Week 9 done, I am a runner!

I never thought I would be able to say that, this programme has been amazing. It has taken me 11 weeks to complete but I have had a few major complications along the way. I have lost a few pounds but more than anything my shape has changed. A few less lumps and bumps and I feel so much happier with my body.

[C_M_K]

Congratulations! I am on W2 R2 and stories like this really motivate me.

What will you do now? Continue with the three runs a week or change it around? Will you run a 5k for charity?

[Hidden]

Thanks for that, the support on this site is amazing.

Moving forward I now want to work on actually getting to 5K as my 30 minutes is nowhere near, I am a plodder but that does not bother me. I am planning to run race for life next year but that is as far as I have got yet.

Keep up your training as it really does work, a cliche I know but if I can do it anyone can.

[Snats Graduate]

Well done. I know how hard it can be. I have just started week 8 today and managed 4k and I never in a million years thought I would be able to do it but stories on here keep you motivated. Keep up your good work and well done again xxx

[gracecassar Graduate]

Well done Well done. Keep it up.

[hmtreacy Graduate]

well done, you have every right to be very proud of yourself

[A1nsworth Graduate]

many congratulations on getting there.I bet you're self esteem has rocketed.I graduated 2 weeks ago,and it is such a great moment.I am surprised how little weight I lost but I only need to lose a few pounds.In all the time I have been running Ive lost 3lbs,and I've been careful with my diet!but like you I am losing inches?That's a good feeling isn't it.Like you also I am a plodder,and it will take me forever to get to 5k but I don't think it matters.Are you going to continue with 30mins 3 times a week.x

[Hidden in reply to A1nsworth]

For the monent I am just going to run 30 mins 3 times a week.

[Segrie Graduate]

Congratulations, you sure must be proud. Do you run alone? Not sure about the whole idea of running with others I like to be able to keep my own pace and not feel pressurised to go faster

[Hidden in reply to Segrie]

I run on my own as I am not sure anybody else could run as slow as me!

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Well done and many CONGRATULATIONS! You must be feeling very buzzy indeed. Enjoy the moment and celebrate properly... you've proved you're amazing! I lost ounces only while doing the programme back in February ... but like you the shape changes were great! Now as I near the year-end, the weight is coming off gently and staying off! It's well worth sticking with it, and making a life-style change for the better, forever! Yippeee Oh, and don't forget to request your graduate badge! Cheers, Linda

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

Well done, take time to really enjoy the feeling of achievement and it's great to hear it's had an impact on how you feel about your body! Remember and ask for your graduate badge - It's another marker of your success

[Mazzero Graduate]

Congratulations and best wishes for your post grad running

[phillyq]

Well done get along to a parkrun. Did my first on Saturday and loved it

[rita57 Graduate]

Congratulations

Park runs, running 3 times a week and you could try the 5K+ podcasts ?? Good luck

[flossjoss Graduate]

Congratulations! Well done. Yeah the park runs are good. I have done 2 now and although wasn't too keen to run with others it aint so bad and is good fun. Well done again :o))

[Blenkinsop369 Graduate]

Well done you- I've found that it would be all too easy to find excuses not to maintain the 3 runs each week the weather the dark mornings etc, so I've joined a local leisure centre which has a gym and a swimming pool. Call me tight but as well as the 3 x 30 mins run on the treadmill (no rain no mud ) I've increased my exercise frequency to 6x per week. Swimming seems to relieve any aches following the runs and I'm now having a go on the rowing machine and other pieces of equipment. Dare I say it I'm getting to enjoy it.

[ellenyork Graduate]

Congratulations and I can imagine how you feel as I have recently graduated as well. I'm a bit worried about going into a slump now that the dark nights are here, so it's good to get inspired by how others are keeping going. Blenkinsop369 that's really impressive.

[jasehuss]

I did c25k last year and thé hardest thing now is thing now is to maintain 3 runs a week.

Biggest advice I can give is set yourself a goal to train for. Sign up for a 10k race sounds daughnting but you're hall way there, you CAN do it.

Try 3 runs a week one steady, one long, and one hilly.

Just enjoy the steady, find a hill and run up and down as many times as you can, this will build strength and speed into your legs. With the longrun just try to run a bit further each week.

Check out your local parkrun the people are amazing and will give you encouragement and advice they will usually have a facebook group you could check in advance. They won't care how quick you run. For me parkrun and it's people encouraged me into just completing my first half marathon

Hope that is useful. Keep on running