Graduation - and lessons learned

[Allydee]

Hi everyone.... I completed the podcasts yesterday along with a baptism of fire - the southsea 5k park run!!! Ok it took me 39 minutes but I had stitch most of the way but I'm still very proud of what I've achieved, and everyone else's achievements too!!! So here's my personal reflection on the 9 week programme:

1) never underestimate any achievement, whether it's running for 60 seconds, 5 minutes or 30

2) I've never stopped running at any point of the program but I have slowed down to a pace that is incredibly slow whilst I catch my breath/have a drink/recover

3) my music experiments have found that I need something I know that has words to it.. So I can lose myself in following the song. Instrumentals and no words are ok but I get very bored

4) I've increased my protein intake from all the insects that I've inhaled!

5) similarly I've helped keep Portsmouth's snail population in check as I've crunched on more than a few

6) I love running in the rain! The smell, the welcome cooling down... Would never have thought that!

7) it's made me more resilient in other aspects of my life ... I don't give up so easily and fight for what I believe in

8) running 3 times a week, plus Pilates, swimming and dog walking has meant that at 42 I have never been so fit... I've lost a stone and a half since April with at least one more to go - but each exercise seems to have benefited the other so improvements all round

9) I.can.do.it. Massive increase in self belief and confidence

10)I could not have done it without the help, advice and support of this forum. I thank you all!!!!

I'm looking forward to continuing this journey and the rewards ( fitness, loose clothes, daily appreciation). Good luck to everyone on their journey. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!!!!

[aliboo70]

Great post!congratulations on your graduation and 1st parkrun,hope it wasn't too windy on southsea front! 😊

[Allydee Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

It was a bit breezy on the way back!!! Made it a lot harder but I guess that makes the achievement even better. I'll be back to do the next park run next week, fingers crossed it won't be so breezy!!

[poppypug Graduate]

What a brilliant post ! Love it

Many Congratulations on your Graduation , its a fantastic achievement and you should be so proud of yourself !

A Massive Well done to you on your weight loss too. Its amazing how good losing a bit of timber can make you feel . It just spurs you on to continue doesn't it ?

Don't forget to ask for your Graduate Badge, you have well and truly earned it !

Well done again ! xxx

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Congratulations on all fronts! And well done for upping that protein content - you need it for muscle building ;).

[90ldfinch Graduate]

Well done & well said Allydee -- great stuff 🎉🎉👏👏🏆

[dddd4 Graduate]

What a great way to finish the programme. Congratulations! Loved your summing up especially the insects!

[garym Graduate]

Well done on both graduation and a great post👍

[Als_mum Graduate]

Congratulations and thanks for that lovely post.

[jogger1960]

well done you, i too increase my protein intake cause my mouth is open all the time

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Superb inspirational post.. Newbies read and believe!!!

Massive congratulations..what an achievement. Well done on the insect eating too

The badge looks pretty awesome

[PippiRuns]

Congratulations, Ally! Very well done. And you are so right about all your observations. I recognise them all. Good luck on your future running adventures. Perhaps keep posting and let us know where the journey is taking you?

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Lovely positive post! Congratulations on completing the programme. Happy running adventures ahead!

[Indizulu Graduate]

Haha Great post Allydee - your summing up is just about perfect!! Many congratulations on your graduation and parkrun too! 👏👏👏

[O505k Graduate]

Well done. Great reflection on the programme.