Sooooo happy, I've finally done it. Merry Christmas everyone

[CrazyCat1973]

Well it's taken me a whole seven months but this week I've finally completed C25K and I couldn't be happier.

With my medical history this has been so much of an achievement.

I'm an over weight 40+ mum of two with asthma and having suffered with pleurisy, been left with scarring on both sides of my lungs.

At my last doctors appointment my doctor nearly fell off her chair when I told her I was running non stop on the treadmill for 20 minutes as back in May she practically laughed at me when I said I wanted to attempt the programme.

My check up showed that my blood pressure was now normal (had previously been high and borderline for having to go onto medication) I've lost 8.5kg in weight (19lbs in old money) and my lung capacity is now at what it should be (on the peek flow test last year I was only able to blow what is normal for an 8 year old child !)

It's not been easy at all and at times its felt impossible, the leap from 8 minutes to 20 minutes was probably the toughest of all along with me suffering severe pains in my lungs when I pushed myself too hard. But I got there and am so happy about it.

If I can do this, seriously anyone can, just keep on plodding at your own pace .

Merry Christmas everyone and happy running xx

[Girlyswot Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation ! Very well done and keep us posted on your running adventures ! x

[Pigivi]

That is a fantastic achievement!!! Congratulations x

[Pinguette Graduate]

You're a star, Crazycat!! Congratulations on overcoming all the odds, amazing your doctor and graduating! xx

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Lovely post crazycat and huge congratulations on what you have achieved! It is no understatement to say that this programme can really change lives! Have a wonderful Christmas and here's to the next stage of your running journey in 2016!

[CrazyCat1973 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you

This programme and the amazing support I've received on here have been what has got me this far

[boogie991 Graduate]

Wow, what an achievement. You should be very proud of yourself!

[Joanee Graduate]

Thanks for such an inspiring post, and so glad that you are reaping the health benefits from your tremendous effort.

[aliboo70]

Wow that's an inspiring story, congratulations! Very well done and great that you shocked your doctor! 😊

[jojo57 Graduate]

Well done Crazycat! You should be very proud!

[ElsieW Graduate]

Congratulations, that is really fantastic. You have really overcome your problems and I am very inspired reading this. Thank you for sharing!

E xxx

[poppypug Graduate]

Fantastic Crazy Cat , what a brilliant inspiring story !

Many Congratulations to you, you did it !!! xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Brilliant! Congratulations on graduating - what a wonderful boost to your health. Best Christmas present ever!

[Sarahredhaira Graduate]

That's fantastic. Well done!

[Old_trout Graduate]

Brilliant! There's really nothing like it is there? Just think of all those health benefits you have brought yourself which don't need a prescription or risk side effects!!

Well done, you've had a tough time of it, but how worth it! You should be very proud of your grit and determination!

[Hidden]

An inspirational journey which shows the major health benefits of running. Congratulations on completing the programme and a very merry Christmas to you.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

That is so great, well done, real determination, positive thinking plus the C25K programme wins the day! The health benefits are fantastic and you are an inspiration. What next?

[CrazyCat1973 Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Not quite sure what next, I need to keep increasing the length of time I'm running for, as I'm only covering approx 4K in the 30 mins.

Might have a look to see what beyond 5K plans there are out there

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to CrazyCat1973]

I tried a 10k plan straight after graduation but my legs told me to think again. If u can run 30 mins, maybe increase it to 35, keeping the pace nice and slow. I took around 43 mins to cover 5k when I graduated, so u could just let run times creep up slowly. When I got to 5k I just stuck to that X 3 times a week for several weeks as it is challenging to do, on a day when I felt good, kept going to 5.5k! 12 weeks on I run 6k usually but my legs r telling me that is far enough. Also speed increases as u get fitter, I did a 5k parkrun in 34 mins. I am 52, still a little overweight and not trying to be fast or enter a marathon but my thinking is, listen to ur body, push yourself a little bit and get lovely rest - stretching exercise on rest day too! Keep us posted

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

SO happy for you. What an amazing achievement

[katymaggie]

Well done you - what an achievement x

[GoogleMe Graduate]

So important sharing these challenges and triumphs. Congratulations, enjoy your running, the world is your oyster now!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Wow.... that is amazing.... well done you!

How inspiring for all of us... keep it up!

[Daisyrun Graduate]

Amazing. Well done.

[no-excuse Graduate]

Wow, that is a great achievement, you must be feeling really proud, well done! An inspirational story x

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Many congratulations. Keep running 😊

You're a superstar 🌟🌟🌟🌟