Oh my, three years ago? No gear and no idea!

[linda9389]

My daughter sent me this pic this morning; its her, myself and one of my boys having just stepped off the couch and into the field for w1r1 of C25k, three years ago today. It makes my tummy flip - I remember it so well. Such anticipation and dread, bordering on hysteria 🤣. I had absolutely NO IDEA how much it would change my life - me even!

I got all the way to W2R1 and then developed knee pain that put an end to that attempt at C25K 🙄 (maybe that had something to do with the fact that those trainers were about 20 years old, and the fact they're as white as they are tells it's own story🤷‍♀️).

A quick google of 'knee pain and running' then brought me to HU - everything happens for a reason, right?

Clearly that injury wasn't the end though, as I'm still here, still running. I re-started 6 weeks later once my knee healed. My son didn't rejoin us, and my daughter gave up as soon as she ran 5K! But I'm still here. Still got a stupid grin, but it's no longer hysterical 😍.

Happy running everyone, don't let anything put you off.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Aww brilliant Linda! What a happy photo and a wonderful memory! 😍 Look how far you’ve come. 😀

C25K has been responsible for so many changed lives, and these forums have been invaluable. Here’s to many more happy years of running . 🥂❤️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Cheers to that Cheeky 🥂

[Joster Half Marathon]

What a great story, and how cool to have the photo from "where it all began".....

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

I don't even remember there being a photo taken - I normally object violently to photos, but maybe I subconsciously knew this was the start of something big 😍. I'm really glad I've got it 🙂

[Granspeed]

Lovely! What fun to see the history. 👍👏🏼 Cheers us all on. 🎉🎉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Granspeed]

Such humble beginnings, with absolutely no expectations ... to something that some would suggest has taken over my life (especially when dinner's not ready or the grass hasn't been cut 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣)

[Granspeed in reply to linda9389]

🤣🤣 Been there already in Year 1!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Granspeed]

🤣🤣🤣

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

Happy runnerversary, dear Linda! I love the picture. 😍 And my goodness, look at you now! C25K is a real life changer, eh? You now have all the gear and lots of ideas. 👍

Sadie-runs xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

I certainly have the gear 🤣🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Happy happy Runniversary...you have come a long long way!!!

Our children have a lot to answer for...thank goodness!!!

Many, many more happy runs to you xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF. I tend to count this as a dress rehearsal and celebrate my 'restart' in April as my runniversary- but without doubt this was a big day in the life of linda9389 😍

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

How lovely!! 😍😍😍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

🤣🤣🤣

[misswobble Marathon]

Great stuff 👍😃🏃‍♀️

It takes over our lives for sure but it’s worth it. Makes you feel alive doesn’t it Life-affirming stuff 👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Definitely!!! (Glad I'm not the only one to admit it's taken over 😍)

[SlowLoris]

Hmm..

Sounds very similar. Thought I could just go and run like I used to do. (Conveniently forgot the 30 year gap). GP said try cycling. Physio said try little by little. That’s when I started C25K.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SlowLoris]

I did at least start with C25K never having run before, but still managed to get injured before barely setting off! It didn't recur so I think maybe I was unlucky - perhaps twisted something on the uneven ground and being about as fit as a bowl of blancmange at the time, I had no strength anywhere to protect myself 🤣

[SlowLoris in reply to linda9389]

The arthritis turned out to be the least of my problems. Now I’m training for a marathon. I still can’t envisage running that far. I’ll be more comfortable when I get my long runs over the 16 mile mark.

I think if you can apply the same amount of compassion and support that you give to your VRB’s to your own goal, well, sky’s the limit.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SlowLoris]

Awwh, what a lovely thing to say! I am in awe of anyone who trains for a marathon - such a huge commitment; you clearly haven't let things stop your running, good luck!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You'll be fit as a fiddle after all that prep. I have a 22k planned for tomorrow. Perfect timing - means I can eat and drink lots tomorrow night with hubby and rest it off on Saturday 😍. Of course, who knows what might go wrong yet 🙄.

