What a 9 weeks .......

[Buffy007]

There's been so many friends on here graduating these past few days, I don't know where to start.

I re-iterate all that they've said and all that they've felt. This IS the most amazing programme. Can any of us believe what we've achieved in just 9 weeks. Some of us are even running longer than 30 mins - and doing 5k - my son said my time was about 48 minutes (surely it wasn't that slow Oh well)

I've had the most amazing time and I really, really want to thank a few special people. I suppose Laura has to come first, then Poppypug as I think she posted first to me and gave me so much encouragement and is just such a sweetie, then most importantly my other half, Gludwig! Also to everyone else who has shared this incredible journey, AncientMum. SlowRob (not so slow!), IannodaTruffe, ParkyPark, rmnsuk, Hilbean, Northernspirit, the OldGit, juicyju, AllieG, 5korBust - did you graduate today too?, Codfish, Raven19, KofG, useitorloseit (such an excellent name - and who also said I had Gumption which I've never forgotten - that meant so much to me), CurlyGurly 1 and 2!, Misswobble, DavySteph (did you ever finish?), Realfoodieclub who is an amazing administrator' Ullyrunner, Gettingfitter, Jase44, AdamB, johnjc8.

I know that's a ridiculous list for which I apologise and I'm also so sorry if I've forgotten someone but you have all been just so amazing, so supportive, made me laugh more than I've laughed for decades, helped me get through, been selfless in your support and interest in people just starting this programme who haven't a clue about anything - you are all responsible for changing lives. Thank you all so much.

Here's to the new me .....................

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Yay.....well done you!! This community is the icing on the cake. I am still here because it motivates me to keep going. After injury and illness I am getting back up to speed and hearing about everybody's progress on here is a real spur.

Many congratulations Buffy. Keep running, keep smiling.

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes, this community certainly is. Super picture on your profile - that's enough to keep one running. Thank you

[Hidden]

It's amazing the difference this forum makes. Makes you feel anything is possible. Really glad I put aside my 'I don't do social networking' rule and got to share this journey. Congratulations to you again! You did it! Now I hope you keep posting and let us know what you 're doing and how it's going. Enjoy!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks you. Let us know when those shoes arrive. Glad that I wasn't last on the parkrun and my time was actually 41 mins which I'd estimated it would be from around wk 7 onwards. Given todays weather I am sure we can only but improve - I can sense another obsession coming on. Have a great birthday tomorrow xx

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Awww shucks, Buffers, I've gone all mushy now!

Now I will need to summon up some gumption when I'm feeling better and am able to get back out there. I can't wait! Then it'll be your turn to send me inspirational posts!

xx

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

Thanks - yes, you need to start using it again asap and get off that couch. Hope it won't be longer than planned.

[aliboo70]

CONGRATULATIONS Buffy! You're right, the support on here is amazing and certainly makes you stick to the programme, and never give up! Well done! You're right about the laughs too, the forum has become a treat for me in the midst of everyday life!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks - yes, definitely been this forum that's kept me going.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations Buffy! What you don't realise is that you, in turn, are doing your bit to inspire others!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Well I have just been so touched by everyone's genuine support and care. Fabulous. Thanks.

[no-excuse Graduate]

Well done Buffy! Great stuff, enjoy your running and keep posting! X

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to no-excuse]

Oh no, I've just read your last post - half marathon! Is that really what happens to people after c25k?! Good luck and thank you for your support.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Oh very well done Buffy. That fancy new graduate badge really suits you. It's a wonderful feeling isn't it? Hope you have a long and injury-free running adventure. What are your plans?

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Loving that badge - ha, ha - me! Ridiculous. I think my first thoughts are to try and wipe this smile off my face ; say sorry to my knees ; have at least 2 days off and then, who knows ....

[Hidden]

superb buffy !!! BIG BIG congratulations .. onwards always the running world is yours to explore enjoy every second of your amazing achiievement

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I'm so looking forward to this world out there as you say - what a lovely way to describe it.

[Hidden in reply to Buffy007]

When they this program is life changing they really do mean it . You will be amazed at what you can do.

[5kOrBust Graduate]

Yep, I did! Just got back and about to post a message Well done!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to 5kOrBust]

Oh well done you. Oh yes, I see you are a 'GRADUATE' now! How amazing. Where do we go from here I wonder. And big thanks for that post on Parkruns - don't think I would have thought about it so soon if it hadn't been for that post. It was great!

[Parky-Park Graduate]

Well done, Buffy and congratulations on your park run! This really is an amazing programme but at the end of the day you're the one who has got out there and run so you too are amazing! Enjoy the rest of the weekend and let us know what you're up to next.

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Parky-Park]

Thank you Parky-Park. All us recent graduates just can't believe how far we've come. Hope you've inspired your whole office.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Many congratulations on your fab achievement. You DID that! And what a lovely post too. I'll toast to the "new you"!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh thanks. Yes, ME, I DID IT! Me! Thanks so much for your support.

