Yes! At last, and a good run too:)

[MrsSparkle]

Well, at last I've done it! That's week 9 run 3 complete, and at also at last I think I enjoyed it, woohoo!

The last 3 runs have been spread over 3 and a half weeks, and I wasn't sure if I could manage tonight because it had been so long.

This run tonight was definitely my best by a long way. Not because I finally graduated but because I finally managed to pace myself. The funny thing is even though I ran more slowly, it was much more steady pace and so actually I ran the exact same distance as usual - about 4.7km.

All thanks to an anonymous female runner that I spotted last week when I was in Swansea. I was there for a few days and one morning I managed a run along the front between Swansea and Mumbles, it was a killer even though it was lovely and flat. Anyway, I spotted this runner in front of me and noticed I was catching up with her wiphich confirmed to me that I definitely was running too fast. So, I tried to copy her pace and rhythm, although quite unsuccessfully as I was already done in. I hope she didn't spot me behind her and think I was a stalker! Anyway she looked so composed and steady that I decided I would have to try and copy her again, which is what I did tonight and it was just the thing!

I have also decided that I. Will buy a Garmin gadget. I was so excited tonight about getting home to check out my run on MapMyRun. But, once again it decided to only record part of my run. I think it doesn't like it when I get an email on my phone and it gets jealous that another app is running and goes in a huff! Just not on when it was my best run ever.

Thank you to everyone on here, for the motivation and inspiration. I love reading your stories and helpful hints. Keep up the good work.

Now I'm off to check out these gadgets and think about my next move. I'd love to do Parkrun but unfortunately I have very limited time on Saturday mornings and it is a bit far away so I have to add on travel time too. Still, I've got the barcode and can go along if I get the chance. I will just try to squeeze in the last 0.3km into my half hour runs to make it 5k.

can't stop smiling now

[I_will Graduate]

Congratulations! Bet you feel great

Three cheers!

[poppypug Graduate]

Oh well done MrsSparkle ! Many congratulations on your graduation, its a great feeling isn't it ? Fab stuff ! xxx

[AncientMum Graduate]

Congratulations MrsSparkle. Another graduate for this amazing programme. Very well done

[Sunflower86 Graduate]

Well done!!! U defo deserve a wee treat!! Let us know when u hit that 5k

[Hidden]

Marvellous ! Congratulations.

[misswobble Graduate]

Congratulations Mrs S! Well done. You must be dead chuffed with yourself. Yep slow and steady is great isn't it.

Ooooh a shiny new Garmin as a Graduation present is a brilliant idea!

[mancbird Graduate]

Woo hoo . Well done. Will be me in a few weeks (hopefully!!).

Keep beaming x

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! You should feel proud of yourself!

[jaxmc64 Graduate]

Hi miss sparkle, didn't you do well,!

Huge congratulations on graduating c25k and what a solid way to get around you're last run - Great post btw and really well done - welcome to the club x

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Congratulations on running! I think it becomes even more addictive with a garmin.

[Hidden]

Congrats on your graduation! Slow and steady = faster sometimes. I gave up on MapMyRun too, it's so disappointing when it messes up isn't it? I'm using RunKeeper now, works every time and has all the same features plus some more than MMR, why not give it a try?

[MrsSparkle Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that tip CG. I will have a look at it tonight. I have to say I didn't expect the Garmins to be quite so expensive (naive, I know!), so maybe Runkeeper will fill the gap until I have a few more pennies.

[lambeek Graduate]

Yay!! Congratulations.

[AmberC Graduate]

Well done and many congratulations.....even if you are a stalker now!! Will we see you face on Crimewatch??!! It truly is a great achievement and good luck knocking off that last 0.3km.

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Great post. Well done graduate!!! You deserve a treat!! Go on!!!! It will keep you motivated to continue!

[Jonny1 Graduate]

Well done on graduating. Pacing yourself is definitely the key. Keep at it.

[Hidden]

Well done MrsSparkle... sounds like a perfect graduation run! Slowing it down ever so slightly can make SUCH a difference... well done you for picking up on the form being shown by other runners... great way to learn..

For now though you must certainly treat yourself to a Garmin (and some cake!)... Also, try turning off WiFi and mobile data on your phone before you run (iPhone, Settings, WiFi... and Settings, Mobile...)... this stops you getting emails, etc... but still leaves the phone functional and worked well for me with MMR... turn them back on when you get back and MMR will upload your runs...

Bet you're still smiling...

Congratulations!

[Rigsby21 Graduate]

Congratulations! Great feeling isn't it? I'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 10 - it's the cheapest, but does everything you need - I love mine.

[ginbin Graduate]

Congratulations, MrsSparkle on graduating...better late than never

Treat yourself to the Garmin. You deserve a graduation gift. I got my Garmin Forerunner 10 when I graduated and I love it!

[beforefifty Graduate]

Congratulations MrsS! Well done. Treat yourself to a new Garmin, I received one as a graduation pressie and it is so easy to use and has never let me down. Enjoy your running

[Amisnan Graduate]

Massive congratulations! Happy days