[Gran4z Graduate]

Wow, amazing story. A triathlon, good luck with the training...you can do it, and ignore those who think differently.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You show 'em!!

Keep running, keep smiling.

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Generally, smiling is the last thing on my mind when I'm actually running!!!!!

[Tomas Graduate]

You can do this!

And I admire you for doing it with your foot. Bravo!

[Lupinsmum Graduate]

I call that gutsy and inspiring...you go girl!