Week 8 Done!

[Scipio]

I'm delighted to report I have just completed W8.

I had to be practically bullied off the couch this evening by my husband and son to do W8R3, but I'm so glad they made me get up! They were right, I do feel good now I've done it.

The run itself was fine, I was comfortable all the way through & could have done another two minutes no problem, so W9 holds no fear for me now. I never thought a few weeks ago I would ever be saying that! I only wish I could run a bit faster, but if I did go faster I wouldn't have the stamina to complete the number of minutes required.

I've been thinking about what to do after I graduate, because I will need a plan to keep me motivated. I'm nowhere near 5K pace yet and I'm definitely not ready for C25K+ so I have tentatively decided to do the program again, but this time run at my current speed for the walking sections and speed up for the running sections (if you see what I mean). Hopefully I will be able to build up speed that way, in the same way that I have built up stamina during the current program.

I plan to start W9 on Monday or Tuesday, depending on how my old knees feel.

[Mazzero Graduate]

Well done Scipio Just 3 runs left and you will have your badge too. I really like the sound of your post grad plan because Wk 1 was the hardest for me so I would love to do that again to see how it feels. I know you intend running it all with speed intervals so good luck with that

[Scipio Graduate in reply to Mazzero]

Thanks Mazzero, I'm glad you think my onward plan makes sense. Hope you are still basking in your post-graduation glory & enjoying your success x

[Carolecal]

Good on you, young Scipio.......bum off couch and on your way,thanks to those men of yours and you didn't regret it !

So glad it was a good one and now you are filled with confidence for W9 !

I like the sound of your plan....was starting to wonder "What next?" myself.

Good luck for your final week of the prog and The Big One

[Scipio Graduate in reply to Carolecal]

Thanks for the good wishes, Carolecal! Sometimes we all need a push - yesterday mine was a combination of my lovely menfolk and the inspirational stories of everyone on here. You are doing great too - not far to go yourself, I think?

[Carolecal in reply to Scipio]

That's right, W8 starts tomorrow morning (just as long as I'm not feeling too delicate! )It's a big fete weekend here and a massive riverside firework display ,we have friends over for meal and a drink...or two

I really think I will follow your after Grad plan...my husband checked the distance of the route I do...creature of habit,I do the same each time out...and it's 4 km..I was quite pleased,hadn't expected it to be that much- just need to up the pace in a few weeks time and maybe work out how to change route without adding in too much roadwork.

I'm cheering you on for W9 !!

[Scipio Graduate in reply to Carolecal]

Thanks, and good luck to you for W8!! You can manage an extra three minutes no problem, even with a bit of a hangover - I know, I've done it...

[Oryxx Graduate]

Hi! This is exactly what I was looking at doing, I'm not going as fast as I'd like either. Let us know how you get on wit week 9!

[Scipio Graduate in reply to Oryxx]

Hi Oryxx, it's good to hear someone else is thinking the same thing about what to do next. I'll be interested to know how it goes for you.

[waletta Graduate]

That sounds like a great plan. I'm a way off yet (W6R1 just completed- now that's a strange one isn't it) but know I'm pretty slow. This way you can still listen to Laura encouraging you.

[Scipio Graduate in reply to waletta]

That's the idea, I need all the encouragement I can get!

W6 is a funny one all right. I expected it to be easy after running for 20 minutes, but it was the hardest week of all. I think it's the same for a lot of people. It gets easier after that, though.

[waletta Graduate in reply to Scipio]

yes I can echo that, though thinking about it, I'm glad not to have all long runs yet. I think it might be there as psychological (hope that spelt correctly) help. A sort of consolidation of what we've already done. I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks. Good luck with W9.

[katee1958 Graduate]

I have just done Week 8 run 1 this morning and really 'enjoyed' it amazingly. I am similar to you in that I do not have any speed, and am just happy to build my stamina. I now feel that it really is possible to contemplate finishing this course now. Your plan for post graduation sounds a pretty good idea, and when I get there, I may try it myself, I will watch out for your posts on how it goes. Good luck x

[Scipio Graduate in reply to katee1958]

Hi katee, you really will finish the course now - just 5 runs to go, and you are only adding another two minutes. Have faith! I am feeling so happy as I did my graduation run this evening. If I can do it, so can you - good luck!