Long haul but worth it.

[SlowLoris]

Just completed week 9 without problems. Quite a slow pace but I shall worry about speed later. Not a big social media user. Not at all in fact. Just wanted to say that it has taken me nearly 2 years to do this 9 week program. Started running purely to improve my aerobic fitness. Very quickly developed problems with both knees. X-rays showed osteo-arthritis and physio suggested gradual build up. He actually suggested cycling or swimming but I told him I wanted to run. C25K was ideal. After a couple of months resting the knees started on week 1. I even started to like the dreadful music. A few weeks in injured right knee (torn meniscus). Not through running. Eight months before I could run without pain. Started at week one again. Did week two for several weeks and dragged out week three. I use a very basic running watch so I can see my pace and distance. Bit geeky but all helps with the motivation. Forced myself to run even on holiday or feeling a bit tired (hungover).

So why am I boring you with all this waffle?

Just to say "Don't give up!"

If you suffer a set back just start again. Keep starting again. I don't think I will ever find it easy but it is very satisfying.

[rolysmate Graduate]

Great post, perseverance pays

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done shows great strength and determination take my hat off to you 👍👏

[johnm12 Graduate]

well done. very inspirational. Take care and keep running

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉🎈🙌🏻 Well done for completing the programme. Hope you continue to enjoy running 👊🏻

[Hidden]

Fabulous post. Congratulations on graduating. With this grit and determination you will be a great runner!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Wow! You deserve the gold medal for perseverance! That's brilliant. A massive well done to you, you've had more than your share of setbacks.

Don't forget to ask for your very hard earned graduate badge here

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your running future 🏃🏃🏃

[SlowLoris in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks Princess! I was wondering how I got the badge.

[Ruthie2907 Graduate in reply to SlowLoris]

First 5 all well done! If you search graduation badge you will find a post by Old floss on graduation badges for November 2017, just post a message on there and it will be done.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Great post - and such great determination- huge well done! That is a graduation to celebrate big time! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😃

[Fiona_B Graduate]

Congratulations, well done.

[hblewett Graduate]

Thanks for your post. My OH has also started on c25k and has just developed a problem with her back, so slow progress is now no progress. Her physio has said not to try to run till it's right. I read your post out to her and she said 'thanks - that gives me heart to keep going and know that I shouldn't let a set-back stop me'

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Wow you are the epitome of determination. Well done. An inspiration to us all.

If you want to run you need to have a real stregnth of mind and you have it in spades!!

[Kimterry Graduate]

Congratulations! You are the master of perseverance! A very motivational post. I hope you continue to enjoy your running. Well done! 👍🏃🏅

[Diana63]

You’ve inspired me. ‘Resting’ a damaged calve at the moment, but will keep trying.