Graduated! Amazing!! Let me explain..

[LaurieJ1]

So I graduated on Wednesday evening - over the moon. Early 50's and never been a runner. (Forever last at the school cross country and walking at the back of the weekly runs around the school playing fields - combined with flat feet and a touch of asthma - a great combination and much Mickey taking.

So there I was in January like a good number of people thinking I've got to sort myself out!! It's been a great 9 weeks. With Laura by my side encouraging me on my journey both physical and mental. Wending my way through Tunbridge Wells usually under the cover of darkness wearing black so as not to be noticed.. Dangerous at times! Out in all types of weather feeling like an intrepid explorer running no matter what the weather as it was my day to get out there!

This just isn't me!.., but it is! I feel mentally so much better- clearer of thought and mind.

Loved the music - loved the experience. Now I need to go on from here.. Current plan is to do more 30 minute runs and hopefully get to 5k in that time. Then look to get to 10k but I've no idea how without Laura. Suggestions gratefully received.

Two other things. How do I get my graduate tag??

Also having finished the plan I'm coming down with a cough and stuff. Do I just crack on or let the cough cold run it's course and then pick up again? Sorry if this is a stupid question...

Thanks to all on here. Thanks to Laura. Any advice gratefully received! L

[mbardon Graduate]

Well done to you and congrats on the graduation. Look at the next series from the NHS for the C25K+ nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Couch-to... and work from there. It will help towards the 10K. Also look in your area of a Parkrun or local athletics clubs that have a 50+ category. You would be surprised how many others are out there in your age group.

[LaurieJ1 Graduate in reply to mbardon]

Thanks for taking the time to reply MB. That's great I'll have a look. L

[PrincessStef Graduate]

Well done. Its feels strange when you graduate doesn't it. I graduated last week. I have been out for 2 runs this week with run 3 tonight. I have continued to use Laura and have just repeated the week 9 podcast. I thought if I run for 30 minutes for 2 runs per week and then 1 run I run for 5k (usually around 38 minutes for me) then eventually it will get better. I have also changed my route so that my 2 x 30 minute runs take in some hills ( my thought here is this will make it easier on the flat :)) . As for your graduation badge you need to reply to the graduation post. I think you can search for it at the top. Happy Running and Well Done :):)

[LaurieJ1 Graduate in reply to PrincessStef]

Awesome well done to you and thanks for taking the time too! I'll have a search! L

[Sarah-A Graduate]

Excellent! Well done

There are some podcasts/apps out there that do 10K plans. I've not tried any though - so can't recommend which are the best.

[lou-34 Graduate]

Well done. 😊

[misswobble Graduate]

Congratulations. As a 57 year old graduate of C25k I was gobsmacked to but here we are doing this marvellous running thing! I don't want to ever stop!! I hope you don't either as it's truly life-changing

You apply for your badge following a link to the right of the screeen (blue text) it prompts the application email box so just fill that in and a badge will wend its way to you. Also you can buy a real life metal C25k graduate badge which will look grand on your running jacket

I would DEFFO download Laura's C25k+ podcasts - three of them called Stepping Stones, consisting of 3 separate podcasts, Stepping Stones, Stamina and Speed. That little lot will keep you busy for quite some time. Mix and match them, get comfortable with them.

They will lead you nicely towards Bridge to 10 k podcasts. There are various ones available but I think the only one here is Sami Murphy's Bridge to 10 k which is a belter! I absolutely love these FREE podcasts and I run with them about 3 times a week. I never stopped running them as I love them so much and they accompany me now on all my runs, no matter how long. Week 1 is a bit duff but don't worry it sorts itself out from the second week. It's a bit tricky this one and I had to re-do week four several times before hitting the final week. I am such a Sami anorak that I have compiled the track listing. Sad but true. LOL

[old_git Graduate]

Congratulations Laurie, well done on your graduation. Have you thought about parkruns? It is great to have a run with others, and now you have graduated you know you can do it. I found everyone really friendly and time taken really does not matter. Good way to chart your personal progress. Good luck with your future running!

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Congratulations.

You can ask for your badge here:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There are lots of things you can do from here, some of which are mentioned above and the local Tunbridge Wells parkrun is quite well attended every Saturday. I am in Edenbridge so I am hoping to do that one in the not too distant future.

[Tomas Graduate]

Congratulations Laurie, that is wonderful to hear!

As for the cough, many suggests a simple rule that if you suffer only above the neck (e.g. runny nose) then just ignore it, but if you suffer below the neck (e.g. chesty cough) then take time off from running to recover.

[Steve_L Graduate]

Well done! Great feeling of achievement, isn't it?

[LaurieJ1 Graduate in reply to Steve_L]

Amazing and amazement (that I could achieve 5k continuous running) I'm delighted. Now it's about maintaining the momentum somehow! Thanks L

[Hidden]

Congratulations LaurieJ. Enjoy embracing the new running you - sounds like you've got a taste for ambitious goals, going on from this to 10k. Will it be half marathons after that, then triathlons, ironman... (or a well deserved break...?)

[LaurieJ1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, do you know what - daydreaming as I am at the moment you've got me thinking. I enjoy cycling (bought a road bike last autumn) and enjoy swimming so who knows! Triathlons?... BUT hey that's a long way away. I need to get established at running for 30 mins first (30.57mins for 5k) at the moment then build up from there. A neighbour said she would enter me in a 10k in the summer with her.. Is that achievable from here?

[Hidden in reply to LaurieJ1]

It's definitely achievable. 10k in a competition is not necessarily the same as continuously running while training for it. Aim for 10k in the summer, see where your training gets you, then run as much of it as you can. The goal is the thing 😊

[Snufflegruff Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating. Brilliant!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations - I hope you feel very proud of yourself. Enjoy your future running adventures!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Many congratulations Laurie that's brilliant. Don't forget to get your badge.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[LaurieJ1 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

A thanks ever so much IP I'm delighted!! 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The benefits of having completed C25k and becoming a runner exceed the physical, as you say, and the mental wellbeing that comes from such a simple thing as running is remarkable. Long may you run and feel those benefits. Congratulations.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[LaurieJ1 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks ever so much and to be honest, the mental "awakening" is every bit as important to me as the obvious physical benefit!

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done Laurie , its good this running lark innit ?

Many Congratulations to you on your Graduation ! xxx

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Congratulations! Never mind age, this is a genuine achievement, well done. There are many options open to you now and many people will suggest all sorts of things, but if I may offer this wisdom from another early fifties grad, get comfortable with the 5k distance and make it your own before you do anything else. Honestly, this running thing is as much in your head as it is in your lungs or your legs. It's about confidence. Own 5k and you will find transition to greater things far easier.

You've earned they right to call yourself a runner, now get out there and show the world what you can do,