W9R3 done!!!

[runlikeagirl]

I’ve done it! Thanks to this fantastic programme!!

I would never have believed it back in January, when I first stumbled on to this programme. It probably took me longer to actually make a start on the than to do it. Absolutely chuffed to haved completed W9R3!

The rest sounds like an Oscar acceptance speech so please feel free to stop reading now!

Time to complete the programme: 10 weeks and 2 days

Last run stats (for those that like stats) :

Worst run? Any run in week 7! Whilst I was elated to discover I could run 20 minutes… then 25 minutes, I truly did not believe I could sustain this level of activity.

Best run? W5R3 of course! But also W8R2 when I realised I could actually do this thing and the biggest suprise! It could even be fun!!!

Best advice received? G...O S…..L…..O…..W. I slowed down considerably to get through the longer runs and as a result managed to complete the programme, mostly kept up my enthusiasm and sustained no injuries

Second best advice received: Stop fretting and try and enjoy it!

Best advice I can offer: Run to your own music (sorry Laura)

Weight loss: Nada

Thanks go to … all the lovely people I’ve chatted to, shared their trials and triumphs and who have given me endless support and encouragement (as well as the odd pep talk and gentle boot up the backside), praised my achievements, ‘ran’ with me on parts of the programme and cheered me on to the finish line.

Also thanks to all the past posters, because there is an absolute treasure trove of historical posts: full of information and insights.

…. and finally a big thanks to the administrators that moderate this board and keep it a friendly and safe place.

Blows nose, accepts flowers, wipes tears……. And onwards with the adventure !! See you on the other side of the shiny badge xx

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Brilliant! Huge well done and congratulations. Now to keep running - eh? Any plans?

And thank you too for your posts, you too are becoming a major contributor to this forum and an inspiration to others👍😎

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thank you Jay! My plan is to just keep consolidating now. Get to 5k and my ideal time (bearing in mind my age) would be 35 minutes... so still lots to aim for :). I've put my name down for a 5k at the end of June so no chance for slacking

[davidhwynn Graduate]

FANTASTIC!! CONGRATULATIONS!! Perhaps, one day I'll get there too ...

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to davidhwynn]

You will davidhwynn because me and the others will be cheering you on, kicking dragons and gremlins out of your way!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to davidhwynn]

Too right you will! Of that I have no doubt!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to davidhwynn]

Oh,yes you will!!!!

[Monte_08 in reply to davidhwynn]

YOU WILL DAVID XX we have faith in you.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to davidhwynn]

Oh yes you will davidhwynn , of that I have no doubt !

Even if we have to drag you kicking and screaming , you will get there ! xxx

[SC1472 Graduate]

That's fantastic news - congratulations on your graduation. I'm two runs behind , but can completely agree with everything you have said.

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to SC1472]

Thank you! When do you hope to complete?

[SC1472 Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

Hopefully Saturday, but Sunday at the latest. Got a bit of a busy week so I am having to potentially change my 'running' days. Next run is Thursday.

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to SC1472]

Well best of luck! (Not that you'll need it). I'll look out for your posts. Take it nice and easy x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SC1472]

Yeay! Nearly there

[Rickne Graduate]

Amazing congratulations,! Awesome start to the day. Will do mine tomorrow as after 24 hours awake no way am I leaving bed till my night shift starts tonight haha. Again.. Well done and well achieved.

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Rickne]

Thanks Rickne. I'll be looking out for your graduation post!

[Rach808 Graduate]

Well done on completing the course!!! 🎉🎉🎉

I'm on week 6 and in the midst of a 'how on earth am I going to be able to sustain this' crisis of confidence - your post has given me a real boost this morning! Thanks! ☺️

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Rach808]

Aww Rach Six and seven were real demons for me too! Just be kind to yourself and don't set up any competitions in your head. Just one run at a time one step at a time x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hooray...! ( Loud cheering and whooping)!!!!

You did it... and wonderfully!!! The journey starts here.... your running path, your way...

Just for now.... bask in the glory....and get ready for the Graduation party a bit later today!!

