W9R3 Done - Only gone and graduated !!!

[AndyD]

Well... with a tear in my eye I am very pleased to say that tonight I completed my W9R3 run and I still can't believe it!

I started W1R1 at the beginning of September and I have always tried to run every other day, so I'm very pleased to have completed in about 8 weeks. I will never break any speed or distance records, but I have followed Laura to the letter!!

For all those people just starting out... please have faith in the program and yourself. I am 54 years old, ex smoker, never really done much exercise apart from walking a bit, didn't supplement my running with any other exercise... so if I can do it so can you Oh... and I had a triple heart bypass operation a few years ago as well... so no excuses

I'll be brief... i'm welling up again but thanks to everyone on this site for all the support and help given... big thanks to Slow_Rob (due to graduate soon) for his support as we have followed each other from almost day one.

So.. what's next... think I'll continue to run at least 3 times a week.. would like to work towards a 10K, but still need to do a 5k non stop, so I might not set any targets in the short term, just to enjoy my runs and build up a bit more stamina.

[meadsey Graduate]

Amazing. Well done mate.

[Hidden]

thats is wonderfiul to hear Andy super super well done so pleased for you I am looking good for saturday morning Poppy has got teh dancing girls on order

I didnt do anything Andy, all your hard work you should be mighty mighty proud

[AndyD Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Rob... and well done on your run today... that's a good pace you've got going there!!

[Hidden in reply to AndyD]

Thanks Andy , I am very happy with it ,felt comfortable but just looking to complete the 30min runs for now, I think i will get a bit emotional too really so pleased for you

[poppypug Graduate]

Woo hoo Andy ! Amaaaazing job, many many Congratulations to you on your graduation

You have done so well and you should be feeling very chuffed tonight.. This programme is fab isn't it ?

Oh yes, the dancing girls are on their way, and then if you could direct them to Rob after ha ha

Wear that badge with pride Andy, you've earned it ! Massive respect to you xxx

[AndyD Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks very much poppy... yes, feeling chuffed... the program is fab and I will recommend to anyone I can. Hopefully I can help and support others a bit who are just starting out.

[Cara2007 Graduate]

Congratulations and well done! You should be immensely proud of your achievements.......woo hoo

[runningknitter Graduate]

Woo Hoo Andy - congratulations :0) - shaking some pom poms for you. Looking forward to seeing that lovely new shiny badge

[AndyD Graduate in reply to runningknitter]

Aww thanks... cheers for the pom poms... they look great

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done Andy! Many congratulations and a yeeeeha!

Be sure to run every other day so you maintain the momentum.

Good luck with phase two of your running adventure

[AndyD Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks misswobble... so much to still to do.. chipping away at distance or pace... but must admit, although I will miss Laura's C25K it will be good to create my own plan going forward.

[Hidden]

Oh my goodness, you've only gone and done it !! Very, very well done. It's amazing how this works isn't it ? Laura...all she does is talk....you did all the hard work. Keep it up and do a park run !!

[AndyD Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks henpen I have signed up for my local park run, but think I might leave a few weeks until i'm more comfortable about doing 5K. Funny though... I did do my grad run tonight on their circuit as its very local to my work and I could get there before the dark set in.

[Hidden in reply to AndyD]

You can do it !

[c4ts Graduate]

Well done Andy D - just go do the Parkrun - it really is not about the time and completing an actual timed 5K gives you such a buzz (and I suspect starts the on going I must go again or do another run or something else!)

[Tikiczocky Graduate]

Brilliant! Well done Andy

[Slookie Graduate]

Congratulations AndyD! Sounds like you were determined right from W1R1 and getting it wrapped up in 8 weeks is brilliant. The sun must have known it was your day today 'cos it was out celebrating too

Sounds like you have a cunning and wise plan for the next phase: no targets yet, just enjoy and build stamina. The important thing is probably to keep getting out there.

[hop_along Graduate]

I'm really chuffed for you Andy!

Hoppy

[Determined_flump Graduate]

Congrats andy you made it well done

[LucyR62 Graduate]

Congratulations! It feels great, doesn't it?

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I hope you feel really proud of yourself. So many running adventures ahead of you - enjoy!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Way to go Andy! I'm with you on the welling up. Couch to 5 k is not only a physical journey but a mental one as well. Be proud of your efforts - it really is a life changing program.

[hilbean Graduate]

Congratulations!

[aliboo70]

Well done andy thats great news! CONGRATULATIONS!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Many many congratulations Andy, that's brilliant news. Enjoy your postgraduate running

[no-excuse Graduate]

Great stuff, well done! Enjoy your running. x

[Sc0ttyb Graduate]

Superb, well done Andy.

[DownNotUp Graduate]

Congratulations!

[AndyD Graduate]

Thank you for all the lovely comments... much appreciated Got no choice but to keep going now... can't let you all down I'm certainly liking my new shiny badge that has appeared next to my name .... whoop whoop!!

[Judef Graduate]

Well done Andy exciting getting your shiny isn't it - onward and upwards keep up the good work