I'm going to have to change my username

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn]

Three 30 minute runs in 5 days means I now qualify as some sort of runner.

Here's a picture of the big moment to show first_mate my Ascot hat - maybe not the fanciest that's ever been seen at the racecourse but it kept the rain off my bonce. Thanks to garyc in particular for THE magic piece of advice "It does sound like you are trying to run instead of trying to train in order to run, the programme is there to get you running for 30 minutes straight" and thanks to several others for advice and encouragement, and finally to janey38 who also graduated today (edit: it was two days ago, she was just *bragging* about it today ), thus prodding me into action. Contrary to garyc's advice, because I was using Runkeeper for the first time today and could clearly hear my km times, when Jo Whiley urged me on to do the last minute I knew that if I sprinted I was still in with a chance of doing the 30 minutes/5K double. I did my best but as it turned out I had to "settle" for 30:11 (poor me!). My heart rate was still not back to normal after the 5 minute warm down back to my house so I had to go for another 5 minutes. And then standing on the porch, taking off my shoes, my phone rang with the news that the job interview I went for this morning was successful and they want to offer me the position. And, dear reader, I couldn't have cared less.

Running. For. Thirty. Minutes.

Wow!

[first_mate Graduate]

Fantastic well done Runner Love the hat I could have done with that this morning, couldn't see a thing with the sun lol. It does the job that's the main thing, although maybe an ostrich feather or 2 ..... and Congrats on the new job. Things are on the up

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi lovely pic Now-runner_NeedsAttn AND Congratulations on graduating c25k😊😄

You did it in style by the sound of it, and yes, your running proper starts now. You can set your own targets, most people consolidate the 30 min non stop run for a while before increasing distance too much, but you have already reached the 5k mark... so its all looking great..

You probably should change your username...😄 you are definately no longer a non-runner..

Fantastic news about the new job too..

Now you need a double celebration.

I'm sure McFitty will be along to arrange it in a mo..meantime..🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🍻

Oops I can't take out the linked name now without deleting the whole post. Sorry mcFitty.

McFitty

[McFitty Graduate]

Running. For. Thirty. Minutes 👏👏👏👏👏👏

How elated do you feel? AND 5k (the 11 seconds don't count, you still covered the distance in your final run) AND a job offer? What a fantastic day!

Massive 🌟🎈🌟CONGRATULATIONS🌟🎈🌟

Everything's set out now...

Are you ready to paaaaartaaay Mr. GRADUATE!

🌟🎈🎉🍹🍷🏆🎂🍸🍻🎓🍻🍸🎂🏆🍷🍹🎉🎈🌟

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate in reply to McFitty]

I started the celebrations with a healthy (as in large, not healthy as in "few calories") slice of Victoria sponge with my post-run glass of squash. There may be further celebrating later...

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Dont forget to ask for your badge on the thread at the bottom for graduate badges February..

[ANewMe2022 Graduate]

A cracking day all round ! Graduating, and a job! I hope to follow suit in both areas sooner rather than later...xx

[skysue16 Graduate]

Great post - congratulations! What a great day for you in lots of ways! Happy running

[aliboo70]

What a great day you have had! congratulations!

[Razouski]

Fabulous, great run and great time for 5k, and congratulations on the new job too. You must be really proud of yourself.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Congratulations

[giddyaunts Graduate]

Forget the hat, I want to see those legs in a pair if shorts!

WELL DONE graduate, you are indeed a runner

And on the new job too. Sorry I don't know how to add all those cute little symbols, but be assured I'm celebrating with you oh and did I say well done!

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate in reply to giddyaunts]

I edited my chicken legs out of shot - there may be readers of sensitive disposition in this forum

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

Thanks to everyone for the congratulations, I hope I help those who are still working their way to graduation with a tiny bit of inspiration. I always thought runners were some kind of special breed, I now know anyone in reasonable health can become a runner if they try.

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

It's only just dawned on me that having never run more than a kilometre non-stop in my whole life up to October, this week I have run 5k four times. That's <takes shoes and socks off. Counts all fingers and toes> 20 kilometres!