I'm Amazed

[Jplanetj]

For 54 years I've never been close to being called a runner. I was the slow kid at the back of the cross country run when the field was too wet to play footy or rugby. I was apprehensive of going to Scout camp because I didn't want to run in the "Sprog's Marathon" (couple of times round the campsite for the new kids - I came close to last). I casted aspersions on jogging as I thought it just knackered your knees. Brief: I had no time for running.

However, earlier this year Mrs. J told me she was going to do a 10K in support of her colleague who was doing a marathon after recovering from cancer. I thought, well, if they can do that then surely I can do a bit. A quick Google led me to Couch To 5K and at the beginning of May off I went.

Too fast!

I'm not unfit, but I was bombing the running sections and was getting really out of breath. Sure as night follows day, I pretty soon I got a calf strain in both legs. I laid off for a bit but came back too soon and ping; ouch went my calf again.

Then, I discovered this forum and, especially, *the* guide to how to do it: healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... I slooowed right down and then things began to take shape. Another calf twang around week 6 (this would be beginning of October- very much not a straightforward 9 weeks for me) took me out of action for a couple of weeks, but by then I was trying to stretch properly both pre and post run and was cycling a bit as well just to get out.

So this week I found myself at week 9. I did a gentle run round a town while I was away from home on Tuesday which went really well. I was already at 5Km pace on my final week 7 run so when I got back I thought I'd give it a real go.

Week 9, run 2: 5.39K! I'm amazed. But then, not overly now I come to think about it. So many people have succeeded in this programme that one shouldn't be surprised by just one more success. This programme just works.

So there it is. Sorry for rambling post but it's good to write this down. Thanks to everyone in this lovely forum for the unconditional support that is offered everywhere. I seriously don't think I'd be at the stage I am without you all.

I'll hopefully be off tomorrow for a gentle 30 mins for the final run savouring every moment. And then... well, we'll see, but I'm a runner now and that can take me anywhere. Jx

[MJP458]

Yes, well done.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Way to go. Well done you 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Crikey that’s fast and well done for keeping with it even though you had some injuries that slowed you down

[parktrotter Graduate]

I find your story inspiring cos I haven't got that far yet but I'm pleased i'm taking it at my own pace when you tell of the calf strain. Good tips for stretching. I always stretch at the end but i'm going to start before stretching before I leave now.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

👍👏Excellent post & FANTASTIC progress!!

Well done!! Look forward to that graduation tomorrow!!

Be assured the best is yet to come after graduation. C25k is a gift for life 🎁

[Brooko Graduate]

Top man and a nice story shared well. Enjoy the run you earned it 👍🏼

[Distance]

Hi Jplanetj,

I love the way u r looking forward to your next satisfying run. You outline well your new relationship with your body & running. That's what I find uplifting.

Wishing u a great running future.

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Fantastic post what a great journey. Enjoy today's run. You are obviously a natural at this with those cracking speeds.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Brilliant! You learned all the right lessons along the way! Good luck for your finale run! 👍🏻😁

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Well done for starting, well done for learning and well done for keeping at it.

Nearly there!!