Have a lovely weekend tho 🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ta 😃. i think I’ll have to do my long run in the morning

[Run46 Half Marathon]

Kids eh, no staying power 😉...or just so many new things in their lives it doesn't hold their interest.

Fab photo, the beginning of the rest of your life 😍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Run46]

They both do lots of gym stuff but just don't like running. I have another son who was away at uni at the time. He's the one that now runs - although again I think he prefers the gym. He did LLHM with me - only because I asked him to and is doing Bath HM because his mates asked him too 😍

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Sporty family 👍👏

My son, 21, used to run when he was in school, liked the long distance...lazy beggar doesn't move as much as he should now! He's talked about joining a gym recently but hasn't got around to it yet, maybe one day 😏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Run46]

Hmm. The running boy has always been sporty, the other two not at all (much like their parents 😍). I think the gym is on a needs must basis - these days the youngsters all need to look fit and toned for social media it seems 😥

[Tbae Metric Marathon]

Lovely post Linda.

You have done so well.

🏃‍♀️⭐️👏👏❤️💥

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tbae]

I consider I've been incredibly lucky to have found C25K and HU - and I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing I stuck at it and made a difference. As you so often say, 'it's the gift that just keeps giving '👍

[Tbae Metric Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Love it Linda.❤️👏👏⭐️💥

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Aw Linda, I thought you were all siblings! What a lovely memory captured forever, you and your daughter look so happy, your son not so much 😏

Congrats on your runniversary, you’ve come a long way babes and have many more miles to eat up in the future.

Here’s to running amok into eternity......🏃‍♀️🙂 x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Hah! Too kind - and that was before the rejuvenating effect of running 😍

I guess he was 16 and she was 21 at the time. He still looks like that most of the time 🤣 - unless he's been drinking!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Your house sounds like ours MissW with lots of visitors and bed making, etc. I sometimes feel as if we’re running a hotel 🙄 It’s always lovely to see people but it doesn’t half bu**er up the running plans....

Looking at the weather my long run on Sunday is in doubt ☹️ Then we have family come to stay for a few days.......*juggle...jiggle* 🤔

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh I know 🙈. Gaaaaaagh 😁

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

They’re staying an extra day!

I’ve got the hound dog here now too I’ve not got my long run done I’ve given up on it til at least Thursday 🙄

Still, plenty dog walking done. Hey ho 🤷‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

You're an adept adapter Miss W 😍. Your plan will adapt, training will go on ... keep smiling 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I know! Our visitors weren’t meant to come until tonight which would have meant I could get my long run in, as the weather wasn't too bad here in the end. Then yesterday they decided to turn up this morning 😏 I did manage to squeeze a 10K in early but that’s it. Have to do long run on Friday methinks..... 🏃‍♀️🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It’s all go innit 🙂

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Great photo! What a journey - well done for keeping going 👏👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to skysue16]

It's the best journey 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Fantastic Linda, Happy Runniversary to you. I bet you didn’t know where c25k was going to lead you.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I had absolutely no idea! Where next I wonder? 😍

[TailChaser Marathon]

Look how far you’ve come! Literally!! My original trainers were about the same age when I started. They literally disintegrated during Week 2, chucking rotten bits of foam everywhere, and that brought me to Brooks. 4 pairs later...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Wow! That's a lot of pairs of shoes 😍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

2 years worth though. How long do yours last for?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

My first pair last over 12 months I think. I then had Brooks for about 2 months which ended up going back. I then had a pair which I recently replaced after about 12 months (although 4 of those I wasn't running). So I guess I'm getting 9/10 months out of each pair. Having said that, I do have two pairs on the go at the moment so when you add it up (and I wish I hadn't) I've bought 5 pairs, of which one went back. Oops!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I think that’s about average but it is scary how quick we get through them. I use my first pair at the gym now but they’ve nearly had it. Just don’t add the cost up 😱

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I'm recycling mine for bike rides!