Well after my trip to the Drs I decided I needed to make some changes to my life
Did I diet, no but I just tried to be sensible.
Did I run hell yes, have I enjoyed it by the dreaded jingo I most certainly have.
I continued running 5k 3 times a week slowly becoming a little stronger over the next couple of months then stretched out to doing 10k on my Saturday run, the 1st one was real tough but a week later I did it again and just a little easier but more importantly my recovery was better.
By November I was thinking if I can run 6.2 miles I can run 13.1 surely and by mid November I was signed up to run the Derby half marathon on July the 3rd
Madness I know, overweight 60 year old ex smoker with high blood pressure and cholesterol above and beyond the call of duty but I was committed (or should have been)
December I set up a four times a week training program that was going to take me to my half marathon which saw me running 4 times a week through snow,wind, ice and rain --- epic
But I can't miss January when I went back to the Drs for a follow up ( would I need the medication)
Well NO my blood pressure was were it should be and my cholesterol was down to 4 plus my bmi was improving and the Dr sent me on my way saying he didn't want need to see me anytime soon (whoop whoop )
My running continued and I could feel myself getting stronger and in early May after speaking to a weight lifting coach I know (Cyril Martin) I started working out with weights once a week with a training schedule he put together for me and this without a doubt helped my overall physical strength
June the 3rd came along and I ran my 1st half marathon, unfortunately it was 29 degrees and bloody melting me, at 10.5 miles I got cramp in both calves which would not stretch out but nothing was going to stop me getting over that finish line and I hobbled on though I did manage a "sprint" finish and was met by my wife and family (an emotional reunion)
I'd done it, me the overweight 60 year old ex smoker in aprox 2hours 53 minutes, I was now well and truly off the couch
A week or two passed and I was out running 4 times a week and decided I needed to do the whole thing again but at a time when hopefully the weather conditions would be better so I entered the Nottingham half in September and once again started the build up to it
Once again after weeks of the four times a week training runs the day came and I was once again on the start line.
Did I do it, oh yes (my secret is my dad runs with me) and this time I did it in 2.35 so some improvement ( By the way dad passed away in 2014 but his spirit is with me)
I have since continued running 4 time a week making Saturday my long run (anything up to 12.5 miles)
What's next, March sees me running the Monsal trail half so it's onwards and upwards and after that well watch this space.
The photo below is me in September 2018, spot the difference
W1 R1 - motivation to continue
wk7R2 first ever post
W9R1 - One Down Two To Go! 
Need your help to continue running post graduation
