W9R3 We've only just begun...

[Happy-runner]

Yay completed my graduation run this morning. Absolutely delighted! I didn't think at the start of this journey I would have completed it!! To think I was breathless after running a minute on week 1! It's amazing how the body adapts and copes with the changes. 

The extra benefits are the endorphins that are released giving you a lift. I feel more positive, more energy. It's wonderful!

Thank you for all the wonderful support from this forum. I know I couldn't have done it without the support and advice from everyone.

Now I have completed the programme I want to continue so in a way I feel as though this is just the start. I'm still running inside - waiting for it to warm up. It may never happen! Once I have ran outside I will feel like a proper runner but until such times I'm going to keep up at the gym.

So to celebrate went for a lovely lunch with a friend with a bottle of wine to celebrate. 

Next week I'll be running as a graduate! 

Thanks again 😀😀😀

[Celtprof Graduate]

Well done! That's great 😄

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Celtprof]

Thank you Celtprof

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Brilliant! Well done! And you are a proper runner! It's more fun outside though (just my personal opinion😈)

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thanks Jaysee. I will do it 😀

[poppypug Graduate]

Yeeee- ahhh ! Well done Happy Happy Walker , you did it !

Oh your title has put that song in my head now, Karen Carpenter had the most beautiful, warm , rich voice didnt she ? Anyway , I digress .....

Massive Congratulations to you on a fantastic achievement !

Dont forget to ask for your badge . Happy Running to you ! xxx

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks Poppypug 😀

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Happy Walker. It is a great acheivement to be able to run for 30 mins.😊Go get your badge by posting on the April graduates link.. you just made this month...

Carry on enjoying your running..

Happyrunner

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I forgot to do it on Friday! I have just posted! I know it's ridiculous!

[Pushing60 Graduate]

Well done!  You earned your celebration lunch. 

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Pushing60]

It was lovely 😀

[ElsieW Graduate]

Well done, that's fantastic.  You will find running outside easier I reckon!  

Onward and upward now!

E xxx

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to ElsieW]

Elsie W I hope you're right. Love your profile pic btw. 😀

[Shivani05 Graduate]

Congratulations!

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Shivani05]

Thanks Shivani 😀

[moleymoleymoley Graduate]

Hooray and congratulations!

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to moleymoleymoley]

Thank you 😀

[PippiRuns]

Congratulations! I will graduate in three weeks and I hope to feel the same "only-the-beginning-of-my-life-as-runner". It inspires me to hear of others who are taking this journey, so keep posting!

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to PippiRuns]

Keep going it's a great feeling when you graduate! 😀

[Beccym Graduate]

Yay, good job

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Beccym]

Thank you 😀

[builtforcomfort Graduate]

Congratulations, you deserve to feel very proud of yourself (and definitely deserve that bottle of wine). It is amazing how much you can achieve in just a couple of months isn't it?  Here's to the beginning of the rest of your running life - Cheers!  

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to builtforcomfort]

Thank you 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Wow.... well done you. Congratulations!

Now....it starts! The weather is.... getting warmer, says she, who got snowed on, on Wednesday!!!! So... when you can, give it a try... I feel you will love it!

Nature's gym... and of course... " There's no such thing as bad weather.. only different kinds of good weather " !

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss especially for your encouragement all the way through! I think it's a it warmer today!

[beverleyg Graduate]

Well done. It's a great feeling to complete the final run.

 Running outside is different, I'm not sure if it's harder, having done both. The actual running is probably a bit more challenging outside as the ground is never totally even and rarely all flat but it is so much more interesting it goes quicker. 

Good luck with your first one!

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to beverleyg]

Sounds good that it goes quicker. I also think good to look at the scenery! 😀

[Traceyanne83 Graduate]

Well done!! 😀🙋

I'm on week 8 so nearly there too!

I've been running outside the whole time. I have a lightweight reflective running jacket with a hood and I live in Scotland (not sure where you're from).  Anyway, it's not as scary/cold as you might think running outside so I recommend you give it a go as your body naturally warms up anyway - I ran yesterday & it had snowed the night before (but had melted) and it was about 5 degrees but I was fine I find that running in the warm sunshine is sometimes worse lol 😂 

Congratulations again! Hope you enjoyed the wine!

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Traceyanne83]

Thanks Traceyanne very encouraging? 😀

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Many congratulations to you. It's a fab achievement. I hope you enjoyed your lunch.

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks I'm so glad I made it! Lovely lunch 😀

[PP_1234 Graduate]

Very well done and congratulations!

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to PP_1234]

Thank you 😀

[vivster Graduate]

Congratulations and well done 😄

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to vivster]

Thanks Vivster 😃

[secan Graduate]

Well done, graduate! Now go get your badge! 🙂

And remember; as a graduate it is your sacred duty to pass on your experience and preach the virtues of the programme to the new runners. 😁

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to secan]

Thanks secan I will pass on advice as it's invaluable when you're training 😀

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I hope you feel really proud of yourself!

Lots of lovely adventures ahead.

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks Ullyrunner 😀

[Hidden]

That's a well deserved glass of vino!  Congrats on your super achievement.

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks ithinkican 😀

[jill2304]

well done......you must be buzzing!!!....good work xxx

[Happy-runner Graduate in reply to jill2304]

Thank you 😀

[Happy-runner Graduate]

Thanks for all your lovely comments. Going to watch my son do a leg of the marathon today. Will be looking for some tips! 😀😀😀