I am over 70 and in recent years I've never run more than 10m at any one time.  As a teenager I never ran more than 400m.  So Couch to 5k is a real challenge for me.  In my first session I could only run for 1 min without a break.  After 6 weeks I can run for 10 mins.  The target is 30 mins.  So there has been progress, but there's still a way to go!  I'll post updates for those who'd prefer to pay by results, but please help if you can.  Any money raised is going to fund wellbeing packs and psychological support for NHS staff.  Donations go straight to Southampton Hospitals Charity.

Please see below for details of Southampton Hospitals Charity and the Covid NHS heroes appeal. 

I'd also like to publicise October Books, the excellent independent cooperative in Portswood that has been providing books and food throughout the pandemic. See picture in Gallery.  

If anyone would like to join in with some running, please let me know.  I'll add your name, and your progress too if you like.  But it's the participation that matters more than beating yourself up with a target. Even 1 minute can be a challenge worthy of supporting.

Stop press - 19/2, now up to 15 mins non stop, half way there!  6/3, Currently recovering from damaged knee!  Hope to be back to the athletics before too long.  20/3 Still on the treatment table, I'm afraid. 

21/8  I'm afraid I have finally given up on being able to run again, at least the kind of repetitive pounding on a hard surface that I was doing for Couch to 5K.  The knee just hasn't repaaired sufficiently.  It isn't too bad; I can still walk, cycle and play tennis.  It's just the type of running described above that is now beyond me.  Many thanks to everyone who donated.  I hope that you will agree that it was/is a worthy cause, despite my ability to complete.  The next challenge for me might involve swimming!