Week 9, run 3 and parkrun - graduation - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Week 9, run 3 and parkrun - graduation

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate
35 Replies

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 😍

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JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1
Graduate
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35 Replies
Soosysoo profile image
SoosysooGraduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
Noaky12Graduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
Noaky12Graduate

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

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

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

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

goonkeepgoing profile image
goonkeepgoingGraduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing

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

goonkeepgoing profile image
goonkeepgoingGraduate in reply to JoolieB1

Oh wow! That sounds fun ☺

RunningForBroke profile image
RunningForBrokeGraduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
RunningForBrokeGraduate in reply to JoolieB1

Sounds like a good plan. Go for it!

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

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate in reply to

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

Fantastically well done ! Congratulations.

SuzyB2008 profile image
SuzyB2008Graduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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

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

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Brilliant Julie !

Many Congratulations to you on your Graduation :-) xxx

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

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

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
Mary_OGraduate

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

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
mfamiliasGraduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
BrummymummyGraduate

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

How proud are you feeling right now?

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate 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 profile image
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 profile image
no-excuseGraduate

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

W1KSP profile image
W1KSPGraduate

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 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate in reply to W1KSP

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

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

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

laurav33 profile image
laurav33Graduate

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

Eastofthegate profile image
EastofthegateGraduate

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!

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