Hello!

[Allyt]

I only joined this community a short while ago - I wish I'd done so a lot sooner! I did a bit of running about 16 years ago in an effort to lose weight for my wedding - it worked, but two preganacies followed in swift succession and with young children to look after, my own health and fitness took second place. And then, three years ago, my youngest daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes - I decided to raise money for charity in a mad sort of way, so I signed up for a 5k obstacle dash, complete with mud! So, I joined a gym and started walking on the tread mill. Gradually I got a bit faster, but it always bothered me that I was paying £5 for going for which was, essentially, a walk! By chance, I stumbled upon C25K and started following the programme, (I didn't download the podcasts - personally I don't like the idea of walking/running with headphones on, I like to hear what's going on around me), at this time I was still using the treadmill. Then one day...after reading a few blog posts for encouragement....I decided to take the plunge and took a walk/run OUTSIDE! I was so nervous, but with the words of several blog posts echoing in my ears, encouraging me to persevere - I did it! Unfortunately the 5k event was cancelled, so I went for a muddy run instead through our local country park and managed to bag a very hilly 5k in a little under an hour. Feeling proud of myself, I did something very mad indeed - I signed up for the Hastings Half Marathon in March. Inspired by C25K to share my experiences, I told my best friend all about it, (she'd noticed I'd lost weight and that I seemed happier and healthier), now she too has taken up running, as has my husband! Now all three of us are looking forward to taking part in the Hastings Half Marathon next year. Wish us luck!

[jomcc4 Graduate]

Well done & welcome, you've come a long way! I also dislike not hearing what is happening around me so I just put 1 earphone in & this works just fine. Keep us posted on your progress.

[RhonaL]

Brillant! Well done to all of you. Headphones and safety - bone conductive headphones mean that there is nothing in your ear canal and you can hear what is going on around you. Also safer for ears.

[Allyt Graduate]

Great ideas - thank you! I must admit that I do get a bit bored listening to the traffic on one particular route.

[MuirDragonne]

Hi! Welcome! Well done on your achievements. It's great that your enthusiasm has encouraged people around you to join in.

[Allyt Graduate in reply to MuirDragonne]

Thank you!

[BTX4 Graduate]

Welcome Allyt

Good luck with the half marathon training - I'm sure you will do it with no problem.

Muddy dash sounds like fun!!!

[Allyt Graduate in reply to BTX4]

Thanks BTX4! As a matter of fact there wasn't a lot of mud around and I had to go out of my way to find puddles to roll in - I kid you not!...some of my friends said they'd only sponsor me if I got good and muddy - now, I couldn't let down my sponsors could I?

[icandothis Graduate]

Welcome. myself and icandothistoo run in Hastings, are you doing the race for life? half marathon now thats a thought!

[Allyt Graduate in reply to icandothis]

well hello there! Yes, I'll be doing the Race for Life in Alexandra Park next month - I hope to do it twice....the thing is....., I will be doing it once as a pantomine camel, (best not to ask!)...probably walking most of the way, and then, because I haven't actually 'done' a 5k yet, I'd like to run the route afterwards....let's just see how I get on with that eh? Watch this space! Hopefully you will be able to pick me out in the crowds and we'll say 'hello' in person. I hope it is not too hot!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Wow Hastings half marathon, I watched many a runner tackle that when i lived there (used to watch at the half way mark)....I don't envy you running up Harley Shoot and then Queensway!!! Wishing you all the best in your training...don't forget to tackle hills!

[icandothis Graduate in reply to AliB1]

What a small world i use to stand opposite Scolleys to watch the race to

[Allyt Graduate in reply to AliB1]

...hello AiB1! I'm afraid that, living in Hastings...there's no escape from the hills! My best friend, who lives in Essex is now managing 10K, (and she got the bug after me!).....I've yet to tackle this...but hope to do so next month....see above.

[AliB1 Graduate]

OMG so did i! My mum & dad used to live in Heathfield Close!

[Hidden]

Hi ! Welcome ! and good luck for your half marathon.

I use the music only when I run because it motivates me but when i go for my weekly long walk I prefer to hear the birds ...

Sonia

[Allyt Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I know what you mean soniarota! We have some very melodic blackbirds around here, but sadly on one of my routes all I get to hear is the traffic!

[Allyt Graduate]

Crikey! I didn't realise there were so many runners on her from Hastings! I actually live ON the route and watched it last year! I was so envious of all the runners.