WK 9 R3! I DID IT! πŸŽ‰πŸ˜ƒπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ: I’m so pleased to... - Couch to 5K

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WK 9 R3! I DID IT! πŸŽ‰πŸ˜ƒπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduate
β€’97 Replies

I’m so pleased to say that I have completed the couch25k programme and wow! I am so grateful for this app and this forum!

Before September 2019, I did very little exercise. In fact, a walk to the pub (about 5 minutes away) was too far and got me out of breath πŸ€¦β€β™€οΈ I started walking every day as I had signed up to walk 24 miles within 24 hours for Pancreatic Cancer research UK. I chose this cause as I have pancreatitis and have had several life threatening attacks ☹️

After completing my walk, my desire to stay fit was stronger than ever and I downloaded couch25k. The first runs were challenging and I stopped and started the programme quite a few times! In fact, it’s taken me 5 months to complete! I thought I would never be a runner. But, I kept at it, often repeating weeks as I just felt I wasn’t able to move onto the next week. I’ve only just started to run outside as I felt embarrassed and had been doing all my runs on a treadmill. What a waste because running outside is amazing even if I’m surrounded by hills! (I live between the Quantocks and Exmoor) Having Sarah Millican as my coach was like an extra set of lungs! I love her and would like to thank her one day!

For those starting out, please just keep at it! Have faith because if I can do it, anyone can. This has got to be the best programme ever and the best support network too! I’m 50 years old btw so a bit late to fitness but better late than never eh?!

I plan to do a Rainbow Run for South West Children’s Hospice (which has been postponed due to Coronavirus) so I will keep at it!

Happy running everyone! KOKO (keep on keeping on)

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Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123
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97 Replies
β€’

Congratulations 🎊 πŸŽ‰πŸΎπŸ‘πŸ˜€

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply to

Thank you 😊

Curnie1 profile image
Curnie1

Many congratulations πŸ₯³! Well done!!

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toCurnie1

Thank you 😊

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

This guide to post C25k running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thank you, I’ve just been reading this! Lots to digest and really informative, thanks πŸ™

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Congratulations and keep on running it’s the only sane thing in this time of uncertain and helps so much to clear our minds

You must be so proud well done

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Even though I have to talk myself into going for a run, once I’m out there, it’s the only time my head isn’t busy with all that’s going on! I love it!

Thank you, yes, I’m very proud! x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduateβ€’ in reply toRainbowrunner123

That’s good to know, lots of us procrastinate and keep pushing ourselves to go out but we are different people when we come back home

Mr_CouchPotato profile image
Mr_CouchPotatoGraduate

Congratulations well done

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toMr_CouchPotato

Thank you! 😊

Workingathome profile image
WorkingathomeGraduate

Congratulations πŸ₯³

Jiveblue profile image
JiveblueGraduate

Congratulations!! Well done. πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ₯‡

When this is all over I highly recommend you try a Parkrun... I was really fearful of running β€˜in public’ but am much more confident after doing several Parkrun as everyone is so friendly and somehow it’s not embarrassing at all when you’re all sharing a common goal!!

Enjoy your post-grad runs in the countryside!

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toJiveblue

I looked up where my nearest park runs were before the lockdown and one is on the seafront! I can’t wait to join in. Thank you 😊

NickSX profile image
NickSX

very well done x

Freespirit5 profile image
Freespirit5

You've given me hope!! Thank you ❀️

Kharina profile image
KharinaGraduate

Congratulations! What a great achievement with your walking and running!

Amazing story! Huge congrats! πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

kpnuts53 profile image
kpnuts53Graduate

Awesome job, really well done. Time to enjoy your lovely countryside now

Surreyjelbel profile image
SurreyjelbelGraduate

πŸ‘ Huge Congratulations πŸ₯³ I love the fact you repeated weeks and stuck with it as that shows true grit and determination. KOKO πŸ˜‰

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toSurreyjelbel

I think I must hold the record for longest to complete! πŸ˜‚

AineB2020 profile image
AineB2020Graduate

Congratulations that is fantastic. Well done

Ozzy19 profile image
Ozzy19Graduate

That’s fantastic, we’ll done you...❀️

LittleIreland profile image
LittleIrelandGraduate

Brilliant - well done ☺

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate

Yay! Awesome! Maybe see you on the Bridge to 10k?

