Week 9, run 3 and parkrun - graduation

[JoolieB1]

Can't actually believe that 9 weeks ago I was a non-runner. Started C25K to give running a go and battled through every week - dreaded week 5 run 3 like everyone but today I ran 5K in 36 minutes at Corby parkrun. There were a few first timers and a lovely lady and I ran it together - yes we ran every step of it. Feel very surprised with myself but thankful that I discovered a safe and challenging programme and of course to my good friend Laura too! Julie. PS. How do I get my medal 😍

[Soosysoo Graduate]

Well done!! Huge congratulations!! There's no stopping you now!! I was thinking about you this morning - it's a beautiful morning up here in the Scottish Borders and I hoped the sun was shining for you!!

There is a pinned post that says something like 'September graduates' or similar - and you just leave your name. They're normally really quick at awarding your graduate badge.

Huge hugs to you - enjoy the glory! xxx

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Soosysoo]

Thank you, yes it was warm and sunny and the ground was dry, my trainers stayed clean, even through the woods. Lovely people and I ran with a wonderful lady who has never run that distance before. Will do it again but on reflection, I love running alone best - set my own course and start when I am ready and can go anywhere 😀

[Noaky12 Graduate]

Wow what a great time to do it in too. Huge congrats on a great pace & most importantly on Graduating. Amazing job!! ☺☺

Onwards & upwards. Happy running!!

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Noaky12]

I ran before in 43 but that was all Tarmac. Goes to show how good the plan is in turning us out as reasonable people. Julie

[Noaky12 Graduate]

Ps here's the link to get that lovely badge!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating - and a great time for your first Parkrun.😀

[Hidden]

Well done Joolie and congrats on graduating. Great photo as well!

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Congratulations. That is a really good 5k time for a new graduate. You keep running ☺

Ps I'm assuming you're not the one in pink!

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

No, it was an optional fancy dress run, I chose not to dress up and come as myself!!

[goonkeepgoing Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Oh wow! That sounds fun ☺

[RunningForBroke Graduate]

Awesome!!!! Congratulations Joolie!!! It's been fun running with you. What a great time! You are faster than me. I'll be right chuffed if I can run a sub 40 minute 5k at my first race in a week. Huge congratulations!!!!!

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to RunningForBroke]

I ran on week 7 and did 43 minutes so I put the faster time down to fear, anxiety plus peer pressure! I loved it but I am more likely to run as a loner as part of the fun is getting away from people and having my own space, I think 8 minutes per km is a time I would feel very comfortable with. My aim is to increase distance rather than get hung up on speed. I think slow and steady is less likely to cause injury too. One person ran parkrun in 20 minutes - unbelievable. I am not racing them, I am enjoying the ride too much to miss anything xx

[RunningForBroke Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Sounds like a good plan. Go for it!

[Hidden]

Well done Joolie, brilliant time - no sign of the gorilla legs in the picture 😆

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No, I shaved them before going out LOL! Strong little legs like a Shetland Pony! They get me along, just so blessed at 51 to be able to run at all so going to keep them moving

[Hidden]

Fantastically well done ! Congratulations.

[SuzyB2008 Graduate]

Well done! Great way to graduate and fab time! Feels great to know not only can you run for at least 30 minutes, but you can cover 5k too doesn't it?

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to SuzyB2008]

I know, the programme is wonderful. It is hard to believe in 9 weeks by gradually increasing run time that I have been able to run for so long. Going to focus now on keeping up a 3 days a week run and not injuring myself. Will try to build in some hills, cross country and maybe once a week5K. I think that will see me through to Christmas. Might then think about moving towards 10K. Most important thing is to be healthy and active

[Hidden]

Big congratulations and well done , it is a pinned post for graduate badges

[poppypug Graduate]

Brilliant Julie !

Many Congratulations to you on your Graduation xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations- I hope you feel really proud - cracking time too!

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Fear + friendly peer pressure = improved times! Back to lone running now so settled with a slower run at 8 min per km unless my fitness tells me to do more!

[Mary_O Graduate]

Congratulations! Such a good feeling to finish, isn't it?

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Mary_O]

Mixed really, the discipline of 3 structured runs per week and an end goal has been fantastic but a great achievement to get to graduation. I have my own plan - 3 runs a week (2 x 30 mins + a 5K) and to do some fitness building with small hills and cross country. After December, might start a 10K programme

[mfamilias Graduate]

Yesssss! And another Graduate in the lounge! Well done you - and lovely pic. You look remarkably cool for someone who has a pink cavewoman hot on her tail. Keep running, keep smiling. Are you going to buy yourself a graduation pressie now?

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Thanks. It was Corby parkrun celebration with optional fancy dress - 2 years and 101 parkruns. Lovely people and there were several first time parkrunners there too. My hubs and I went out for a celebration meal and he bought me a running belt and 2 pairs of running socks too, happy to finish but hope I can keep it going after all the hard work!!

[Brummymummy Graduate]

Well done you........!!!

How proud are you feeling right now?

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Brummymummy]

Very satisfied because I worked hard through the programme and didn't miss any runs. I am also surprised at how effectively the programme moved my unfit 51 year old body from non runner to being able to go for 5K.

[aliboo70]

Congratulations joolie! A parkrun is a great place to graduate, I did that too glad you got some goodies and a mice meal out - well deserved

[no-excuse Graduate]

Whoop whoop, well done! That's a great time. Enjoy your running x

[W1KSP Graduate]

Well done you, as promised I did my first park run today too. Due to unforeseen circumstances I didn't do week 9 this week but even with a flare up of RA I went to park run it took me 40 minutes but I did it x I hope to graduate soon x

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to W1KSP]

Count parkrun as week 9, run 1! Then only 2 runs to go 😀

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Fantastic, well done you! That's a great time too xx

[laurav33 Graduate]

Yay! A massive well done! It's such an achievement isn't it. Doing a little happy dance for you

[Eastofthegate Graduate]

A massive well done! That is a fantastic time for your first Parkrun.

Graduation for me should be this Saturday - I'll be pounding the pavements in the evening providing the knees hold up!