Well fancy that...

[KernowKate]

...I DID IT! I am now officially a runner after completing the amazing NHS Choices Couch to 5K 9 week running plan.

Despite the weather's attempt to derail me today this evening I managed the final run (Week 9 Run 3) and completed 5K in just over 40 minutes.

At which point I scared half the wildlife and a few dog walkers on the camel trail to quite a celebration including a less than tuneful rendition of ‘Born to Run’ in dubious harmony with Bruce Springsteen.

3 months ago I couldn't run for that cliché bus now I'm thinking of training for next year's Plymouth Half Marathon and fitting in a Race for Life and a 10K event or two between now and then...

The programme is truly amazing, incredibly inspirational and IF I CAN DO IT ANYONE CAN!!!

I can't emphasise enough the difference it has made to my health and in Mental Health Awareness Week (mentalhealth.org.uk/our-wor... which is on the theme of exercise and mental health C25K has been a terrific boost to my overall wellbeing in recent months.

Thanks to everyone in this terrific on-line community for sharing encouragement, support, advice, practical suggestions and your inspirational stories.

What a truly wonderful programme by the NHS!

Now to the next challenge… who thought I’d have so much in common with Angelina Jolie?

I’m still sporting my fab new ‘Couch to 5K GRADUATE’ T Shirt and I’m so proud!

But what am I going to do without Laura? oh yes, Couch to 5K+ yippeee...

[Beads Graduate]

Wooohooo! Congratulations!

[KernowKate Graduate in reply to Beads]

Thank you. Well done to you too, can't wait for the graduate badge!

[Birdie74 Graduate]

Huge congratulations! It must be such a great feeling. I hope to be graduating in a few weeks too and fully expect to celebrate publicly (and embarrassingly) as well.

[KernowKate Graduate in reply to Birdie74]

Thank you that really was the best bit... So Un-English! Fab feeling and I wish you well on your way to it sharing it. happy running and a speedy graduation...

[PamJK Graduate]

Many congratulations! Can't wait to see your shiny new badge X

[KernowKate Graduate in reply to PamJK]

Thank you. I'll hopefully stop having grad badge envy when I come to the site... Tee hee... Happy running...

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Woo-hoo! Congratulations on your graduation! I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful new badge

[petal51 Graduate]

Well done, it's a great feeling isn't it!

[Beek Graduate]

CONGRATULATIONS! It is posts like this which inspire the newbies like me who have to trust and believe that one day we too will enjoy the ecstacy of success. Can't imagine getting there at all. Must be a great feeling - ENJOY IT! Thank you for the incentive to persevere!

[KernowKate Graduate in reply to Beek]

Thank you. I'm delighted to help someone else in the same way the site inspired me. Believe me you will get there - that's the magic of the programme - that we do get there eventually whether it is 9 weeks or 9 months it seems to work. And it is a feeling worth waiting for along with the very childlike glee in seeing the Graduate badge next to your name. All the best, I look forward to seeing your progress and sharing the joy of your graduation! ;-D Kate

[Beek Graduate in reply to KernowKate]

Thank you. I shall do my very best to succeed!