Today is the day, w9r3 it's done!

[Gareth01423]

Ok people, it's done and it was a beauty.

Felt that as it was my last c25k I would go up to Harrogate and run the stray, valley gardens and pine woods, such a lovely area.

I had conveniently forgotten about the hills but hey ho. Lots of dogs and mum with prams in trainers ( the mums in trainers not the prams!) and a cool but bright day.

The hills were hard but even an earthquake wouldn't have stopped me today. Was hard at 15 mins as I had run up 3 hills but the thought of finishing c25k kept me going! Also the thought that I would have to post on here that I didn't do really helped me to keep going.

All in all, it was a wonderful run and quite, well ok, very emotional! Shouting GET IN! And punching the air attracts attention I find, but who cares, I CAN run 30 minutes without stopping regardless of rain or hills or anything!

I can't wait to start 5 x 50 tomorrow and am the happiest person in Yorkshire! Oh and, GET IN! You can do it!

[aliboo70]

Congratulations! well done to you, sounds like a lovely run and you did it!!!!!!!! got to the end of c25k, a real achievement !!! The hills sound like hard work!

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you, yes it was truly wonderful and I am so pleased, there was many times I didn't think I could do it!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Congratulations Gareth! Sounds like a beautiful run and you were obviously in the right mindset today to finish it.

Just a little reminder to take it slowly after graduation as many folks do too much too soon and end up injured. None of us want that.

Don't forget to apply for your graduation badge. You've earned it!

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you. Yes I read that a lot of people had gone too far or of fast too soon. I won't be doing that. At present I am happy doing 5k running one night and 15 or 20k on the bike the next night. I don't want to undo all the hard work by getting injured!

[RubySlippers Graduate]

Congratulations Gareth, great achievement!

I know what you mean about having to write a post where you haven't met your own goals. I've found that thought spurring me on when I've felt like giving up. It's odd because everyone is so supportive and generous with advice and tips but I guess it's just the little critical voice in our own heads.

Enjoy your graduate badge and your future runs.

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to RubySlippers]

Thanks Ruby, everyone support has helped particularly at week 5r3, also when Laura says you are a runner that's a very special moment.

Felt happy to complete c25k today but also a little sad, here's to a better healthier future!

[waletta Graduate]

Well done Gareth. It sounded quite a run. Smashing post. There was going to be no stopping you was there?

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to waletta]

Thank you, your absolutely right, nothing was stopping me!

[Blanket Graduate]

Absolutely fantastic!! Well done. I love that you chose to go somewhere beautiful to fully savour the moment of your victory. :o)

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to Blanket]

Well I figured I deserved to go somewhere of my choice for the 'final' run, it was worth it and I highly recommend everyone having a change of scenery

[LSBeech75 Graduate]

Congratulations - what a great run & a great achievement. Your post made me smile better get your graduate badge sorted now!!

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to LSBeech75]

Thank you. If I can do it anyone can! 9 weeks ago I didn't do any exercise!

[no-excuse Graduate]

Hey happiest man in Yorkshire- well done you! Glad you had somewhere good to go and savour your moment. Enjoy your running and keep posting x

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to no-excuse]

Thank you and I certainly will, keep up the running!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation, and look at your shiny new badge! Very well deserved I too am from Yorkshire and know the Stray so I can picture your run - how nice that you had such a great graduation

[Gareth01423 Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Thank you, yes well proud of the badge. I deserved a nice place to run and enjoyed it