I'm a Graduate!

[karlotta]

There is nothing in life quite as satisfying as achieving a goal which in the beginning seemed so totally impossible. I've never run anywhere in my life. The challenge of avoiding PE (especially running!) was the nearest I got to anything remotely competitive but somehow downloading a little app and setting out one evening in the pitch black after visiting my mother in hospital (it seemed as good a way as any to take my mind off things) was the catalyst for a fabulous few weeks that has turned me into a runner.

I can honestly say I'm addicted. I feel twitchy and restless when I'm on a rest day and get such a buzz about finishing a run. I find it unfathomable that I'm typing these words.

So today I set out at 8am for my local country park for my graduation run - it's my favourite route at the mo and a 5k loop which is quite convenient! I intentionally set off at an easy pace to really enjoy the run - to take in my surroundings and savour the moment. It was a gorgeous morning and I'm not sure whether I was in a particularly good mood (and therefore running with a grin on my face) or the rest of the world was, but everyone wanted to say 'morning' - runners, dog walkers, cyclists - it was a fabulous experience.

I had a little celebratory whoop as I passed the 30 min mark and kept running to complete the 5k. Despite setting out at a casual pace, as I ran my route it seemed that running must be getting easier for me as my splits seemed to be faster than ever - I even had some running in my legs to have a little burst at the end to finish in my fastest time of 35.24! I've shaved off 2 minutes in the last week and where a couple of weeks ago I couldn't imagine ever getting under 30mins, I think it could be possible sometime in the not so distant future.

I want to thank everyone here for all their wonderful support and to the NHS for a fabulous motivating programme (even if I had to ditch Laura a couple of weeks ago as she just wouldn't play nice!). The moral of the story is if you really put your mind to something, ANYTHING is possible.

[nrg_girl Graduate]

Congratulations to you! What a fantastic achievement.

[Hidden]

It's a great feeling to know you've done it isn't it ? Very well done, it sounds like you had the perfect graduation run and gues what, you're a runner !! Happy running!!

[runner56 Graduate]

Congratulations Karlotta. I hope to join you in the graduation compound come Friday. A very well done and happy future running

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

Happy graduation! Very very well done; it's a fantastic achievement and I hope you feel so proud! sounds like an excellent graduation run, well done!

[karlotta Graduate]

Thanks everyone! It feels pretty damn good!

[waletta Graduate]

Well done. Sounds like a lovely run too.

[pot58 Graduate]

Huge congratulations to you

[grannyjudes Graduate]

love this post, so positive and happy, well done you xx

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Congratulations

[Purplesparkle8 Graduate]

Brilliant! Well done!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! Feels amazing doesn't it! Welcome to the addicts club!

[Jaqs99 Graduate]

Very big congratulations. What a lovely sounding run. Happy running

[paul2014 Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation a very big well done.

[Mandydonkleywood Graduate]

Congratulations!

It feels so fantastic to graduate.

[Nilzed]

Congratulations!

With you on the effort to avoid PE classes! Gosh i hated PE class!