Now, go get that badge!!!! It is the shiny one with your name on it

Brilliant x

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oldfloss YOU in particular have been such a support! Thank you as always x

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Yeay!!!!! Marvellous work! Congratulations graduate🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️⭐️⭐️🎈🎈🏅🏅🎓🎓

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks Jacs! Off to work now with a big beamer on my face

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

Cant see your badge yet, don't forget to ask for it runner!

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

will do!

[TJEL Graduate]

WELL DONE 🎉

[Adler92]

Yay! Well done! That's fantastic news - I'm so pleased you completed it x

[Hidden]

I am so happy for you Runslikeagirl. What an amazing achievement. It has also been inspiring to follow your trials and tribulations.

You forgot to thank your parents though 😁👍😁👍😁👍😁👍😁

[resolution Graduate]

YAY! CONGRATULATIONS!

[aliboo70]

Congratulations that's brilliant news! Bask in the glory!😊

[Carolinemcd Graduate]

Well done!!

[Monte_08]

I've enjoyed reading about experiences. You did so well. Congratulations!! I'm only just starting. This forum seems wonderful and I will give it my best shot xx

[misswobble Graduate]

Yay! Well done! Congratulations 😃🥂🏅🏃‍♀️✔️👍🍰

Keeeeeeeeeeeeeepmrunnnnnnnnnnning! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😃

[Irish-John Graduate]

Well done Graduate!

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Irish-John Thank you. You helped me reflect on my attitude (rather begrudgingly at first I'll admit! )

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

Thank you for that - but never forget, it was you who had to do the actual Running! Congratulations again

[poppypug Graduate]

Many Congratulations to you on your fantastic achievement !

What a great write up , it made me well up a bit as I could feel your joy just radiating through your words !

Its not easy , this programme is very much a mental challenge as much as a physical one , but it is do-able and makes you realise that we are stronger than we think and we just need determination and self -belief to realise that .

Really Well done , the Badge looks great and I really hope you enjoy wherever your running takes you from here ! xxxx

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Such kind words. Thank you

[Bonkersbrit Graduate]

🎉🎈🎉And the winner is...........runlikeagirl !!!!!!!!

Runner-up (like that?) goes to......all those of us who have been inspired by runlikeagirl and are snapping at her heels.😀😀👏🏼👏🏼

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Bonkersbrit]

We're all winners! We just need to believe that

[gdcgray Graduate]

Wow - really well done !!

[SueKen Graduate]

Excellent stuff!

[indigogogo Graduate]

Well done and congratulations! Enjoy the next part of your journey!

[Dhiny]

Fantastic 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Gillma Graduate]

Lovely lovely graduation post - very very well done you. I love that you others share successes and problems too. Am very inspired by you. Hope you stick around on the forum.

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Gillma]

Thank you Gillma! It's such a great programme, that focuses on developing good habits and provides a framework, leading to a solid foundation, on which to keep building as a runner.

[Gillma Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

I meant to say 'you and others'. All best...

[OgdenCouch Graduate]

Happy, happy day and bask in the glory! I'm beaming as I write, because I know how broad your grin is and what a truly amazing feeling it is. You so well deserve it and YOU did it -- you're determination, your persistence, your strength -- all YOU. Own it and cherish it and know that you can say -- whatever the situation -- 'I'm the sort of person who can set their mind to do the seemingly impossible, and achieve their goal.' Plus, for wobbly moments repeat to fade: 'I'm the sort of person who can run for 30 minutes without stopping. I can run for 30 minutes without stopping. I can run for 30 minutes without stopping! ....'

[Sarahb18 Graduate]

Congratulations,well done and enjoy your celebrations 🎉

Please keep posting as your entertaining and encouraging posts definitely keep me going.When on W2 I am about to fall into a ditch to stop the pain of running 90 seconds..... I hear all the great advice and keep going!!

It's a brilliant achievement!

Be proud 😘

[jaybro28 Graduate]

Congratulations!

[Slinkymalinki Graduate]

Yippee!! Congratulations 🎆!! May your runs be fulfilling, may your soul be lifted, your legs toned & your Lycra as fantastic as Penelope Pitstop's! Seriously, enjoy your post graduation time, it looks like you've got some good plans. 😊 x