9 weeks and 4 days...

[dawnrunner]

...and I have completed the programme! I can now run 5k - although it took me 36 minutes instead of 30. But that's okay, it gives me another goal to work towards. I think the 30 minutes would be more realistic for someone not in their 50's, but I am very pleased with my achievements over the past couple of months, not having exercised for about 20 years.

Thanks to everyone who posts encouraging comments on here, when I found it tough I heard ALL your voices saying 'keep going,one foot in front of the other, don't forget to breathe, you CAN do it'.It is not my victory but all of ours!

Next up - Park run! But I want to get the time down a bit first...! Gotta have a goal...

[AncientMum Graduate]

Congratulations on finishing the programme Alibye, a great achievement

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thank you, and for all your encouraging posts. It is such a fab programme, even I can do it! The community is amazing.

[no-excuse Graduate]

Well done, that's fantastic! You should be feeling proud. Go for Parkrun- it took me a while to get the courage- but so glad I did. I was doing 5k in 42 mins and said to myself I would go for it when I got below 40. It now takes me about 36, so I am improving, slowly. Enjoy your running! x

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to no-excuse]

Thank you, and well done on the parkruns! I am sure I will do one soon, knowing that people like you will be there encouraging us newbies to join in.

[anadelsur]

Congratulations! Best wishes with your ParkRun

[dawnrunner Graduate]

Thank you. And best wishes for your next run - you are at the beginning of a very satisfying journey!

[the_chips Graduate]

Congratulations! I just did the first run after complete ting week 9 and somehow managed 4.98 km in about 45 mins so I think your time is awesome!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Congratulations. C25k is just an incredible programme and has an amazing success rate and you have just added to it. Well done.

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you - your posts have been very inspiring. I look forward to being as fit as you!

[dawnrunner Graduate]

Congratulations to you too - you have run 5k too (all but a few steps) - haven't we done well? Let's keep it up.

[seenthelight Graduate]

Well done, that's wonderful. It must be a great feeling to have graduated. Best of luck with Parkrun. I have registered and want to aim for that after I graduate. I am in my fifties and have never run before, its amazing isn't it! Happy running!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I bet you feel amazing! Now go and get that shiny graduate badge.

[ZoomZoom Graduate]

Well done, and go for parkrun. I love doing mine

[Hidden]

Well done and many congratulations on graduating. You have put in the time and effort and your success is well deserved. Good luck with the Parkrun, I shall be doing the same very shortly. All the best with your future running, whatever goals you decide to aim for. Best wishes.

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Fitmo. Your posts have been so supportive and also inspiring - just ahead of me all the way! Best wishes for your future goals too. I look forward to hearing about what you are up to.

[runninglate Graduate]

Tried my first park run last week. It was fantastic. I graduated at the end of March and took the courage to go. Tried stepping stone but didn't enjoy it. Still run 3 x per week to my own music on runkeeper and started the BUPA beginners 10k plan from their website. Needed the structure and challenge. I combine that with parkrun to give me speed and motivation. Good luck with your next steps

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to runninglate]

Thank you for all the ideas - I shall definitely check out the BUPA plan for 10k, I too need lots of structure. Best wishes for your continuing success.

[stevo216 Graduate]

Congratulations. Just did my first post grad run last night, ran for 33 mins so must be pretty much at 5k now. Onwards and upwards!

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to stevo216]

Well done to you! Haven't been since my graduation run on Tuesday - can't wait for this evening, I've already downloaded the stepping stones podcast

[carole01 Graduate]

Congratulations and well done. It's a great feeling and a huge achievement . Hope you are proud and rightly so! Try the speed podcast a good few times before your parkrun and if you are feeling up to it, use it for the first part of the run and muster on through the rest. You will be amazed at the difference it makes! Good luck!

[dawnrunner Graduate in reply to carole01]

Thank you. And thanks for the advice too. I have downloaded the stepping stones podcast and was going to try that tonight. Might have a look at the speed one instead...Best wishes for your continuing success.

[carole01 Graduate]

It is really good. It is short and challenging enough and if you continue to complete a 5k at the 150 bpm after you will be at the 30 minute 5k (at least!)

[Tinyrun Graduate]

Well done.