My knees have improved so that I'm now pain free, even when exercising at the gym once a week. Ankle weights and leg raises seem to have done the trick.
So I ventured back to the park on Tues morning to try again with W1 run. No problem! After much deliberation I went out again this morning for W2 run, this time with our rescue dog Dido to keep me company. (My handle Blondefox describes her appearance!) She had a great time chasing squirrels and I managed W2 with no pain and a lot of exhilaration! Set me up nicely for a morning at work getting ready for teaching next week.
Have decided I will attempt W3R1 on Sunday and hope the knees survive. I'm still using the ankle weights, amazing at the difference they made.
Also unexpected but very welcome is the mental high running (well, slow jogging) gives you. Makes the effort to leave that snuggly bed worthwhile.