It's been a long time coming but I've finally run 5k!!

[r4chsm1th]

So I haven't posted on here for a veryy long time, I graduated back in June but for some reason lost motivation after it happened and I found it really hard to get out and running.

When I graduated I didn't actually reach 5k, so I technically never finished the program, until now!

On Saturday me and two other friends entered a 5k charity race for Pilgrims Hospices called 'Light up the City', where everyone has to wear neon/ flashing clothes and run around the city (Canterbury) at night. I really wanted to do it as I needed an excuse to get back into running and this seemed like the perfect opportunity! I was quite anxious about it as I hadn't really run properly in 4 months and I didn't know how it was going to go.

We got there and the atmosphere was amazing, there must have been a couple of hundred people doing the race and it really felt as if I was part of something worthwhile and important. We must have looked quite the spectacle with everyone glowing in the dark running through the city streets!

And surprisingly I actually found the run quite easy, when it got to the end I felt like I could have carried on running! Everyone was cheering as we crossed the finish line and it was honestly such an amazing feeling, I even got a medal!

It's definitely motivated and inspired me to start running again, now I know I can actually run 5k I can start training for the marathon that I've always wanted to do!

For anyone who has lost motivation after graduating I would 100% recommend doing a charity run, you can raise money (we raised £110 and counting) and it reminds you why you did c25k in the first place, I'm definitely motivated!

Hope to speak soon, happy running everyone!

[Twilight1 Graduate]

Well done you!!! Inspiration to us all!! KEEEEP RUNNING!!! =D xx

[Miso_14 Graduate]

Well done and now get training for that marathon

[sfb350 Graduate]

Well done ! It's quite difficult after graduation - I know I felt quite lost for a while. I eventually plucked up the courage to join a running club and I've really benefited from it - I do recommend joining a running club, especially if you eventually want to run a marathon.

[dottiemay Graduate]

What a brilliant way to make a comeback! Well done you and good luck with the marathon training!

[Jenwrenarm Graduate]

That's awesome! What a great photo! Thanks for sharing! I'm guessing that medal will be the most precious one of all you have yet to get! It will be the marker of your first real achievement. Many congrats

[danzargo Graduate]

I have MISSED you! Well done on your achievement and it's good to hear your mojo is coming back. I too have had problems keeping running though my reasons are more muscular, but I've seen a podiatrist and am now raring to go back on the trodden 5K path!

Impressed with your medal and the money raised. Top jolly!!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Well done and congratulations. You look so happy and proud. What a lovely photo.

[Carolecal]

Wow...well done, that's a great achievement ,a 5K run and a load of dosh raised at the same time Plus you are now back in the swing of it and I've no doubt you will hold onto that feeling and be motivated to train for your first marathon.

Fab photo too !

[nextjenn Graduate]

Oooh I'd love a night race! My plantar fasciitus is worse in the morning, when most parkruns/charity runs are done. Keeping my eye out for a night run in Lincolnshire now! Imagine having a medal, you must be so pleased! Well done, sounds like an amazing experience and you did it for a good cause! Congrats!