I ran 8K tonight!!! :-) :-) :-)

[Potty]

Bursting with exhausted excitement After Monday's disappointment when I'd planned to do 6.K but had to stop at 5, I took it easier tonight with the intention of just seeing how things went - well! They went... And went.... And went!!! It did take me an hour though.... BUT in my book that's two achievements in one night I ran 8K AND I ran for an hour!!

Have so much to thank C25K for and you lovely lot

And for any newbies - 13 weeks ago today I'd just done WK1R2 - if I hadn't done it I wouldn't believe it

Did an extra long warm down walk afterwards but my legs still shouted "Oi! What you doing?" When I eventually stopped. My ankles are tired but I think on the whole legs are feeling pretty good about tonight, hope they feel the same tomorrow

Took my youngest swimming after school today too...

Happy running all xx

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Wow that's awesome Potty!!!! Incredible achievement no wonder you are so smiley seems there's no stopping you eh?

[Potty Graduate in reply to Northernspirit]

Oh, I wouldn't say that - I've just been lucky enough not to be injured yet... Think I'm pushing my boundaries at 8K though.... I've noticed that once I'm back on the flat and recovered I feel as if I could trot along forever... It's the hills that take it out of me (for hills read gentle inclines). Do you find it hard to believe that little more than 12 weeks ago we were just starting out? I'm constantly amazed at what this program has guided me to achieve

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to Potty]

Potty I find it utterly unbelievable, like it's someone else I'm talking about when I tell people. It's every aspect isn't it....the running is only one part of it, I love how I feel, knowing this is me now, I can do it, this is the exercise I've wanted to do for years and I've found it. I agree it's a lot to do with our bodies too....that's the thing that could scupper your plans. I've had brief problems but they have made me more cautious. I ran for 35 mins tonight and felt great - still a slow coach and not at 5k yet. Enjoy it I say! Really really enjoy the fact that you made this happen!!

[Potty Graduate in reply to Northernspirit]

Ha! Said a similar thing talking to an old school friend today - can't believe it took me 48 years to find out that a) I can do this and b) how good it feels! I've never once not wanted to go out yet! There was one week, first or second week post graduation when I started to feel that it was grinding hard work, but I realised I was looking for an improvement every run and that Laura, on the C25K+ podcasts, was pushing me every session, so, I took a run just for me AND it absolutely pelted down with rain. I had SO much fun that run that it put all the joy back into it for me That's the word, joyous!

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to Potty]

Brilliant my aim is to enjoy this and push on only in how long I can run for. Oh and lose more weight and get some new clothes for holidays haha!!

[Potty Graduate in reply to Northernspirit]

Ha!ha! Yes, I'm losing weight too - that feels good as well I'm just starting to think I want some proper running gear... Somebody video'd our Park Run last week and I looked like I was going shopping!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That's fab Potty. You've done so well! Keep it up!

[Potty Graduate]

Thanks Irish, I plan to! Having sooo much fun with it

[Steve_L Graduate]

Hey, very well done! That's quite an achievement, and you should be proud.

[Potty Graduate in reply to Steve_L]

Oh, I am, Steve! Loving that C25K has given me this

[Wristy Graduate]

I remember that feeling well! I covered 8k first time in about 59 minutes and ran the extra few seconds for the thrill of being able to say I ran for an hour too. Before you know it you'll be running 10k!!! Well done you!!

[Potty Graduate in reply to Wristy]

Thanks Wristy, fantastic feeling, isn't it? Can't believe I enjoy it so much! Building to 10K. I signed up for a local 10K in July - the reviews are great but they all mention "killer" 1k hill at the 8K mark.... So, building my distance then need to throw in a few late hills - might find the route and run just the hill sometime so I know what's in store

[poppypug Graduate]

Fab post Potty , Well done to you xxx

[Potty Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks Poppypug it's like having a door open into a world of adventures, isn't it?

[hilbean Graduate]

Oh Potty that's fantastic! It's such an amazing feeling when you achieve something so monumental isn't it

[Potty Graduate in reply to hilbean]

Thanks Hilbean! Yes, it does feel amazing I can only imagine doing the distances you're covering though!

[hilbean Graduate in reply to Potty]

Little by little you will get there if that's what you want to do. xxx

[Tomas Graduate]

Congratulations, Potty! That is an amazing achievement. You should be proud of yourself

[Potty Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Thanks Tomas, I am It's so exciting!