That's it! I'm officially off the couch! I have just run the length of Wimbledon Common and on home, which Endomondo tells me is 5.16k. And I managed the 5k in 32mins 19sec. Not bad for another aged mum, although I was helped by the last 500m of the run being downhill. Next challenge - get near this time on a flat route!
Thank you all so much for your inspiring replies and posts, which have given me some really good advice , stopped me wavering, got me back on track, and showed me that running can actually be enjoyable.
The last time I ran anything like this distance was at school over 40 years ago. I hated it, and have avoided running as a form of exercise ever since. Four months ago, I was at my Diabetic Clinic for a check up, and my doctor told me very firmly that I should be doing some regular exercise. I came home and was browsing on my phone looking for health podcasts to download, and found Couch to 5K.
When I started, I couldn't run along on side of the park outside my house, let alone around it. It's taken me 15 weeks rather than 9, but I know I am fitter and feel better about myself all round. And my blood sugar levels respond to the exercise - especially when I stretch myself. I never thought I'd say this, but I think I'm going to keep on running!
Next challenges:
Parkrun: When I can run 5k comfortably on the flat
and maybe, if the kids are up for it
A Family Team Triathlon (but I think I'll be on the bike!)
But first, the reward. A pedicure, I think. Then a session with the physio for my knees, which deserve a reward all of their own, for not giving out on me before I achieved my goal.
Written by
jmparkview
Graduate
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Yay! That is an amazing journey, and well done to you for having stuck with it and getting to graduation. You certainly deserve both pedicure and the physio. Congratulations!
Well done! My 5k time is a minute more than yours, and I did a Parkrun last Saturday - I think you should bite the bullet and go! It's a great feeling.
Thank you! I'm definitely going to give it a go - it's the thought of running up hill that's been putting me off. But I've checked out my local park run, and it doesn't seem to have any long uphill stretches. Now my only worry is that I will have to face up to being lapped by several of my daughter's friends' dads, who I see do this run regularly…..
Thank you. I do feel proud of myself - it's an amazing feeling achieving something one thought impossible only 15 weeks ago. Good luck for your final runs - treat yourself to some new leggings as a reward!
Fantastic ! Well done you and well done your knees....
Congratulations - totally random thought coming here ...... I always think its amazing when older teenagers get confirmed (in the CofE) as I think they've obviously made that decision themselves (as who could tell a teenager what to do) as opposed to say 10 year olds who are clearly still under the parental thumb. Well you've just randomly for some reason reminded me of that as people who take longer to do this c25k are in a way more determined and dedicated and have presumably found it tougher than those who 'zip' through in 9 weeks. So, well done you. Well done - and sorry for the random thought - its amazing what comes out on this forum!
Thank you! It did take me longer than I had hoped, but it seemed best to give myself some extra days rest in between runs, as my joints are not as young as they were! I did have a few wobbles, , but I when I ran that first 20 minutes, I realised that if the programme had successfully got me from the couch to that point, it would also carry me through to running 30 minutes non stop, if I stuck with it. And it has!
Brilliant. Many congratulations to you. You've done so well and you should be proud. Not many people can run continuously for 30 minutes. Enjoy the pedicure but don't put your running shoes on for at least 24 hours otherwise you'll squish the lovely polish!
Thanks. It's the thought of hills that's been putting me off, but I shall just have to get out there and do it! The common is looking beautiful at the moment.
Congratulations! I certainly wouldn't worry about your 5K time! I did my 6th on Sat and got my 5th consecutive PB and STILL take 38 mins! Just do it! It's fantastic! Well done again on graduating! Enjoy your pampering
Thank you very much. It was faster than I thought it would be, but I'm delighted with the time and that I managed to keep going - it was hot here yesterday and I was pretty exhausted when I got to the 4k mark, and realised I'd overdone it in the earlier stages of the run. Thank goodness that the last stretch was downhill! Will have to learn to pace myself better.
Congratulations! You have done so well. Are you a Richmond/Wimbledon local? There is a parkrun in Richmond Park but it's downhill for the first half then uphill on the second, urrggh! But you should definitely do one, they are such fun and really friendly.
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cheers to us 
Week 9 Run 3 complete
Week 9 Run 3, Graduation 🎉😄🎉
Week 9 Run 3 done woo hoo!!
Week 9 Run 3 Complete! ✅
Week 9 - Run 3 - Graduate?
