W9 R3 - done!

[Bluerockdragon]

Wey hey! I did it. C25k completed this morning. I'm still grinning Can't believe I managed to go from just about gasping my last 2+ months ago to jogging along for 30 minutes.

I've not managed 5km yet but I'm close, just another 500m. I was going to try to get to the 5k on run 2 this week but I ended the 30 mins on a hill so stopped after only an extra 20 seconds or so. I didn't attempt it today because the programme goal, and my goal, is 30 mins, not 5k (despite the name), and I can do that

Doing the programme has been a learning experience as well as a fitness one. I thought I'd just jot down my thoughts as they kept me going through today's 30 minutes:

* Smiling and nodding at people you pass makes you feel good. If they smile back or say "morning", it makes you feel doubly good. The people who ignore you or turn away from you are just jealous that they haven't got the motivation to run.

* Most people will jump out of the way of a heavy breathing, red faced runner in mismatching fluorescent lycra - no need to keep jumping on and off paths to avoid the normal people.

* The exception to the above, is cyclists. They think that just because they're cycling along a traffic free path, in bright yellow (matching) lycra and are wearing a helmet that wouldn't look out of place in a velodrome, the poor person they're coming up behind will hear them. They will either mow you down, swear, or give you a really dirty look, usually all three!

* It's nice to be outside and moving forward. Look up, around, behind. It's all far more interesting than looking down at the pavement.

* Always, always check the soles of your shoes before walking through the house after a run. Some people don't clean up after their dogs and it's not easy to avoid if you're looking around enjoying the surroundings.

* The more mismatched the lycra, the faster you'll run.

* Running is great for forgetting about work stresses, to do lists and pretty much everything else. It's "me" time.

* Mid-programme rewards are great. New shoes, running watch, new top etc. are all really good for motivation. I've just bought an album of running tunes to keep me motivated to get to 5km.

* I can do it! I started the programme at week 1 thinking I'd never be able to jog comfortably and now I can do 30 minutes reasonably comfortably. That deserves another

Now, going to go find my graduation badge.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Haha! "The more mismatched the Lycra the faster you'll run". Love it and it's so true 😂

Many congratulations to you. I can sense your sheer joy from your post. Now, keep running and get into a routine and just run for the love and freedom of it all. A big well done to you 👏👏👏

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I definitely need a routine. I'll have time for one more run before going on holiday for 2 weeks and am still undecided whether to take the running shoes or not. The thought of running along a seafront path in Mallorca is appealing. Will definitely be putting my running dates in my calendar for when I come back.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Bluerockdragon]

You've got to take your running gear! That's one of the best things about going on holiday now you're a runner. Exploring, running in different areas, taking photos and posting them here to make people jealous 😏

I''m off on Monday and the running kit was the first thing I packed. Can't wait. Have a fab holiday 😎

[McFitty Graduate]

Bluerock Yourock! You dragon you! Time to affix that graduate badge to your mismatched lycra!

What a fabulous, fabulous post. Loved the bit about the cyclists - so true! And checking your shoes - also true! In fact loved it all! Just popping the first bottle of bubbly to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Well done! 😆🌟🎓🍹🎈🍰🍷🍸🍸👍🍸🍸🍷🍰🎈🍹🎓🌟😆

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Thank you McFitty . What I also should have said in my post is that this forum and the members here are very inspirational. I've found it really beneficial coming here after a run and reading what everyone else is up to.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Fantastic, well done Bluerock! Love your success and love your post.

I love the me time, that's exactly why I started the programme.

That shiny medal suits you !

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you. I've been watching the number of graduation badges increasing over the last month or so and I just kept thinking "I want one". Sad or mad, not quite sure which. And you're not far from getting yours too

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Wonderful Run, wonderful post Many Congratulations

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Hey - that's fantastic - what a great post you graduate you!! 🎉🎉🏃🎓😀 That badge is looking good - enjoy your success and onwards to your 5k goal ...Yay!!

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to lightweightkate]

Thank you lightweightkate I didn't realise that I need goals quite so much as I clearly do, which is ironic because I spend my working life telling others to find a goal and work towards it in achievable little chunks. I think I need to practice more of what I teach.

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Bluerockdragon]

Haha! Yup! this journey teaches us more than just how to run doesn't it 😂😀

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Yay, well done! Fab advice too. Enjoy the glory.

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Thank you. I'm basking as I type!

[Hidden]

Congratulations! I loved your insights, I've found all but the mismatched Lycra one to be true! (But I'll give it a go! 😛) A very big well done, you must be beaming with pride!

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hidden , I am still beaming. This'll keep me going through the really busy few days before my holiday.

[Bluerockdragon Graduate]

Oooh! My graduation badge has appeared

[McFitty Graduate in reply to Bluerockdragon]

And how COOL does it look!

[anniewebb Graduate]

Hurrah!!!

[anniewebb Graduate]

Hurrah!!!

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Fantastic. It's a great feeling isn't it? I'm still on a high too - actually mine began when I first did the twenty minutes not stop in week five!

I like your reflections too.

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

I know what you mean about that first 20 min run. I felt great after it too. A real buzz.

[Cianalas]

Congratulations, it's such a great achievement 😊 Your post made me laugh out loud - it sounds like nothing's going to stop you now!

[poppypug Graduate]

Massive Congratulations to you on a fantastic achievement ! Nine weeks ago , would you have thought this ? Its such an amazing journey for us all isn't it ?

Great post, love your thoughts too ! xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well doneBluerockdragon congratulations😊🎉🎉🎉 on a great run and great observations. Yes yes and yes..lol 😊😊

Rockin' that badge too.x

[echo46 Graduate]

Hurrah, well done! And particularly well done for getting so near to 5k. I should graduate at the weekend, and only managed 3.66km on W9R2... 5k will be a whole nother challenge!

[Bluerockdragon Graduate in reply to echo46]

Liking that graduation badge echo46 !

[RunaroundSue]

Well done. And great comments although not sure about the mismatched lycra. If that were true I would be super-speedy! Althoough I accidentally wore something that matched the other day and I wasn't noticeably slower ☺

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Very well done you!

[Jmiss Graduate]

Well done and great reading...