I haven't posted for a while, since struggling with week 6 in fact, but today I've finally done it, my third run of Couch to 5K week 9. Programme completed. I am so happy and so pleased with myself. Admittedly it's taken longer than 9 weeks (14 I think) due to a slow start and having to take a week off and repeat week 6 due to a sore hip, but I've made it to the end. At the beginning of 2014 I was unable to even run for a minute so I spent the next 12 months walking and then doing a little bit of running (e.g. from lamppost to lamppost) to build up stamina. I also used the outdoor exercise machines which are situated along the seafront to work on upper body strength. After doing the Race for Life 5K walking and running in 50 minutes I decided to attempt Couch to 5k again. The first few weeks were relatively easy this time although all along I kept thinking I'm a long way from being able to run for 30 minutes. Yet here I am today and I've done that run three times. Unbelievable!! I found the programme and Laura's voice very helpful, but I have to confess that although I've run for 30 minutes I'm not covering 5K as I'm so slow. The weather here for the next few months is likely to be wet and windy so my plan is to go back to walking and running and using the exercise machines again as I've missed doing that while concentrating on non-stop running. Then when the weather picks up I hope to try the Stepping Stones podcasts and try to pick up speed and distance. A Parkrun has recently started in my area so my target is to be able to do that, but with no walking. I've appreciated the encouragement and advice I've had on this forum and would say to anyone struggling at the beginning or in Week 6 of C25K as many of us have - keep going. If I can do it believe me you can too.
P.S The photo is me at the end of today's run windswept, covered in sand and with a face as pink as my new jacket, but very happy,
Written by
Marinagirl
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Congratulations - lovely photo and you certainly look happy! I think that now ou have graduated you can do whatever you please - just make sure you keep on running and enjoy!
Congratulations, it's a great feeling isn't it. The important change has happened - to make this part of you life, now you can do it where and when you like, in combination with other activities or just keep doing this, it's all up to you!
Whoop whoop well done! A great achievement. Don't worry about distance covered either, the important thing is that you are running for 30 minutes. Amazing! I hope you find your local Parkrun as fab as mine, there is always loads of encouragement and support. Lovely pic! X 😊
Well done! You look (rightly) very pleased with yourself! Don't forget to ask for your graduation badge. I know what it's like when you get injured and can't run for a while but you have bviously been determined to keep going and are now reaping the rewards. Don't worry about the distance at this point, it will come in time. I am already much stronger than I was at graduation and it was only a month a go! Happy running🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻
Very well done. I have several similar photos where you can barely tell where the face finishes and the pink or red top starts! You have done it - you are now a graduate! Go get your lovely shiny hard-earned badge. Don't worry about your time - that will come with practice but you have done so well already, congratulations.
By the way, does your name meant that you are called Marina or live near one?
Very well done! I will doing week 9 run 3 tomorrow, something I never thought I'd achieve. Like yourself and others, I too am slow but hey, we're doing it! You look a picture of health and happiness and I doubt I'll look that good after my run
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Week 5, run 3 woo hoo! 
Week 5 run 3! Woo hoo!
Week 9 run 3 - DONE!
Woo Hoo!!! I've done it!! 🍾
Week 9 Run 3 complete. I've done it !
