W9r3 done, feeling on top of the world!

[seenthelight]

Well that's it then, the end of the beginning. Ten pounds lighter since the first run thanks to Slimming World and a generally healthier lifestyle. Just six pounds to a healthy bmi and a whole fresh start at the grand old age of 57! Two years ago this summer I was at Thorpe Park wondering if I was too big to go on some of the rides. I felt I needed to lose some weight before I started running and lost nearly four stone to start with. Now I am looking forward to starting building up a little more speed, maybe intervals and some inclines on my runs. I really just want to be a regular runner now. Could that be me, I still can't believe it. I think this has been a wonderful programme, thanks to Laura and the NHS. Thanks for all the encouragement from fellow runners, the support has made all the difference to me. Off to claim my graduate badge and a nice cuppa!

[runner56 Graduate]

Congratulations and well done you!!!

Keep up the great work

[Rockette]

Congratulations

[no-excuse Graduate]

Fantastic, well done! You deserve to feel proud. Enjoy your running x

[mossy1 Graduate]

Well done you. Totally agree about the programme and you can carry on with the C25k+ podcasts - I have been trying them since I graduated as it's nice to still have some structure. Enjoy your tea- you deserve it

[Hidden]

Well done. This is excellent news and you deserve to feel pleased with yourself - you earned it. Good luck with your future running and my very best wishes.

[Hidden]

Wow ! You have done well. You've definitely earned that cuppa. I do hope you manage to keep on running.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations - don't you feel amazing! You have really turned your health around!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the graduate club, fellow runner. It is never too late and I think that those of us of (ahem) certain years really relish and appreciate the extra bounce that being fit can give us. Keep running, keep smiling.

[seenthelight Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I agree with that. I have had aches and pains for a few years now in my joints but I really think that the weight loss plus running and swimming regularly has made a huge improvement. Now I feel at least ten years younger physically.

[Rupertlebear Graduate]

Congratulations! Doesn't it feel fabulous. I too agree that the programme is just the ticket.

A big pat on the back. Great news about the weight loss too.

[seenthelight Graduate]

Thank you so much, it really feels great. Am looking forward to putting together a playlist of some favourite music and just go run at the weekend. Also, I want to go and have a nose around the local Parkrun to see how it works. I have registered but want to get a bit of gradient confidence built up first. Funny thing today at work, dodging out of the rain, I had to run round a building. In the past I would have walked it and started to but then remembered I AM A RUNNER! and had a little jog. Not out of breath at all, would have been half dead a few months ago! What a difference!

[kickibro Graduate]

Congratulations on a lifestyle change and on your graduation xxx

[Folliegirl Graduate]

Fantastic! Well done .... definitely try running in the rain

[anadelsur]

Congratulations, well done!!

[ZoomZoom Graduate]

You've achieved some amazing goals. Well done

[cathryn14 Graduate]

Congratutaions on all your recent acheivements! You should be so pleased with yourself and the changes you have made. I was really nervous about Parkrun thinking there was far too much tetosterone involved ( that's all the men at the front) so it took me some time to pluck up the nerve to try; but it's great. Certainly makes me run faster than I would on my own even coming in WAY down the field.Though I do hate being passed by a person pushing a buggy and trailing a dog but c'est la vie!

[seenthelight Graduate in reply to cathryn14]

Thank you. I will have to go down and take a little look first. I don't really mind coming in last as long as its not by a significant amount but coming in last might bring back too many school day memories. It will be a while before I brave it but would be best to do it while its pretty chilly as I don't think I could run in the heat.

[Run-ing Graduate]

Well done, what a great post - I looked into Week 9 posts as I have just finished Week 8 tonight and wanted some inspiration for week 9! I got it, thanks. You have done so well.

[seenthelight Graduate in reply to Run-ing]

Thank you and well done on reaching week 9. Good luck with your graduation week, its great isn't it.