🐱 Katnap 🐱

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toKatnap

The thought of running 10k scares me but then so did 5k! So, yeh, maybe when I’m comfortable with my consolidation period. Thank you 😊

Timotea profile image
TimoteaGraduate

Fantastic achievement ! Well done and huge kudos for grit and determination to finish. Lots of congratulations and keep it up.

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toTimotea

Thank you 😊

Dannybhoy625 profile image
Dannybhoy625Graduate

Brilliant. Well Done to you πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Stationary profile image
Stationary

How brilliant! I've had to stop running for a bit due to an injury, but thank you for letting me enjoy the run vicariously through you! Take care.

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toStationary

Awww, I hope it’s nothing too serious? I had to stop for a period after a pancreatic attack (I was just about to start week 9 as well ☹️) but when I was well enough, I just took myself back to week 5 again. Hope you have a speedy recovery πŸ™

R4inbow profile image
R4inbow

Amazing, well done you for keeping going!

Sweet69 profile image
Sweet69

Well done you. Very inspiring . I’m on week 4 but have found it tough this week .....I hope you keep running x

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toSweet69

Some weeks/runs were unbearable but some brought a smile to my face. Keep pushing through those tough ones and repeat if you feel you need longer. There’s no rush. Good luck πŸ˜‰

Outdoorsy19 profile image
Outdoorsy19Graduate

Well done! I’m a 50-something too and although I’m generally active decided to do this app for health reasons. I also repeated weeks along the way and it took me 4 months. I also started on a treadmill during the depths of winter but now I have a lovely suburban circular route which takes me in and out of woods and parkland. At this time of year every day you notice small changes as spring is coming on and it is just a joy to be outside in it. I’ve now done a couple of weeks of consolidation and am pleased that I have maintained the motivation to keep going. With lockdown it actually helps as I have the time so there’s no excuse! I’m looking forward to when Parkrun eventually reopens and I can join in and run the entire thing in a respectable time! Keep running and enjoy the huge sense of achievement! Congratulations!

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toOutdoorsy19

Thank you! Our stories are very similar eh?! Well done for keeping up the good habit, I’ll be right behind you! x

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey5000Graduate

What a lovely post, love that proud beaming smile!! And rightly so.....fantastic achievement. Despite all the doubts you stuck at it, you are amazing!!!

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toSparkey5000

Awww, thank you! 😊

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate

Congratulations! What an achievement! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ†πŸŽ“

And what an inspiration you are. Go you!

Ginter profile image
GinterGraduate

Well done, you are and inspiration to others and show how determination will get you there in the end. Congratulations.

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toGinter

Thank you 😊

Erics_Dad profile image
Erics_DadGraduate

Congratulations, that's brilliant πŸ˜ƒ I'm not far behind you - week 7 run 3

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toErics_Dad

Oooo, exciting! I’ll look forward to reading your posts! Good luck, KOKO 😊

Oldwoman65 profile image
Oldwoman65Graduate

Well done you. That's amazing. It's a great feeling isn't when you complete the program. Keep up the good work.πŸ‘

Runnermagnolia profile image
RunnermagnoliaGraduate

Well done you! I’m 55 and found week 2 hard. Your post has inspired me to keep going to week 3. Thank you.

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toRunnermagnolia

I remember thinking how can I run from 60 seconds to 90 seconds? It does get easier! I still find the last 10 minutes tough and have a mental disagreement with myself about whether I should stop or not! πŸ˜‚ It’s all in the mind for me. Good luck and KOKO 😊

snailface profile image
snailfaceGraduate

Well done you and congratulations πŸ₯³

Keep going steadily Enjoy yourself x

Kerrowmoar profile image
Kerrowmoar

Congratulations πŸΎπŸŽ‰

What a lovely story and you've given me inspiration to continue on my journey.

Well done.

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toKerrowmoar

Well done! Good luck and I look forward to reading your posts! KOKO 😊

Matti_G profile image
Matti_GGraduate

Thank you Rainbowrunner123, and congratulations. This has inspired me to continue - I’ve just started week 3 (with Sarah Millican , too). This is the third time I’ve started couch25k, but I’ve always given up after week 1! You are right to be proud of yourself and well done for sticking with it!

