I haven't posted on here for nearly a year, but wanted to share some encouragement to anyone on here who might be flagging post-graduation. Since graduating I haven't done any marathons or even improved my speed that much, but I can definitely say that thanks to c25k I am still exercising 3x a week, getting myself into the fresh air and really enjoying my runs.
Although I've had a few phases of doing a bit less, the discipline of doing the 9week course has helped me get back on track.
Best of all, my 18 year old son who like me had never been particularly sporty has now started c25k and is on week 3 despite having asthma and seems to be getting a real sense of achievement from it! He's even letting me tag along with him on his Wk3r2 run later today.
So if you are struggling to keep motivated after graduating, don't give up, just set your own goals (however small) and enjoy just getting out there!
Written by
Wheatls
Graduate
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What a lovely post! As a recent graduate, I haven't yet lost my post-grad zeal, but I'm going to have to be away a lot for the foreseeable future as my dad is very ill and was taken into hospital yesterday, and my folks live 4 hrs drive away so I suspect my run schedule will somewhat go out of the window. I will pack my running things and hope that I don't lose my momentum ...
I don't think he will. I just wish he could slip away quietly, because at the moment he is in a lot of pain and my mum is exhausted. Not a very nice situation. If he were my cat, I would have taken him for the last trip to the vet a few weeks ago. Not a very nice way to feel.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope it doesn't drag on and on then and that they can do better with pain management now he's in hospital. My thoughts are with all of you. Do take care to look after yourself too - it's easy to get lost in the middle of these situations and you can support others better when you keep your own mental and physical strength up.
Sending virtual {{{hugs}}} and some of my sunshine x
So sorry to hear about your Dad. It was like that for the last couple of months of my Dad's life. So incredibly hard. Like your Mum, mine was exhausted. I wish him a speedy and painless passing. Many hugs to you and your Mum. Hope you can get out and run as I am sure it will help you cope xxx
As others have said, so sorry to hear about your dad.
I've been "lucky" in that both my parents passed away quickly. It's never good for those left behind at the time, but with hindsight its best for them.
Hope your family get the peace and outcome that is best for everyone concerned. Make sure you look after yourself - your mum will need you.
I think you might find it a useful tool for getting away from things a bit, when they might otherwise pile in on top of you. Running is a great stress release and it gives you valuable head space. I had five years of caring for my mum, I didn't run then, but I used to bash the hell out of my veg plot!
I'm sorry to hear things are bad with your dad. Hang in there sweety.
Hi Wheats! Glad to hear you're still running. I've been running just a year and have kept it up. Great int it. Like you I do three times a week. I can't imagine not running now. Going out in a minute in fact. The rain's stopped. Glory be!
Sorry to hear about your dad but if you can get out for any runs - no matter how short- it will help with the stress . You need to look after yourself to be able to help your parents . Easier said than done I know . Take care useitorloseit
So so sorry to hear about your Dad, how heartbreaking & agonising for you all. Look after yourself too, as others have said. Sometimes this might be in the form of a short, gentle run but sometimes equally it might mean a long bath or a slice of chocolate cake. Do what you need to do to get you through. Thinking of you & your family x
I agree. The point of the NHS C25K is to provide people with a tool for a healthy life. Some people make it a hobby and that's great. For some people 'healthy' includes having big goals to work towards or getting together with other people and that's great too. But it doesn't have to be any of those things.
useitorloseit, I hope that having running in your toolkit helps you cope with a difficult time, whether that's the fitness you have built up and the knowledge that it will be there for you to return to when you are able, or actually getting out there for a break. There's that uncomfortable thing about so many people not slipping away until you pop out for a bit... it happens so often it must be necessary.
Thanks fir sharing weatis What stands out is ' really enjoying my runs' . That's what it is all about - the speed and distance are just add ons . Also great that you are running with your son
Not at all - That's the beauty of this site - people are so incredibly supportive and its been really moving to see all the supportive messages you've had from people on here. I went through a similar experience with my mum and it was so painful, but I hope you will be able to find comfort in being with your family. There's no easy way through or comforting words that will make things easier, but life is very precious.
I love this post, thank you so much for sharing. I like it because it strips it all back to basics: it's about a healthy, regular change in lifestyle & enjoying the journey! So easy to focus on goals & targets once you graduate, & it is refreshing to remember that it's okay these can be small & simple, whatever works for you personally basically. I was knocked off track a little the last week or two by going away for a weekend & then being ill/exhausted. This post has stopped me beating myself up about it, we all fall off the horse occasionally right? It's about where the ride takes you overall that matters x
Thanks - I'm always really in awe of people posting who are doing incredible runs and who have overcome huge hurdles to reach their level of fitness....but you're right, its the small and simple goals that seem better for keeping me motivated.
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Look how far we've all come
...finally coming out of lurking...
My first post graduate run 🍁🍂
Wk 9 R 3 done and dusted 
Only gone and done it!
