I did it!

[Lauracorin]

Closer to nine months than nine weeks, but yesterday I ran W9R3, faster than I've run before and I felt invincible!

Obligatory story and tips:

I started in late October wearing old shoes. By week 7 or so one knee was hurting. I took time off over Christmas to recover and used the NHS knee-strengthening exercises. After Christmas my back went out, so it wasn't until February that I went to Run 4 It for gait analysis, sold my first-born child to pay for a fancy pair of trainers, and started over.

This time I got to week 8 before my other knee started to play up.

I stopped and took advice from a local coach. He recommended starting very slowly (even more slowly that the programme suggested) and running on grass only, plus lots of stretching. So I stretched five times a day, spent a long time on one-minute and two-minute runs, and stuck to the grass. I joined back in with the C25K programme around week 4 and went straight on through, sticking to soft surfaces. Last night's run was on mixed surfaces and my knees feel great today.

Thanks to everyone for your support as I've dipped in and out of the forum. Your stories and good cheer have made all the difference. I plan to work on speed (sticking to 30 minutes, which fits into the family schedule) two nights a week and slow longer distance on Sundays. I want to edge up to that magic 3 miles - I'm currently just managing 2 1/3 miles in 30 minutes.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A brilliant tale of perseverance, fellow runner.

Many congratulations.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Hidden]

Well done. Amazing to stick at it despite the setbacks. Wishing you many years of running without knee problems. I think stretching is key. So far I have managed no recurrence of my knee problems and I am convinced it is down to the stretches.

[SueKen Graduate]

Excellent news - go get your very well deserved graduation badge 😊

[damienair Graduate]

Congratulations and very well done to you too. You should be very proud of yourself.

[Linds100]

So amazing. Way to stick with your goal - hope I can do the same.

[Slinkymalinki Graduate]

Well done for persevering & graduating! With such a positive mindset you'll keep going & will soon reach the magic 3 miles!