12 months ago today, shortly before my 63rd birthday, wearing a new pair of trainers and clutching a red MP3 player with Laura talking to me

I started on my C25K journey never thinking I would complete the programme or still be running 12 months on.

I remember there was snow on the ground and when I got home I actually had snow round my big toe, as I was running around the farm tracks behind the house. So I went and bought a pair of trainers that were less mesh and more filled in. Now I had 2 pairs of trainers, both over £30.00.. By the end of the 6th week both pairs were uncomfortable, as they were too tight. I had bought my shoe size - big mistake . As I was in Tesco's doing my shopping in March and the weather had improved I bought a cheap pair for £6.95. They were the most comfortable pair. And they saw me through.

During the Olympics I saw red and yelllow trainers and I now have a pair of red Nike lunarglide and a pair of yellow Nike trainers. I have always run outside. I have run in wind,rain,sleet and snow and occasionally in the heat when the sun came out.

I have learned a lot about myself during this year. I have lost 7kgs, 4" off my waist and dropped from a 16 - 18 dress size to a 12 -14. But the best bit is I gave up smoking, after over 40 years, on October 1st. The benefits are that I breathe easier and do not make any noises now when I run.

So, how did I celebrate today? I went out for a long slow run across the farm tracks. Lovely.

All you newbies out there, if I can do it so can you. I will be 64 very soon and will be running 3 times a week for as long as I can.

[Fingalo Graduate]

That's a great story OL, thanks for posting.

[Hidden in reply to Fingalo]

Thanks for reading it

[Sarae]

Wow - fantastic! And here was me at 40 something, just given up smoking and almost at W5 thinking I was doing something special! You are an inspiration

[Hidden in reply to Sarae]

We are all an inspiration to each other. I very rarely blog, but I read a lot of them. They keep you going.

And you are special, because you will inspire others

[Hidden]

Well done you oldlady! You are indeed an inspiration and when I'm attempting w3r1(which I'm dreading) i will be thinking of you-thanks x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I used to listen to Laura the evening before I was attempting each run,so I knew roughly when she was going to tell me how long I had been running.

You will be fine and you will look back and think why was I worried about that.

And you will inspire others .

[SBG356 Graduate]

Absolutely brilliant OL (sorry, cant bring myself to call you by your "proper" name )!!

You have achieved so much in those 12 months and have every reason to celebrate and feel proud! A real inspiration for us all, whatever age we are and however long we have been running.

Happy running!

Sue x

[Hidden in reply to SBG356]

Thanks.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Lovely.

[Hidden in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks

[greenlegs Graduate]

What a lovely blog. That is so inspiring. And all those shoes!

Happy c25k birthday!

[Hidden in reply to greenlegs]

Thank you for reading it

[123456789 Graduate]

Inspirational, thank you for sharing.

Dale

[Hidden in reply to 123456789]

Thanks

[Khrissy Graduate]

What a fantastic blog, your achievement will inspire me when I'm finding it tough, thank you x

[Hidden in reply to Khrissy]

Thank you for reading it

[gdeann Graduate]

Such an amazing blog! You should be so proud of all that you have achieved!!! I bet you feel and look great! Did you ever think you would ever just go out for a run just to enjoy it? Happy Anniversary and wishing you many more years of running success! Gayle

[Hidden in reply to gdeann]

I hated running when I was a nurse in the Army. We had to run twice a year to prove our fitness. I never thought I would enjoy running ever. But having time to go as fast or as slow as I like and for any length I like I really do enjoy running.

Thank you for reading it and for your kind words

[gingernut49 Graduate]

Well done you! I turned 63 just before Christmas and hadn't run since my schooldays, and then reluctantly. Now I'm on week 6 and graduation is in sight.

These podcasts are amazing! Now I hope they're working on Laura's version of the 10K podcasts - I don't like the sound of Samantha!

[Hidden in reply to gingernut49]

I am quite happy with 5K. I can run it in 30 minutes.

I use my own music and use slower songs if I want to run for 45 or 60 minutes.

I just enjoy being out in the fresh air with m y own thoughts and peace.

[mojo58 Graduate]

What an amazing story. Many congratulations. Keep on running

[Hidden in reply to mojo58]

I will and thanks

[nannyp]

Well done to you you certainly are giving me hope, I start week 4 tomorrow I was 65 at christmas never run before, so I will keep telling myself to just get on with it and not to be a whimp. Keep on running.

[Hidden in reply to nannyp]

Just take it one step at a time and it really will be worth it.

Good luck and keep on reading the blogs for inspiration.

[dush3003]

Your story it fanastic, you are fantastic............WOW!

[Hidden in reply to dush3003]

Thank you

[groovychick54 Graduate]

What a fab blog. Happy Anniversary and big congratulations

[Lifebeginsat40]

Very well done,! A great story. Long may you continue.