On the home straight ...

[ra220]

... it's been a long journey and I'm pleased to say that I've just come back from W9R1 and I'm feeling great!! I went out on Saturday morning for W8R3 and had to stop after 12 minutes as I had a terrible pain in the lower left side of my back. I figured it wouldn't do much good to keep running on it, so I stopped. I felt quite disappointed to have had to stop, but I went for a long walk on Saturday afternoon to try and loosen up my back - I started off limping a little, then the pain seemed to start to wear off. Yesterday I gave my back a complete rest and did some stretches and this morning I woke up with no pain at all so thought I should give Week 9 a go (somewhat tentatively). BUT I didn't have any trouble with my back today, so fingers crossed it was just a one off! It feels like such an achievement, and having completed the run once today, I'm confident that graduation will be possible on Friday Additionally, I measured my run on a map today and if my calculations are correct I managed 5k in the 30 minutes - another big achievement contributing to my happy mood! My final achievement is that I've lost a smidgen under 9kg since I started Couch to 5K Hoping to lose the extra grams this week so I hit 9kg in 9 weeks, but happy with the loss nonetheless!! Anyway, a very happy post from me today! Keep up the good work everyone

[josielle Graduate]

Well done! I am nowhere near 5kand I'm starting wk8 tomorrow. I reckon I only manage two km in 25mins. I told my workmates and they laughed. All are sedentary I hasten to add. I also have only run outdoors a few times because I Find it so much more difficult so I am in awe of your completing five k already. To me that's sprint speed!

[ra220 Graduate in reply to josielle]

To be honest - I'm terrible with maps and anything technical - so there is a VERY high chance that I'm wrong!! But I'm pleased with the fact I can manage 30 minutes. Everyone on here emphasises that it is about building stamina and running for longer periods of time each week - not necessarily about the number of kilometers travelled! Sounds like you're doing great (and doing a lot more than your unsupportive colleagues!!) Keep it up

[josielle Graduate]

Thanks ra. I can't believe that I'm jogging and that I love it. I'm very overweight so I am proud of myself. Glad you think distance can come in time. Cheered me up!

[Hidden in reply to josielle]

Isn't it amazing that some people (such as your work 'mates') think it is okay to mock your efforts to improve your wellbeing. Jealousy I reckon. Keep up your good progress, enjoy it. My best wishes to you.

[josielle Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks fitmo. To be honest I don't care any more. I am having the time of my life so I'm having the last laugh.

[Hidden]

Enjoy your graduation on Friday and be sure to let us all know how it went. Good luck. Best wishes.

[ra220 Graduate]

Thanks so much! I'm strangely looking forward to it! And I'm looking forward to getting my 'graduate' badge