W9 R3 - Thought this was the end but actually ... - Couch to 5K

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W9 R3 - Thought this was the end but actually it's just the beginning ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate
โ€ข63 Replies

Up early this morning, usual cuppa to wake me up and then into my running gear and out the door to a cool and breezy morning - perfect for my special run

Some of you said you would be with me today but I decided that I really couldn't have you all waiting around at the finishing post so instead thought you could all run with me......bit of bunching up at the start people but actually we all ran well together. Some of you are really fast - Wow! and those at the back - just plain naughty with all that giggling going on - you know who you are ๐Ÿ˜‚

Seriously though, I put into place everything I have learned, straight back, relaxed shoulders, steady pace, deep breathing (even managed some through my nose!) and most of all just to try and enjoy it.

I wasn't gremlin free but every time they tried it on, I thought of Laura's words and advice and your words and advice and managed to throw them off.

I managed just a few precious minutes when I lost myself, found a rhythm and just relaxed into a run.

The last minute or two were tough but when I finished I felt really chuffed and proud and I mustn't forget.......tired ๐Ÿ˜‚!!

Just about to ask for my shiny badge - I felt I could never achieve that status when I started but here I am graduating ๐ŸŽ“

I feel sure I would have given up on this had this forum not been here, it and therefore by definition you, have inspired me no end. Knowing that you are not alone and that the gremlins and aches and pains and that feeling that you really can't go on, are being experienced by others really helps and gets you through the tough times. The laughter has been invaluable too ๐Ÿ˜€

Enough now.......I take a bow.......Thank you all..........๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

I'll be back ๐Ÿ˜‰

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lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkate
Graduate
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63 Replies
โ€ข

Congratulations Kate. A lovely inspiring post to read, knew you would do it!!!

New, shiny badge for you soon, and well deserved ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜Ž

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to

Thanks ๐Ÿ˜€ It's a good feeling!

Ellymeg profile image
EllymegGraduate

My, you looked a fine sight crossing that line and now on the podium taking a bow โœจ๐Ÿ’โœจ๐Ÿ’โœจ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ“โœจ๐Ÿ’โœจ๐Ÿ’โœจ

Congratulations Kate, what a wonderful acheivement and all your own hard work and determination got you through and over the line.

You are a runner... You can do it - hurrah!

MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduate

Congratulations GRADUATE finally crossed that line I know it has been a long journey for you because I started on the same day but you never waivered even when your gremlins told you to as others have said it was your journey and you finished it so well done to you.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to MichaelH070862

I had no idea we started at the same time ๐Ÿ˜€ How fab and you snuck across that line ages ago!! Thanks

MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduate in reply to lightweightkate

The reason you did'nt know was I joined the forum during week four I watched your progress from afar and when I saw you struggle I thought I would join and add my support even though I did'nt have your gremlins due to my military experience but it is your journey now and it is up to you where you want it to take you.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to MichaelH070862

Thanks so much - I'm going to complete my charity marathon run during September - completed 4 miles of 26 so far and then I want to concentrate on slowly increasing speed. 30 minutes is a good amount for me 3 times a week but I am so slow - so think that will be my next challenge post September

MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduate in reply to lightweightkate

Get in touch with Ann_Arthur she is doing the same challenge you might be able to support and encourage each other good luck I might have a go next May if they do it again

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to MichaelH070862

Thanks

Jmiss profile image
JmissGraduate

Congratulations Graduate....you have done it, what an amazing achievement. :D :D :D

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Jmiss

Thanks Jmiss - your turn next ๐Ÿ˜€

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Well done! Congratulations! โ˜บ Yep the next phase is waiting for you ๐Ÿ˜Š

Have a great day basking in graduation glory. You could treat yourself to a running related item ๐Ÿ˜Š Shoes are always a good idea.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to misswobble

Thanks so much - new shoes sound like a great idea ๐Ÿ˜€Any excuse!!

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

We were all with you - the whole way (sorry for giggling at the back)๐Ÿ˜„

This is really the start of a whole new chapter and you will write it in your own way, your own words and your own style. And you have SUCH style! Have loved watching and being involved in your journey and now POP!!! Some bubbles for the new GRADUATE๐Ÿ˜†๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿน๐Ÿท๐Ÿธ๐Ÿ˜†๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ(and I know that Ellymeg has some chocolate stashed too). Congratulations Kate. You're definitely no lightweight xxx

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to McFitty

Haha McFitty - glad you recognised yourself ๐Ÿ˜‚....I am enjoying the feeling and have a bottle of bubbly saved for today - thanks ๐Ÿ˜€

LinaLamont profile image
LinaLamontGraduate

congratulations :) your post last night was lovely. I hope you feel super super proud of yourself, you deserve it.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to LinaLamont

Thanks so much - as always a toughie but that badge was in sight ๐Ÿ˜€

OldWheezer profile image
OldWheezer

Really pleased for you. Well done and I hope you celebrated in style when you completed the 30 minutes.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to OldWheezer

Thanks OldWheezer - Actually although I know I am meant to keep moving post a run, I just stood still for a few minutes with my hands on my knees just to enjoy the moment - fabulous feeling ๐Ÿ˜€

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate

Woo-Hoo - I have a shiny badge - how cool is that ๐Ÿ˜€

Simmypie profile image
SimmypieGraduate

What's that by your name Kate? Is it...? Could it be...? A graduation badge...? Wow!!! Well done!!!

