Still here - are you all?

[Duddles]

Just writing to see if everyone is OK, especially the older and more vulnerable amongst us - me included.

Also writing to say that I 'graduated' again today - for the fourth time.

I first graduated properly in 2014 aged 68 and as I neglect running in favour of racewalking, I use Couch from time to time to get back into running. After an idle non-running winter, I dipped into Couch at Week 5 and today just did the 30 minute run of Week 9. It still feels a bit special to get that Well Done from Laura!

So many more people are out now 'exercising' and I am trying to encourage friends and family too give Couch a go, as it really works.

If you are new to Couch please stick at it - the rewards are fantastic.

However I feel really worried running outside, in the imaginary 'slipstream' of other sweaty runners and walkers, it just does not feel safe. Does anyone have the same feeling? So the last few runs have been on my treadmill - away from all dangers.

If you are new to Couch, please stick at it - the rewards are fantastic - and the struggle of putting one foot in front of another makes you forget about the struggles of the world. Keep safe everyone.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Hello there, nice to hear from you again. I am shielding with MrRfc at the moment. I have been cross training most days but I am missing my running so much I might think about a treadmill. I also want to walk, I need to be able to do something for an hour and cross training is taking its time to build up to that amount. Glad you are keeping going. Stay safe. Rfc x

[Duddles Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Glad to hear you are still here. There is a danger in these times that some of us could disappear and we would never know.

I bought a treadmill seven years ago, mostly for racewalk training before I discovered Couch5k It was a real extravagance at the time - and I suspected it might end up as a clothes horse, or somewhere to dump rubbish - but with a series of wet and windy winters it has had good use, nearly 2000 miles so far. It is a Nordic Trac18 and cost £850 at the time and has turned out to be a great investment. And especially now in these strange days.

Please eep safe everyone, especially you RFC - this site needs your wisdom......

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Duddles]

Sounds like it has been a great investment. I have been looking for one today and everywhere is sold out so I will keep my eyes peeled. I am still here but I hung up my admin badge last year.

There are some amazing people running the forums now.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Take care. Rfc x