GRADUTATION!!! 😄

[tomatopincushion]

Apologies for shouting but YEEAAAHHHH I've done it 😄🏃 Can't believe it, after struggling with 90 seconds just a few months ago I can now do 30 minutes.

It was a beautiful final run, up my favourite trail and for the first time I managed to get to the end of the little lane as I'd upped my pace with the excitement of it all. I think in total it was about 4K so I've still got a little way to go, but that was including hills and mud so I won't be too hard on myself.

A bit worried that I'll lose motivation now, I fancy parkrun but I know I need to keep running 3 times a week if possible. Should I just keep listening to Laura or go in search of a new podcast or app?

Anyway I'm off in search of my graduation badge (yippee!) so thanks for having me and if you're just starting out - you can do this! One of the best decisions I've made this year 😊 xx

[Sandra55 Graduate]

Congratulations, it's a great feeling isn't it.

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to Sandra55]

Thank you, yes it is!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeay!!!!!! Go you, well done!

I just finished week 7 run 2 this morning.. so a way to go yet!

Stick with Laura maybe.. she's got you this far!

Bask in the moment

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

You're pretty close! The last couple of weeks sped by for me, you'll be graduated before you know it 😊 Good luck!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congratulations! You did it! As for where you go from here, entirely up to you! I am still enjoying just listening to my own music while I build up a bit of distance but I think the Stepping stone podcasts are supposed to be good for working on speed and stamina. Haven't tried them myself yet though. Just bask in the glow for a bit if I were you!😀👍😀

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

I've never actually run to music (I've been using the c25k app rather than podcast, so no music there) - definitely worth a try, I'll have to dig out some running tunes!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Whoo hoo, look at your grad badge! Congratulations!

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks!

[Saralexis Graduate]

Congratulations! I've just graduated myself, my plan is to slowly extend the time until I'm actually running 5k three times a week... And see how I go from there. If I never do any more than that I'm happy, as long as I *keep* doing it. I've got Runmeter which can tell me when to walk and run, and some bouncy music.

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to Saralexis]

Congrats to you too! Sounds like you have a good plan, hope it goes well 😊 I agree the most important thing is just to keep going!

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Fantastic! Don't worry about losing ur way, if u want to run, u will find a way. I graduated about 10 weeks ago now and run 3 X a week every week. I tried a running club, many of them have Improvers classes - I didn't settle though as I like running when and where I want but u might enjoy it. Going to parkrun is totally recommended and I am sure u would manage a steady 5k there, lovely people too and makes u feel part of the running community, I go there from time to time.

Overall though,mi am happy with my routine - Monday, Wednesday, Friday runs. I started with 3 X 30 minutes and then felt I wanted to try a 5k and so went to parkrun, a couple of weeks later increased my runs to 5k and did that for a few weeks until I felt like I could go a bit further. Have managed 6k twice this week but going back to 5k next week as I feel my legs are achy and recovery took longer than I liked.

Just monitor how you feel on a run, I always say a minimum will b 30 mins but if I can, run on to 5k and so far love running and no injuries.

Keep us posted on ur progress too. Julie

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Thanks for some great advice 😊

[Girlyswot Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation ! Hope you have lots of running adventures - keep us posted ! x

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations - you should be so proud.

You can stick with Laura, listen to you own music, listen to audio books or radio podcasts or (ooh er Mrs! ) run naked!

I had ditched Laura and her terrible music by week 9 and ran to my own music for ages. Generally run without any accompaniment now though.

Happy running!

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks! I use the app rather than the podcast so have never had the pleasure of Laura's music...perhaps that's a blessing?!

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done TP, congrats on your GRADUTATION?😱 must be all the excitement! lol

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That sounds gorgeous. Many congratulations on your graduation. Fab stuff. Just keep coming here for motivation if you need it.

[islandrunner Graduate]

Well done !

[poppypug Graduate]

Wahey Tomato !

Absolutely brilliant , Well done you !

Many Congratulations on your Graduation ! xxx

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you 😊

[aliboo70]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!tomatopincushion!!!!!!!!!!!!(thats got to be one of the best names on here!!) Congratulations on your graduation!! Sound lovely, and challenging too with the hills and mud!! Excellent stuff!!

[tomatopincushion Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Hehe thanks! 😄

[Retireat64]

Great job, I may join because I just read. This!