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Simmypie

Yay!!! Whoopee!! ๐Ÿ˜€๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿพ - Thanks

Cianalas profile image
Cianalas

Aw, I'm delighted for you! I loved reading your graduation post...you're right, it's just the beginning for you. Think you'd better rename yourself greatratekate! Wishing you many, many more happy runs. :-)

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Cianalas

Thanks Cianalas :-)

Inspiredmum profile image
InspiredmumGraduate

Congratulations and I love that badge by your name - you're a real pro now!

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSue

yippee , well done

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to RunaroundSue

Thanks :-)

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

A huge well done for getting through the programme, even during the tough times. No longer "lightweight", you pushed through and crossed the finishing line. I hadn't intended running with you all this morning, but you made me get up despite my hangover and I loved running with you all. Although that McFitty is a bit of a distraction and the Musketeers were being really silly for the whole run - but they're only young graduates, let them have their fun!

The real journey actually starts now! Keep posting, it keeps us all motivated.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

Brilliant JaySeeSkinny ๐Ÿ˜‚ and thanks so much ๐Ÿ˜€

Lavender1962 profile image
Lavender1962Graduate

Congratulations ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ‰ Great posts! Enjoy the feeling! Happy running.

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Lavender1962

Thanks ๐Ÿ˜€

Polly2723 profile image
Polly2723Graduate

Well done & congratulations on your shiny new badge. Looks good up there next to your name. Enjoy your day of celebrations ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿพ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ“

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Polly2723

Thanks so much Polly2723 ๐Ÿ˜€

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Congratulations Kate๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ˜„

Phew, we enjoyed that. Brilliant post after a Brilliant graduation run. Know exactly what you mean about the few moments of rythmn, more to come hopefully.

You look stunning in that badge.๐Ÿ˜Š

Well done and keep on running...

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thanks Jan ๐Ÿ˜€ I will

Vanessa291 profile image
Vanessa291Graduate

Well do Kate, great news. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿพ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿพ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿพ

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Vanessa291

Thanks ๐Ÿ˜€

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Well done you :)

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to ju-ju-

Thanks ๐Ÿ˜€

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

Congratulations kate! Onwards and upwards! Excellent stuff๐Ÿ˜Š

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to aliboo70

Thanks :-)

Noaky12 profile image
Noaky12Graduate

Well congratulations you! You took us all out & showed us how a graduation run should be done. Fantastic job & wonderful post too.

The only way is up from here.

Good luck with your charity challenge too. โ˜บ

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Noaky12

Thanks so much - as you say onwards and upwards ๐Ÿ˜€

Jingle_berry profile image
Jingle_berry

Fabulous, fantastic, amazing, incredible - they all describe you๐Ÿ˜Š. Well done xxx

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

AWESOME News to wake up to here Kate โ˜บโ˜บโ˜บโ˜บโ˜บ

So very very happy for you. The Run itself is GREAT - the way you've found yourself on this journey is absolutely heart warming. You are a Runner AND now you have found out that you are also the kind of Lovely person everyone wants to be happy and succeed โ˜บ

Welcome to the Graduate Table LovelyKate โ˜บ

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Irish-John

Thanks Irish-John - that bought a tear to my eye and I am absolutely chuffed to bits - thanks for all your support ๐Ÿ˜€

Fantastic๐Ÿ‘ Really well done :-)

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to

Thanks Hidden ๐Ÿ˜€Happy days

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Kate, I am just so so pleased for you !

Your post last night was so moving and heartfelt , it touched so many of us .

I thought about you this morning when I went on my run, just willing you along as I ran . In fact , so many of us ran with you in our hearts today, I am sure.

Massive Congratulations to you and I really hope that you stick around to inspire the others that are going through their personal journeys .

Well done ! :-) xxx

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to poppypug

Thanks so much poppypug - I'm really chuffed even though I ache!! And yes, I'm here for a while yet :-)

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

HI successful Kate. Sorry I'm late to the party but I was last in the shower queue after our super run together (he he he).

A huge congrats for graduating but also for finding and being your own self.....super, super, super๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

Haha Millsie-J - I know - those boys just jumped in front of us all ๐Ÿ˜‚ Thanks so much ๐Ÿ˜€

Suebguineapig profile image
SuebguineapigGraduate

Many, many congratulations. You deserve that bubbly! I am sure there are many out there who can empathise with the experiences you have so bravely outlined. Now rock your moment!

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Suebguineapig

Thanks so much Suebguineapig - I am rocking!!

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

๐Ÿ˜€ Happy day! Big congratulations to you! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Sandraj39

Thanks so much ๐Ÿ˜€

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Hey Graduate... looking really really good...Took me a while to catch up with you this morning...:)

Well done you ! Now... the journey goes on and it is so exciting ! :)

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss ...missed you recently......๐Ÿ˜€

Sammully profile image
SammullyGraduate

Well done and congratulations xx

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns

Congratulations on finishing this very first part of a hopefully very long running journey. You look great with your badge on. Hope you celebrate properly!

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate in reply to PippiRuns

Thank you so much ๐Ÿ˜€

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Congratulations LWKate. I am sure that your Mum and Dad are proud of you, even if they cannot articulate it.

b275 profile image
b275Graduate

Well Done Kate, knew you'd smash it!!

You are so right it is the beginning of a new adventure. Now's the time for making new goals after, you've finished your marathon, just to keep motivated.

I struggled at first without Laura's routine but now I've made all sorts of plans and goals with Hubby. I'm boring everyone to tears at work, reporting to them every time I've been on a run, when and where I went, how far and what time etc etc.

I think they're secretly quite pleased for me!!

Well done your shiny badge really looks good.

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