Just wanted to say...

[Ann_get_it_going]

... how great this forum is. I don’t often write posts or participate. I sort of lurk in the background and ponder everything that’s going on. This time tho I felt like I had something to say so please forgive the ramble!

I’ve done the c25k about 4 times now over the years. Twice successfully. In my latest attempt I’ve just finished the plan and have progressed to the full 5K. This time I have a running buddy and we are keeping each other in check which makes the world of difference. I am actually looking forward to my runs now rather than seeing it as something I feel I need to do.

What I want to express is how positive and pragmatic this forum is. What is striking is that even the more experienced and seasoned amongst you are encouraging even when the same issues come up over and over again. Everyone seems to just rally around without judgement.

Without dwelling on it, I have just left another forum on this HU platform as it seemed that once a person achieved success (hats off) they became horribly judgemental and sanctimonious (it wasn’t always that way).

I’ve come to appreciate how good this group is.

I personally get a lot of info and support from reading the posts and just wanted to say thanks.

Ann x

[QuadroVEINia Graduate]

Welcome Ann. Don’t lurk anymore and definitely share your journey! I’m always interested to read, hear how others are getting on and ‘pay it forwards’ if I can’... just as I received when I started my journey 11 weeks ago! 😊

[Ann_get_it_going in reply to QuadroVEINia]

Thank you for your reply! I love this plan and to be honest just seeing a it through to completion is an achievement and has set me up in so many other ways. If I can offer a word of encouragement then I will try!

[SassyF Graduate]

Such a lovely post! ☺️How nice to have a running buddy, and how wonderful that you now enjoy the runs! I hope that’ll continue for you!

You are already more experienced than you give yourself credit for... I’m sure you too will be able to offer folks some helpful advice from your journey through the programme. I loved to read others journeys and learn from them.

[Ann_get_it_going in reply to SassyF]

Thank you 😊 having a running buddy is the best. I had misgivings at first as she’s an excellent runner and is very experienced so I wondered if my slow pace and lack of stamina would mean we weren’t a good match. As it turns out she wasn’t going out at all and she really wanted the company. She literally runs circles around me as I go about my steady pace and she talks for the both of us when I cant speak! All in all it’s working well. We do our first charity run this Saturday for cancer research - one of many I hope!

[SassyF Graduate in reply to Ann_get_it_going]

Running together suits you both very well ☺️All the best for your charity run on Saturday!

[Karen59er Graduate]

Couldn't agree more Ann - everyone on this forum is so supportive and I definitely could not have achieved this in my wildest dreams without the solid encouragement and advice from these lovely folks. Really gives you faith in human nature and what a lovely story from you - all the best with your running journey

[Ann_get_it_going in reply to Karen59er]

Thank you 😊, all the best to you too!

[PlasticUnitedFan Graduate]

Couldn’t agree with you more. It’s a lovely environment, it should be the benchmark for many more environments.