Just finished week 6

[Dotson]

OK, I'm going to out myself as a bit of an imposter here. I'm not a newby to running, I'm an experienced runner with a marathon and a few half marathons under my belt. However, because of injury and some other things I'd not pulled on a pair of trainers for well over 2 years before starting C25K. I've just finished week 6 and the course has been brilliant as a rehab into running. So if there is anyone out there in my position, wanting to get back into running after an extended break, I can heartily recommend it. The key, I think, is to stick with the plan. It would be very easy to get carried away and try to run the 5K on week 2 or something, but you really need to take the time to get those miles back into your legs and the course has been a fantastic way of doing that in the company of the lovely Jo Whiley.

Will I get back to doing half marathons (definitely not marathons!)? We'll see.

As for those of you who are just starting running, especially if you are my age (mid 50s) or older, you are an absolute inspiration and I Iove reading your stories. So stick with it, you can do it!

[Goforitmama Graduate]

I used to run 10ks, but then life changed, running became wishful thinking. Life slowly settled down and I could start running again so I started C25K. I agree with you, it’s been great to get back into running. This forum has been a great motivator. Good luck and happy running!

[Irish-John Graduate]

A very welcome endorsement from someone who has been there and most likely has the literal tee-shirt

And not only ran Marathons - probably the dream of us lot - but what a great reinforcement for running in general that you are redoing the training etc just for the sheer joy of running My hat is off to you

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Brilliant advice Dotson! No need to give you any! 😅 Hope you enjoy the programme and get back to full fitness! 💪🏻😀🙌

[Dotson Graduate]

Thanks for the nice comments. 😀 Thinking about it, I guess a lot of the concerns I read here are of the "can I do this?" variety. YES YOU CAN!!!! Stick at it and don't worry about how fast/far you go. Just enjoy the experience. Oh and don't worry if you aren't built like Mo Farrah. I'm a 6'3" ex-rugby forward (lost 5kg since I started the programme but still on the well-built side).

My personal concern is more around whether my injury (plantar fasciitis as it happens) will flare up again. I went down with it in April 2016 just before a half-marathon and decided I could run through it. Mega-stupid decision, don't do that! Tried running again 6 months later and off it went again and 2 years later here I am. So far so good though this time. Fingers crossed.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The slow and steady approach that is emphasized by C25K is difficult for some in a hurry to appreciate, so it is great to have the endorsement of an experienced runner and maybe they will listen to you when they flagrantly ignore the advice that we offer.

Best of luck.