Thank you so much for all your replies to my last post. I am really touched by the concern you have all shown, from those who I followed when I first arrived here, all the way through to new runners and one individual, whose progress I shall follow with particular interest, who was inspired by my words to stop making excuses and get out to do her first C25k run. RESULT!!!!! I have not replied to anybody individually, nor shall I pick out any names here, even though I found all of your responses truly inspiring. Nor have I clicked the “LIKE” button……...it is inadequate…..I LOVED them all and this is my reply to you all.
Running, as I hope I have made clear, has transformed my life, but I have often wondered whether I might be in a different situation, had I not also discovered this forum. By some kind of magic, with its constantly changing membership alongside the stalwarts, the ethos of non judgemental mutual support takes root over and over again, constantly surprising the newbies that such a Nirvana for new runners can exist in such a self centred world. Would I really have got back to running after injury, without being constantly reminded of the joys of running by the zealous new advocates and the support of the old friends…..I will never know, but I do know this is a special community and, not for the first time, I will say I am privileged to be one of your number.
I do still feel something of a fraud at the moment, because I feel well and I shall be out running either tomorrow morning, if I can dodge the rain (I know I am a wimp) or on Wednesday. Each run counts now. There is one more CAT scan, which is imminent, and then hormone treatment starts immediately, followed by radiotherapy in three months time. I shall carry on running for as long as I can and yes, I shall carry on posting. You don’t get rid of me as easily as that!
To clarify, my thoughts about training for a charity HM were definitely longer term and a target for when I come out the other side of this thing, or at least come to terms with it. I will take you up on the typically generous offer of running with me, when the time comes, but at the moment I can’t plan anything of that sort for the next few weeks, maybe months….time will tell.
As, I did say I would not mention names, someone said yesterday, I am not a lone runner anymore…….I will carry all your love, kisses, best wishes, prayers and above all big hugs with me on every run and through all the tough times. If, or when, I hit the wall, in those months or years ahead, I will be boosted by the thought of you lot, waving your pompoms and cheering me on to the finish line…..the best support crew I could ever wish for.
I send my sincerest thanks to you all.
Keep up at the back there, keep running, keep smiling.
Oh……..and normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
I have waved them for other C25Kers at races and now you're on my list x 
Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!
The struggle is real! 
