I did it! Graduation run done!!! I'm feeling elated and humbled- it was everything a graduation run should be and it never would have happened without the support of everyone here!
The same 400 m park I've previously grumbled about, the same week 9 podcast, the same evening run but it's been so different, good different from my last five runs- the whole run was smooth and enjoyable. After my practice run my confidence was a little shaken and I must have spent at least 30 minutes on this forum reading the encouraging messages everyone posts and all the advice to slow down before attempting the graduation run.
The first mile MMR informed me was a 9 min 42 s pace and I was thrilled to have broken the 10 minute mile pace, but instead of speeding up I slowed down...I was determined to run 5k for graduation no matter how long it took, and I'm thrilled to say it took me 34 minutes. But the best part? I could have go on and in and that's not a feeling I have had before while running, but once again I was sensible and stopped at 5k, and woohoo, I'm a graduate!
Thank you everyone!!!πππππ