I have done it!

[Londonred]

Well, after starting this amazing C25K plan on the 12th of January, I have now completed it! In the fog, by the sea! Foghorns blowing all over the place. It was great!

I don't really know what the actual trigger was for starting this plan. I think I'd just had enough of being a binge eating and overweight depressive, who was always tired and fed up of looking crap in my clothes. 

Well, that stuff is a long way behind me now. I think the running made me want to eat better, so I stopped bingeing on junk. I found that I was feeling so much better in myself, I cut down on my meds and now don't take them. This took a while though.

I really struggled in the beginning, that niggly voice telling me I wouldn't stick with it. But I loved how I was feeling and the weight slowly started coming off. I was determined to push on.

Anyway, I just want to say thank you to you all on this forum. When I'm running and I get that nagging voice in my head, which drones on about "Why am I doing this, what's the point, I'm too tired, it's too hard" bla bla, I think of all of you; from those starting out, to those who graduated a long time ago. I think of you all out running somewhere, with me in spirit!

Anyone just starting out, keep going. It's so worth it. The benefits both physically and mentally are so worthwhile.

Thank you for your encouragement, support and funny stories. They've kept me going.

As for now? Think ill do my graduation run somewhere really muddy!

Speech over  

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done. I too like to think about which of my forum pals might be out running at the same time as me. It's like belonging to a huge and very special club!

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Yes I always imagine when I'm out and moaning to myself, that others from here are out there somewhere, doing the same thing. It's quite comforting!

Thank you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done... !!!

Welcome to the club! as Ullyrunner says,, we are very special

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. It's a very special club! I like it

[barmybint Graduate]

Standing ovation for that runner.  Bravo Londonred

[Londonred Graduate in reply to barmybint]

Thank you so much. 

[Shivani05 Graduate]

Congratulations! It sounds like the programme has been wonderful for you, helping you with so much more than just learning how to run. As Ully and floss said, welcome to the club. You're definitely special😊

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Shivani05]

Thank you. I think you're just ahead of me aren't you? So well done to you for graduating. It's definitely been life changing, I never thought it would have the effect it has had on me. And people have noticed too; not just the weight loss, but my demeanour. It's a truly great program. 

[Shivani05 Graduate in reply to Londonred]

Yes, I just graduated over the weekend. I haven't been able to run today (back hurts, gym is closed) and I'm so antsy. Definitely never thought it would have THAT effect on me

[Maxiscot Graduate]

Fabulous! 

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Maxiscot]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

Superb well done on graduating 😀it is a pretty amazing program 😊

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. It really is a brilliant program. It's done so much for me.

[Scoobydavid Graduate]

Love the inspirational post! Well done and glad it has been life changing for you

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Scoobydavid]

Thank you. It really has. 

[Neverrunmum Graduate]

Many Congratulations - enjoy the fantastic feeling and your muddy run!

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Neverrunmum]

Thank you! I can't wait to get muddy!

[boogie991 Graduate]

Yay...go you!

[Londonred Graduate in reply to boogie991]

Thank you.

[Rhedwr Graduate]

Woo-hoo!!  Well done, you. 

[Londonred Graduate in reply to Rhedwr]

Thank you!

[jt24 Graduate]

Woooopwoooop!! 

Well done Londonred

I love the forum and all you fellow virtual runners. Nothing better than knowing we're all out there battling our own demons, fighting the gremlins and occasionally having a super time with the pixies (just in case, pixies are the 'good' gremlins, the ones who suggest running faster/longer etc!) 

I think of fellow 'graduators' keeping to schedules and don't want to be lagging behind so I just keep going out there! I don't mind if I'm way slower or only covering 'n'th of their distance, I just like being out in their pack! Mad maybe, but it's working!!

You've just joined the pack too, looking forward to hearing your maintenance/progress.

[Londonred Graduate in reply to jt24]

Thank you. The pixies! Hopefully I'll be hearing more from them now! They do pop up now and again!  And yes I'm staying here, because I love reading about how everyone is doing. And I like knowing stupid things like "How often do you wash your running kit"? Where else could I get that information! But I will update as I go along, whatever I end up doing!

[poppypug Graduate]

Big up London Red !

Massive Congratulations to you , you did brilliantly !

Well done you ! xxx

[Londonred Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you poppypug for all your encouragement, really appreciated.