I DID ITTTTT!

[shinyhappy123]

I did! And if you had tapped me on the shoulder 51 days ago and suggested I could run for 30 minutes, finish week 9 and feel GOOD then I would have laughed like a donkey then gone outside for a fag to recover. I simply cannot believe how much has changed and all I did was put in the headphones, turn up and do what I was told.. Dark, cold, raining - don't care! Thank you C25k and Laura. My legs will keep moving x

6 months ago I had a back operation and was literally shuffling round on a walking frame. Could not walk upstairs, make a cup of tea or even go to the loo on my own. It was depressing to say the least. I'm 54 and could already feel Time's Winged Chariot drawing near... On the 19th October I woke up and thought that I had to do something. I had vaguely heard Someone at work mentionC25k but didn't think it would work with me, even though the physio had said I could now do exercise. which I had avoided since about 1977. I got up, found the app and some headphones, dug out trainers and leggings and went out before I could argue with myself. That first one minute was the turning point; I knew I would have to do it or die trying.. Although I did think it would be the latter.

Happy days 🎓👌🤗

[ViaM Graduate]

Amazing story! I think you deserved extra 'well dones'!!!!

[aliboo70]

Congratulations youve done brilliantly😆

[dagshar Graduate]

Well done! You can be very proud

[SarahFox Graduate]

A true inspiration!

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

Fantastic... well done!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! What a fantastic way to finish a difficult year!

Now you can plan all sorts of lovely running adventures for 2016.

[Calire]

well done - what an achievement!

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done! And you managed to kick the fags as well! Even more of a triumph!

[Purple_faced_woman Graduate]

Fantastic. Well done. You must be extremely proud of this great achievement.

What's next?

[poppypug Graduate]

What an amazing story . Well done for turning your life around, that is amazing . I had to chuckle when you wrote " I would've laughed like a donkey ! " Ha ha

Many Congratulations to you on a fantastic achievement . Have you asked for your Graduate Badge ?

Wear it with pride , you are sooo worth it !

All the very best to you for your future running adventures and please keep posting , would love to hear how youre going on xxxx

[AvatheGardener Graduate]

Totally fantastic achievement- woo hoo!!! well DONE!!!

Your description of the way you started has similarities to the way I did- woke up one morning exasperated, downloaded it and got on with it before thinking it through after illness with side effects- although to be fair my health issues pale into insignificance alongside yours.

You're a total STAR - enjoy that wonderful feeling of achievement!!!

[RachelLewes Graduate]

Woah! What a transformation in a year!!! Fantastic and massive congrats.

[Hidden]

That really is great news ! Well done !

[Helenaferridge Graduate]

Well done! Welcome to the graduate family! X

[shinyhappy123 Graduate]

Thank you lovely peeps for your comments, - am very happy. Even finished the last run at a sprint (well, a sprint for me....) just to finish on a high. The sight of a red faced middle aged woman punching the air and jumping in puddles did slightly startle an old man walking his dog, but at least it made him smile. I think the best bits were.... Week 1, run 1, first minute; week 5 run 3 - just to do it; week 6 run 3 when Laura said 'you're a runner'; and of course week 9 run 3 final minute going like the clappers.

Rest day today then right back,out there tomorrow!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done. You are a star. Don't forget to get your graduate badge.You have earned it...

[shinyhappy123 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you .... How do I get my graduate badge? 🎓

[nhs2015 Graduate]

Congratulations. Clever you.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Sorry been out all day but see you are wearing your badge with pride. Keep on running!