My 9 weeks is complete.

[JojiB]

This time last year I was very obese and totally unfit. I decided that enough was enough and changed my lifestyle.

I tried to do C25K back then but my body hurt so much that I was damaging it more than helping it so stopped after week 1. I felt I would never be able to do it.

I lost nearly 5 stone from September to April and decided that I needed some motivation to get moving more. We got a puppy in February and as he grew stronger our walks got longer until I felt I needed to do more to push myself. I started C25K in June and found it really tough but never let a scheduled run beat me.

Today I ran Week 9 Run 3 and decided to keep going to 5K rather than stop at 30mins. I surprised myself by doing it in just 34 minutes (44 mins and nearly 6K total inc warm up and cool down).

Feeling so chuffed with myself!

[Pigivi]

Congratulations!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Bask in the glow now, and don't forget to get your badge 😃

[Thomson3]

You are my inspiration! Excellent news!

[gary_bart]

Well done. What determination! A year of steadfastness is something few people can manage. (And I bet the weight loss was the hardest part? I wouldn't be surprised if was.)

[shortfatslug Graduate]

Well done, keep going

[Rignold]

Well done. Shows what commitment and perseverance can do.

[RibbleLady Graduate]

Brilliant Well done Super...and every other proud word I can think of! You are an inspiration. Imagine how far you have come in 12 months. And getting a pup to boot ( jealous!)

Both RibbleMan and I are Very impressed. I hope you are feeling well chuffed!

[LyndaM Graduate]

That's awesome! You are amazing. Congratulations xxx

[mfamilias Graduate]

Well done - you've proved that weight loss and getting fit are first and foremost a question of grit and self-discipline. Without them, nothing can work. Keep smiling and give yourself a hearty pat on the back - you're awesome.

[farawaytree74 Graduate]

What an amazing achievement. 😀

[COVEY2009 Graduate]

Congrats

[JojiB Graduate]

Thanks for all of your incredibly kind comments. Yes, the weight loss was quite a journey but, like with the running, I seemed to be focused enough to have a really slow, steady and continuous loss each week which helped to keep me going.

I cannot emphasise enough how important the walking was though. I did 3 months of brisk walking for between 45 minutes and 90 minutes every day which strengthened my core and my legs enough to enable me to start the C25K program.

Anyone who thinks they can't do it should definitely start with the walking!!!

P.S. thanks for the graduate badge (so quickly done)

[ShannieP Graduate]

Congratulations and great time for the 5k

[RunningForBroke Graduate]

Wow!!!! Great story! How wonderful that you hung in there!

[ActonHighStreet]

Well done - how does it feel to be a runner?