[hilbean Graduate]

Fantastic! Sounds like a brilliant graduation run

Bet you're still grinning in the morning too

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to hilbean]

Thanks - do you know, I think I really will have a big smile on my face next time I go out too. You're doing really well with your running aren't you - well done you.

[hilbean Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

We all are! I really do think this community spurs us on and it's so nice to have a group of people who understand what it's like when you achieve something, no matter how small

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Awwww many congratulations!!! Much deserved I bet you are on cloud nine!! Keep posting...as you say everyone on here makes it all matter more than being alone. As for me, a bit of ankle pain has kept me at week 7 but I am determined to persevere and get there....my new running gear courtesy of TKMaxx is sitting here looking at me! Yippppeeeeee to you !!!!!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Northernspirit]

Oh you will get there - all the groundwork's been done - don't push it and end up too long on that couch! I got rather over-excited in week 8 and you want to be feeling your best - and you'll obviously be looking the part in all that new gear. Thanks for the good wishes.

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw Buffers, my best Girl xxxx What a fantastic post ! That really made me well up, bless ya xxx

Many Congratulations to you on your Graduation and Park Run , a Double Brucie Bonus !!

Well, my love, its been an absolute pleasure following your progress on here. Weve had some laughs havent we ? Youve come so far from those first few steps and now here you are , a fully fledged graduate , all blinged up with yer badge !

I hope you enjoy wherever your running takes you and I bet your son is sooo proud of you...

Well done Buffers, you are a top lass and a much loved member of this fantastic community .

Cheers ! * Clinks tea cup * xxx

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Tea?! Actually that does rather go well with all these goodies that people keep cooking up on this forum - one thing I have learned is that this running seems to be as much about yummy food treats as much as anything else. Thank you again for your support - can't believe how far one can come in 9 weeks. Glad you're being very good with your exercises - they'll obviously be doing you good - you're almost through the first week already. All my son was bothered about was that I didn't come last, so honour upheld. The journey starts here .....

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

Aw Buff, you gotta love a big mug o' Yorkshire Tea , nowt better in my humble opinion xxx

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I take my tea intravenously - couldn't live without it!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

Blimey, me too ! The drink of champions ! xxx

[rmnsuk Graduate]

You did it!! Well done, and you finished in style at a parkrun. You deserve the badge.

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to rmnsuk]

Thanks - certainly a memorable graduation run - and spring is here (well?) so a season of great weather ahead.

[raven19 Graduate]

Wow buffy. You have made my DAY by naming me. Hats off to your new you. You are a rock star. Happy running.

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to raven19]

Thanks so much - you were my metronome and spur!

[misswobble Graduate]

Yes, here's to you indeed!

Well done Buffy, you did it! Many congratulations on graduating from this wonderful

If you keep running you'll soon be addicted like us lot. Cool runnings!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks MW - sadly I think I already am addicted - my legs feel like h***, but seeing the glorious weather today, all I think about is getting out there and running. Think I'll have a few days off 'tho!

[old_git Graduate]

Congratulations Buffy, you've made it!!

Good luck with your running in future now that you are a graduate (and proper runner).

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to old_git]

Thanks OG - you're almost there too - where is your parkrun - Humber bridge? I had my wedding reception opposite there and lived for 18 years a mile or so from the bridge. Saw it opened by the queen and went on the last ferry across - the Tattershall Castle - now a restaurant on the Thames. Happy memories. Have a great parkrun and a super holiday.

[old_git Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

Hi Buffy, Thank you.

Yep, Humber Bridge Parkrun. It's quite small, only about 70 run, but very picturesque. Little bit hilly, especially compared to the Lincolnshire side. Won't be going too quick, but it's bound to be a PB!

Looking forward to a bit of warm sunshine on the old body.

Tattershall Castle is back on the Humber for a refit.

[Girlyswot Graduate in reply to old_git]

I live out near the coast to the east of Hull and have done the Hull parkrun. Let me know if you feel like trying the Hull Parkrun some time. Good luck with your running.

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Girlyswot]

Good luck for your Race for Life.

[old_git Graduate in reply to Girlyswot]

Thanks GirlySwot, My wife and I have a static van on the coast, so may look at an alternative parkrun if we are there over a weekend. Also hear the Bridlington Parkrun is very good too.

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to old_git]

Oh interesting. 71 then next Sat. Yes, enjoy that PB whilst it lasts.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Congrats Buffy! hanks for the thanks - I see I get thanked twice lol! Yes this forum is brilliant, I never miss a day if I can help it. Good luck with your continuing running journey, don't forget to come and tell us about it xxx

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks CurlyGurly - can I come to France and tell you about it! Hope to keep motivated once my legs have recovered - I think they're feeling the 41 mins on uneven ground. But then I must say, I've felt like that most weeks and then suddenly after my 2 days off, I'm ready for the off again.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

Oh yes, do come, everyone's invited! It's very hilly there though... bit hard on the legs and bum for running...

[Jase44 Graduate]

Thanks Buffy I feel the same about you and everyone on the forum too J

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Congrats.

They will be running out of badges at this rate.