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toMatti_G

Well done! Personally, those first 4 weeks were the hardest for me (week 5 was a bit of a shock but doable!) I kept stopping and starting but it’s all good practice eh? πŸ˜‚ good luck and Keep on keeping on! πŸ™πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Comfortnotspeed profile image
Comfortnotspeed

Brilliant achievement and a great read. Inspiring to all of us. Massive well done 🀩πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ€©πŸŒΈπŸ˜ŠπŸŒΈ

Well done.. I'm 56 and just finishing week 4..you're an inspiration xx

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply to

Week 5 is exciting! Half way mark too. Good luck and well done! Reward yourself πŸ˜‰

β€’ in reply toRainbowrunner123

Thank you xxx

Getfitok profile image
GetfitokGraduate

Brilliant! Well done you 🍾πŸ₯‚

Squiggle77 profile image
Squiggle77

Well done! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜πŸ₯‡

Chezjmc profile image
ChezjmcGraduate

Well done, I know it’s not easy some days dragging yourself out, but I’ve never regretted it! Congratulations on your graduation x

Clairewalker751 profile image
Clairewalker751

Well done!! 😁

Bracken2018 profile image
Bracken2018Graduate

Congratulations on YOUR SUCCESS - I really like the way you have encouraged others to repeat the weeks until they feel ready to move on , that perfect advice and, I too have mentioned this to others that are funding some weeks a struggle. I’m just about to go out for my W9R3 toooo ! 🐾

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toBracken2018

Waheyyyyy! Is it raining with you? I haven’t ran in the rain yet. Good luck, go and smash it!

Bracken2018 profile image
Bracken2018Graduateβ€’ in reply toRainbowrunner123

Yippee I ran 5.5K in 41 minutes . Yes it was raining and I loved it because it kept me cool .

I wasn’t sure if I had actually made it to 5K so ran a little longer to make sure I had actually made it 🐾

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toBracken2018

Well done! Waheyyyy, we are twin graduates! πŸ˜‚ I’m a little short of 5k but not worried about the distance. That will improve I’m sure.

Bracken2018 profile image
Bracken2018Graduateβ€’ in reply toRainbowrunner123

Congratulations , yippee , hooray YES - you did it YES . Did the rain help keep you cool or was it an issue ?

Will you aim for a Parkrun next ?

I’m so pleased for you , I’m sending a big hug and we will celebrate with 🍾 bubbles or a cup of tea :)

Let’s keep in touch on our progress 🐾

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toBracken2018

No, It was a sunny late afternoon when I ran so I haven’t ran in the rain yet! I’m looking forward to that experience as I do get quite sweaty Betty! πŸ˜‚ Yes, we must keep in touch! I completed couch25k on 16/4, was that the same day for you? x

Bracken2018 profile image
Bracken2018Graduateβ€’ in reply toRainbowrunner123

Mine was yesterday 17- 4 hence the rain . Only 24 hours or less between us which is perfect . We can support each other as we head for our next target :) 🐾

CobbleRunner profile image
CobbleRunnerGraduate

Well done! What an inspiration you are 😊

Clewer44 profile image
Clewer44Graduate

Well done you! πŸΎπŸŽ‰πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

IzzyMP profile image
IzzyMPGraduate

Congratulations, you must feel on top of the world. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸΎπŸƒπŸ»

Ercolino profile image
ErcolinoGraduate

Well done! For completing and not letting your pancreatitis hold you back - I've "just" finished - done two consolidation runs and wondering when I'll get to run outside - I'm in Italy and it's strictly treadmill at the moment

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toErcolino

Awww, just imagine how much you’ll appreciate your first run outside eh? I hope you’re keeping safe and well during these uncertain times x

Ercolino profile image
ErcolinoGraduateβ€’ in reply toRainbowrunner123

Thank you!

Bluepup1 profile image
Bluepup1Graduate

Well done - you deserve to feel proud of yourself! Always nice to see more people on the podium!

