This is my first post.  I started running about two months ago and found this website soon after.  I have found the discussions a great source of information and inspiration - so thanks to you all.  The suggestion of Chi Running from a few of you has been especially helpful and really eased my knee problems. 

My first 10k race today was a thoroughly enjoyable and friendly event.  I knocked about 3 minutes off my best training time and improved my top age grade by nearly 3%.  Felt I had to share - sorry about that.

Many thanks Martin.  Up until last year I played football regularly, and then took up visiting the gym - so I was starting from a reasonable level of fitness.  Not sure of my next race but hope to up my distance for the Reading half marathon next year.

Well done Tim, it took me 12 months and 2.5 stone less later to get to my first 10k, hope it will be first of many.

Did you get anything? I find that there is a wild variation on momento's.....

worst was a beefburger, best was a technical tee shirt and goody bag.

Hi Derek - I'm sure I'll be back for more.  It was a Cancer Research run so I got the T-shirt to run in but also a snackbar, drink and a medal at the end.  On the downside, I've also had a slight reaction in my knee, but hopefully it will be OK to run on tomorrow.