3 years ago I was 8 stone heavier, had been overweight my entire 36 years on earth and had NEVER stepped foot in a gym. The only time I ever broke out in a sweat was a.) at the thought of exercise, or b.)shifting my bulk up a short flight of stairs

One day something finally clicked and I decided to change my fate. It started with a SENSIBLE weight loss (rather than all my previous crash diet/massive gain cycles) and lost 112lb over about 30 months. The first 6 stone was lost without any exercise whatsoever, and it was only the fear of the dreaded 'loose skin' that eventually made me decide to tone up.

Despite then joining a gym and LOVING strength training and basic cardio, I avoided the treadmill at all costs. I have horrible memories of cross country as a girl and always told my perplexed trainer the "I don't run".....then one day the other gym facilities were full so I braved it....and liked it!

Since then I started running on a treadmill, but never dared to go outside my comfort zone and brave the outdoors- happy in my little indoor world and 8 stone lighter to boot.

And then your world comes crashing down........3 months ago my 38 year old, fit, non-smoking, healthy living husband had a few nosebleeds and was then diagnosed with having a rare form of cancer. The world span while he went through bone marrow, blood and skeletal tests and we were eventually told the fantastic news that the tumour was large, but localised to his nose, and that an aggressive course of radiotherapy would most likely cure him- we have just last week finished his final treatment at the amazingly fabulous Christie hospital. We now await the final 'has it gone' outcome but have been overwhelmed by this awe inspiring place and it's staff, so much so that I wanted to help in some miniscule way.

So- I signed up for the Great Manchester 10k run and forced myself to go training outdoors- I have a goal, want to raise some money and have by accident discovered that I just LOVE running. I go through woods, fields, roads in the rain and snow- i get muddy, see wildlife that no-one else see's, get out of breath and feel alive- because of this site I can also see myself get slowly fitter

So this is why I am here- partly due to finally taking control of my life, losing weight, getting fit and (most importantly) enjoying every second, and party due to a horrible event making you want to give something back AND making you realise that you should grasp every single second of life with both hands and run as fast as you can with it.

So, "Hi" everyone- this is what got me started running, can I join your gang?

Thanks Helen and Mark.

I am taking it pretty slowly- my quote about 'grabbing life and running fast with it' was more in regard to mindset. My physical running is a lot more sedate than that- more intermitant run/walk at the moment. I know what you mean about enthusiasm sometimes overtaking ability though- I shall be cautious!

Thanks for making me welcome and for your best wishes, and good luck with your own progress/recovery

Hi Claire,welcome to the site.Your story is very uplifting and I like the rest wish your husband well.It now gives me a different slant on all my running/training plods.I too will now try to enjoy more when I'm out there.

Hi All

We love reading all the inspirational stories on the GRG forum and this is certainly one of them.  That's a great idea Marge, we will see what we can do - we are always looking for members' contributions to our newsletters as well and would happy to add the 'post of the month'  to this. 

Wow- thanks so much again for making me feel welcome and for your best wishes for my husband's recovery- Marge, you are making me blush!

I was out again this morning, and mindful of the 'too much too soon' guidance a few of you gave, so took it a bit easier, but I still can't get over how fantastic running makes me feel. I actually burst out laughing a couple of times today at the fact that I.........'Fat Claire' was actually out in the fog, mud and frost, running (and lovin' it, as the thread title says), when I could have been in bed- who'd have thunk it!

Sara- if you fancy a chat, send me a message- we can be newbies together, although I already feel part of the GRG gang

x

Welcome Claire and Sara! I'm sure you'll find (as I do) that GRG is a really friendly and welcoming place. I've occasionally found some other running forums to be a tad competitive and serious, but GRG has a great community feel for runners of absolutely all levels. The only thing we really have in common is that we simply enjoy the experience of running (well, most of the time, anyway!)

Hope you both continue to enjoy your running - I always feel this is a great time of year to be running as the days slowly start getting longer, spring creeps along, and you can notice the gradual changes around you each time you go out. There's a real sense of optimism at this time of the year.

Oh, Sara - regarding tips for motivation, I've been running for more than 5 years and it's sometimes still a struggle! Here are a few that (usually!) work for me.

- If you're procrastinating, put some of your favourite running music on in the house - it can get you a bit more pumped up to get out the door.

- Get your kit ready and laid out the day before. If you're prepared, you're less likely to find excuses.

- If possible, run first thing in the day. This doesn't suit everyone of course, but for me I find that if I leave it until later in the day, I'm far more likely to find excuses not to run.

- If you're really struggling to get out of the house, make a compromise with yourself that you'll only run for 5 minutes. Once you're out of the house, you'll more often than not start enjoying it. And if you do only do 5 minutes, well that's better than nothing.

- Do keep a record of all your runs on GRG! It's so motivating to see that you're making progress - going a bit further, or a bit faster, is a fantastic feeling.

- Probably the best one of all... if you can find a friend of similar ability, arrange to go running together. It's a fantastic way to keep each other focused and have a good chat at the same time.

Usually the most difficult step is the first one out of the door!

About six months ago I decided to buy a Nintendo Wii since everyone I spoke to seemed to think it was amazing. It wasn't long before I was hooked particularly on Wii fitness. Having spent a time building up my fitness level on this I suddenly decided I wanted to try running never ever had any inclination to do this. In my youth I had played every ball game imaginable but had never run except to chase a ball. Suddenly at the age of 63 I decided to run.

Since we spend some of the year in Greece and live in a village about 4km from the sea this seemed a good (downhill) chance. Having persuaded my wife to collect me by car from the beach I set out and thoroughly enjoyed it. No ill effects but a few aches  and pains afterwards. I kept this up and have decided that I have simply overdone it and now have had to seriously limit my running to less than a mile as I think I have damaged my MCL. At least that's what it seems like judging by the websites I have looked at.

Does anyone have any idea what I need to do as I am really anxious to get back on the road again. I have managed a few simple jogs round the village but after doing 0.8 mile yesterday in about 8 minutes I am back in pain again today.

Love the Goodrunguide website. It's really good to look at

Just a thought (I'm no expert) but further to what Martin says below, if all your running is downhill, as your post suggests, this would increase the tendency to heel strike.

Thanks for all the advice . I have tried to lay off too much downhill running and have really worked hard at trying to avoid heel striking but you really do need to be brave when running downhill. However my knee has improved a lot and just gives me a very occasional twinge so it seems like it might be a good idea to have a gait analysis done especially now my blackened toenail has cleared up!

Beginning to wish that I'd discovered running a long time ago but I really hated cross country at school with a vengeance. Now seem to be running around 20 miles a week in 2.5 mile chunks at around 11.30 minutes a mile. Have no idea if this is good or bad for a 63 year old with a BMI of about 26. However I take beta blockers for an anxiety problem and my resting heart rate is around 50 bpm and only reaches about 90 bpm when I'm totally exhausted. Trouble is I thought running was simply putting one foot in front of the other but it seems very technical and I have no idea what the technical and medical terms mean. What is "pronation". Have been in Crete for the last fortnight running every day but the hills round here are unbelieveable. But it is brilliant to find something entirely new at my age. Now what about entering a race or will they be full of superfit youngsters and leave me feeling an idiot?