You’ve come along way in a short time and long may it continue! πŸ€— x

BeachbodyUnready profile image
BeachbodyUnreadyGraduate

Congratulations πŸŽ‰ I’m two runs behind you and although this morning's run was hard I’m so close now I won’t let it put me off πŸ‘ŠπŸ»

Bracken2018 profile image
Bracken2018Graduateβ€’ in reply toBeachbodyUnready

Let me know when you have completed your W9R3 ok ? 🐾

MildredNfk profile image
MildredNfkGraduate

Wow, well done you... congratulations!πŸ˜πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ†πŸ₯‡

Damo61 profile image
Damo61

Fantastic, well done

Mands50 profile image
Mands50Graduate

Brilliant, well done. Happy running πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ πŸ‘πŸ‘x

Forrestgump54 profile image
Forrestgump54Graduate

Fantastic and huge congratulations to you πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

sugarmoon profile image
sugarmoonGraduate

Congratulations πŸ₯³

It feels good doesn’t it. I hadn’t done any form of exercise for quite some time, so it’s a real achievement when you finish..

Fifty-ish is a good a time to start as any!πŸ˜‰

Aurora14 profile image
Aurora14Graduate

Congratulations to you!!!

MartinKH profile image
MartinKHGraduate

What a fantastic story, congratulations on your achievements. πŸ‘πŸŽ‰πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ’ͺ

Swim18 profile image
Swim18Graduate

Well done Rainbowrunner . The App is amazing and recommend it to everyone. Keep going it is such an excellent way to keep fit πŸƒπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ‘

Caramac-lover profile image
Caramac-lover

Well done on your perseverance and achievement - and good luck with all your future goals! You are very inspiring.

NewMich2020 profile image
NewMich2020

Massive congratulations! You are an inspiration!

Congratulations it’s such a great feeling πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ₯³

Twinklestarr profile image
Twinklestarr

Fabulous. Thank you for sharing. Ive just started week 2 after β€˜thinking’ about it for a long time; actually thinking about it is probably not the right word... I wasn’t that committed!πŸ˜‚ I used to be sporty and fit at school a loooong time ago but Of course got out of the habit. Now I’m 55, have become more sedentary than active in recent years due to β€˜life’ stuff but am now determined to get my fitness back! Stories like yours just boost confidence and belief that this isn’t too hard. The mind is so important and I know that an area of resilience that’s being built over recent years. So thank you. And enjoy your running!πŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸ”₯πŸ’ͺ

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toTwinklestarr

Yes, you’re right about the mind! I fall out with mine quite a lot before a run! πŸ˜‚ I now look at my body as if it’s a dog! I owe it to my body to take it out for some exercise πŸ˜‚ good luck and keep on keeping on 😊

BarbieW profile image
BarbieWGraduate

Very well done Rainbowrunner, great achievement!

Be proud.

Verso45 profile image
Verso45Graduate

Hi Rainbowrunner123, congratulations! I know just how you feel, I graduated this week too and at 58 I intend to keep it up! Good luck for the future πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ˜€

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toVerso45

Congratulations! Waheyyyyy! πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

PolicefoxLyn profile image
PolicefoxLynGraduate

I'm 50 too and I started 1 Jan, completed 8 Feb. I now regularly run for 30 mins or for 5k (unfortunately they're still not the same thing yet!)

Keep at it. Good luck xx

ninky3 profile image
ninky3Graduate

So inspiring, congratulations to you!! Best of luck with the Rainbow Run too, when it happens. This post has provided some much needed sunshine and rainbows on this grim and grey day so THANK YOU for sharing!!!

Machrie1 profile image
Machrie1

Very well done. I started doing it and was on week 2 but have done something to my hip so haven’t tried for three weeks. I’ll have to start again. Very frustrating. My hips still not right. Think I need gait checked and proper running shoes. Anyway, massive congrats to you πŸ‘

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toMachrie1

Awww, make sure you rest your hip. Don’t take any chances. I would definitely recommend investing in some decent running trainers and make sure you are comfortable with them before running in them. I treated mine like a pair of walking boots and wore them on short walks and around the house first. Good luck πŸ˜‰

edwardkerrison profile image
edwardkerrison

Well done. I am now on week 6!!

Rainbowrunner123 profile image
Rainbowrunner123Graduateβ€’ in reply toedwardkerrison

Well done! I personally found the last 3 weeks quite good going. Good luck x

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