*puts on mortar board & gown*

[JM1888]

Well..... this idle, tubby eejit has only gone and finished W9R3. It wasn't particularly fast and it definitely wasn't pretty, but I got there and managed to cover 4.2k in the 30 minutes. I am astounded, given that 9 weeks ago I could barely run a bath. This program really is the mutts nuts - the noticeable progress you make every week gives you the encouragement to keep going. Not-so-fat-boy here has also managed to shift a stone in weight, without really making any significant changes to my eating (and drinking) habits.

Next stage is to try to and go a bit faster and a bit further so going to try and mix it up a bit between speed & distance for the next couple of months. Thanks to everyone in this community for your support & encouragement, it's a huge boost when things haven't gone to plan.

Right, where's the queue for badges?

[Arrietty Graduate]

Yay!! Well done and congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

[JM1888 Graduate in reply to Arrietty]

thanks Arrietty, I am utterly amazed at what this program has helped me achieve.

[PrincessStef Graduate]

Well Done. Congratulations on Graduating and the weight loss. You must feel wonderful.

Go treat yourself.

[JM1888 Graduate in reply to PrincessStef]

Thanks Stef, I'm feeling particularly pleased with myself today!

As for a reward, I'm off on a week's golfing holiday with about a dozen of my mates tomorrow, so a couple of celebratory beers will be in order

[PrincessStef Graduate in reply to JM1888]

have one for me

[nhs2015 Graduate in reply to JM1888]

You will be able to run and chase the balls

[poppypug Graduate]

Brilliant post ! Well done to you on your graduation and weight loss !

Many Congratulations ! xxx

[JM1888 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks poppy, I've still got a good few lbs to shift, so gonna just keep on keeping on!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to JM1888]

I wish you every success !

Enjoy your holiday xxx

[Tomas Graduate]

Wow, congratulations! That is such a wonderful achievement!!

[5kOrBust Graduate]

Congrats JM, well done all round! Don't forget your shiny Graduate badge healthunlocked.com/#couchto...

[JM1888 Graduate in reply to 5kOrBust]

Cheers 5kOB. Already in the queue!

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Well done JM and congratulations.

I trust that your running stuff will be going with you on your holiday?

[JM1888 Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

Thanks Dunder. Yep, been looking at when I can squeeze a couple of sessions in around the golf & beer.

Our hotel is on the seafront, so ideally I'm hoping to plod along the beach when the tide's out, if not there's always the promenade - either way, can't beat a bit of invigorating sea air.

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to JM1888]

Your mates will take the piss, but just ignore them. Well done chum!

[JM1888 Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

heh, already had a bit of that from them. A quick response of "How far have YOU run today?" usually puts their gas at a peep.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Congratulations! Well done. Keep running

[AllieG Graduate]

Wicked. Well done, you may now throw your mortar board into the air

[dagshar Graduate]

Well done!

[jules50 Graduate]

Fabulous!! Well done and enjoy your jollys!!

[Vixchile Graduate]

Well done and many congratulations. Sounds like you have a good plan over the next few months.

[Sparkyifhungry Graduate]

Brilliant happy shiny post, love the enthusiasm. This whole thing is astounding. Congratulations on your graduation, now the real fun begins!!x

[nhs2015 Graduate]

Congratulation. This is fantastic. I hope I can do as well as you

[aliboo70]

Brilliant stuff! well done you, enjoy your hols!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congratulations!

[misswobble Graduate]

Woohoo! I can see your BADGE!!!! Looks amazing and really suits you.

Keep on running and do try and make wise food choices. Eating healthily and running will keep you tip top

Good luck and happy running. You're a star!

[old_git Graduate]

Congratulations JM. Well done and hoping you have loads of great running adventures!

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Fantastic. Well done you!!!

[Mat30 Graduate]

Congrats great job!!!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Many congratulations! I hope you feel really proud of yourself!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Congratulations! I think your idea of mixing it up is a good one. Finishing W9R3 is just the start of the adventure! You're off the leash now - enjoy it!