I did it, I actually did it. C25k complete.

[snickers1978]

Well it was tough going but I've completed week 9 run 3 today. My plan for my next few runs is just to keep going with the 30 minute runs. But then what? Im not quite hitting 5k in that 30 minutes. I'm not far off. My app is in miles and I got 2.9 miles this morning instead of the 3.1. It's my legs that won't move any faster especially mid run. At the moment in running to lose weight.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Just keep doing what you're doing for a while, then when you get bored why not try C25K+? I've been having fun with 'stamina' which has led me to run with a metronome app now, and a steady pace has really improved my pace and distance (except today, when it was too icy to try anything rash!).

Well done! Perhaps you could allow yourself a little celebratory beverage later? A nice hot choc maybe?! Or something more interesting ...!

[Hidden in reply to useitorloseit]

How are you getting on with the metronome app? Does it drive you bonkers or does it send you of into the zone? I've ordered a little clip on one someone recommended on Amazon. I did the Stepping Stones podcast yesterday, I do feel better if I step the pace up a bit - I feel like I could run all day! I counted my natural cadence the other day - about 127...

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I find it really helpful. I put an audiobook on my phone so I go off into my own little world anyway. The metronome is just clicking away in my one earphone (the other one is broken but I like to keep one ear clear for traffic anyway) with the audiobook, though it doesn't seem to get in the way, and I just run in time to the clicks without even noticing really. It has helped me increase my pace without even noticing - I think the consistency is what has helped - I didn't notice before that I must have been changing my bpm depending on where I was or maybe if I was tiring. This way I don't even think about it - just keep bopping along to the beat! I am very comfortable at my current 167 - it feels slow to start with but I don't get too tired. I think I will start to increase it by 1 beat per week as that is hardly noticeable. I didn't really enjoy running with music - this seems to be my perfect combination.

[Hidden in reply to useitorloseit]

Thanks, that's really helpful. I'll let you know how I get on when mine arrives.

[Hidden]

Well done! Congrats, especially in this weather! Your times sound fine, very good in fact, faster than me! Useit is right about the + podcasts, they're very good. Enjoy tour running, don't forget your graduate badge!

[Hidden]

very well done snickers especially if it was frosty/icy today time and distance are pretty good , for now time to enjoy that garduation feeling

[snickers1978 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes very icy out there this morning but nice running across frozen fields without the slippy mud. Thanks

[Slookie Graduate]

Isn't it one of the best feelings ever. Congratulations. Just keep putting in the runs and the distance and time will come along when you aren't noticing. Look forward to seeing the badge

[snickers1978 Graduate in reply to Slookie]

Yes. Honestly didn't think I would finish a few weeks in due to ankle pain. But that's cleared with stretches and decent running shoes.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Really well done and you're now a member of the graduate club. Just enjoy your running for a while and don't forget that if you increase your distance/time don't increase by more than 10% each week. I stupidly didn't do this and paid the price and ended up not being able to run at all for ages.

[snickers1978 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks for the tips. Might look at 5k -10k plans after in really comfortable running 5k

[AndyD Graduate]

Woo hoo.... well done... brilliant distance and time for your graduation run.

[poppypug Graduate]

Yay Snickers ! Well done on your graduation . Congratulations to you and enjoy your running wherever it takes you xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I hope you feel very proud! A period of consolidation is no bad idea and then you can decide what to go for next - distance, speed, races, off road?

There is a whole world of running adventures waiting for you.

[snickers1978 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Yes very proud. I hadn't done any running in over 20 years.

[meadsey Graduate]

Congratulations! We both finished on the same day.

[snickers1978 Graduate in reply to meadsey]

Congratulations to you too

[zeidan Graduate]

that's just great, mabrook, congrats on finishing your last run. I've graduated recently and I'm doing the 5+, it should be good for you, don't worry about the distance, just keep going. Start with speed maybe, it's the easiest, and maybe you need to try not using anything one time, just keep going at your pace for 30 or 35 minutes in a new good spot. I did this yesterday and it was amazing, no pressure to accomplish anything, just a smooth run for 35 minutes.

I'm sure you'll find your own way, good luck