I have graduated - now what (take 2)

[Autumn8Ten]

This is my second attempt at this question as my last post which was typed today has me down as having typed it 5 days ago!!!

I graduated on Friday and would like to thank Laura and the NHS for this amazing programme that not only got me running three times a week but also got me interested in taking control of my eating habits, doing strength exercises (body weights) and yoga. I cannot believe I am the same person who a few months ago hated exercise and whose idea of healthy eating involved crisps and chocolate and would brag that I could drink anybody under the table! I would also like to thank everybody on this site who has kept me motivated, inspired and given me fantastic advice. Now, I need more advice. I attempted the stepping stones run today and I could not do it! It was too fast for me, instead of upping my pace as Laura kept on advising I had to take walking breaks instead and gave up after 12 minutes. Did anybody else find this a problem? Does anybody have any suggestions on how I can improve on my pace. My final W9R3 run was a 13.42 min/mile. Thank you again for your wonderful, inspiring posts.

[greenlegs Graduate]

I haven't tried any of the c25k+ podcasts, so can't help there - but CONGRATULATIONS - completing c25k is wonderful.

[sofaqueen Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating, it's a fantastic achievement I graduated on Saturday and did the Stepping Stones last night and found it just about ok. It's really hot at the moment so that's not going to help either. As you know, the music is set at a certain number of beats per minute and starts off with 150bpm. If you find that too fast could you download some music with a lower number of beats per minute and run using that, and then try gradually speed up?

[SarahP0003 Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating! I also find the stepping stones podcast difficult (though not as bad as speed!) and I've basically given up on them - I think pace will improve over time with the more runs you do.

[Autumn8Ten Graduate]

Hi all many thanks for your responses, greenlegs I couldn't agree more, completing C25K is a wonderful feeling - even though I do feel a little like your avatar 'slow and steady' lol. Sofaqueen I have downloaded my own music and I will run to that instead as you suggest, and, as SarahP0003 suggests I will spend a few weeks just getting use to running for 30 mins and then attempt the stepping stones later. Thank you again for your responses.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It took me a few goes to complete Stepping Stones when it came out a couple of months after I graduated. I recently went back to it and again, didn't manage to do it all at the first attempt.