Well that title's the short version - I've plodded away for so long now, I literally never thought I'd ever get this far. It was the World's slowest jog (well actually no, according to Mapmyrun I was slower still on W9R1 and my GPS fail says I ran for zero miles on W9R2!). I was completely exhausted at the end today, I even had to turn round and run away from home for some of the last 10 minutes because at least that was downhill again. After a short rest I finally started my warm-down walk, staggering zombie-like back towards home and a welcome shower and a beer. I should have waited until tomorrow to do this run but personal circumstances said it had to be done today so I left it as late as I could. MADE IT!!
If you're fed up with reading my rambling rant then just cut now and wish me both luck and that one day I will really become a runner - because I'm not there yet!
If you're not bored yet then let me say that I at last think it's time for me to own up a bit: I'm now 72, I had a major heart attack and after surgery have a defibrillator/pacemaker installed (by the way, if you are new to this forum, IF YOU HAVE A MAJOR MEDICAL CONDITION GET MEDICAL CLEARANCE FIRST - I did!), I've avoided running since I learned how to bunk off school runs when I was 14 (do the sums, one hell of a long time ago!), I've done a lot of sport in my lifetime but have always hated running with a passion. I've nearly given up this C25K programme THREE times, taken 32 weeks to do the 9 week programme and even today I can "power walk" faster than I can "run". Unbelievably for me I now actually enjoy "running" (maybe today was the exception that tests the rule?), I've joined a local beginners' running club and wish I'd done this years ago and feel better physically and maybe more importantly feel mentally better as well. The C25K programme is wonderful but finding this forum to support and encourage me has eclipsed even the programme itself. Quite simply, THANK YOU!, I would no way have made it to the end without you. I'm not going to single anyone out - you know who you are! See you all when I am back from hospital in a few days.
Written by
davidhwynn
Graduate
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Diolch yn fawr iawn. Was brought up as a boy between Wrexham and Ruthin, went to a tiny Welsh primary school but have forgotten most of my Welsh. Dafydd xx Good luck with your journey - it's worth it xx
Wow! Absolutely loved your post ❤️ A massive well done to you. I hope your as thoroughly proud of yourself as we are of you! Hope you'll stick around to advise us runners who haven't yet graduated. Enjoy that well deserved beer and cheers to you 🍺
Wow, fantastic achievement! I can't tell you how much uplifting posts like yours tell me I can do this. You're right - I think this programme and forum are a massive boost to both mental and physical wellbeing. Go you! Amazing 😊
A well deserved Graduation and a totally inspirational friend here on the forum...
Huge good luck for your coming op' and we will see you soon... but now, go and get that badge... and remember.. you know... do it, slowly and.... ( you know the rest!
Huge, massive, well done and congratulations😎🏃👍 I saw the title of your post and burst into a big grin. I am so glad you made it and are now enjoying running. Posts like this just make my day - you don't give up easily, do you?
NOPE, don't give up easily. My next running task's even harder, though ... I have to run at nearly twice the speed for 30 minutes to get to my personal 5K goal. Today that feels as if I still have to train to climb Everest! I'm getting my favourite running coach ( Ratbag ) at the running club lined up to help. By the way that's what I call her when she won't let me stop ....... her real name's Karen and she's great.
So pleased for you. You showed some real determination to keep going with this, given what a struggle you found it early on. I am sure you will inspire others to keep going when it's tough. Congratulations !
My my my! A terrific achievement. You have always dug deep and squished those darn gremlins again and again! Be proud, Be very proud! The podium is deservedly yours my friend. Enjoy 🏅⭐️
Well davidhwynn I followed you early on as knew you'd be interesting . Have read all your posts even if I haven't had the chance to respond to them. And Wow! What a fella!!!
The thing is, now you've done it, that hurdle/nemesis has passed and it takes the pressure off. You can run wild and free now !
I haven't ran for a few weeks as was struck down with coughs and colds and breathing issues. BUT...I'd set myself a goal early on of being able to run 'around the block' when on our hols in Scotland. 5.4 miles still seemed like a blooming long way, 'specially when my training had fallen by the wayside. BUT...last Monday I did it, and I did it because I wanted to do it!
None of us are dissimilar really. We all take different paths to complete the C25K, but the feeling is I'm sure the same for us all. We IS awesome!!!...xx
I'm so pleased for you, David! Massive well done for seeing it through and for sharing your thoughts with us as you have progressed. Now good luck with your hospital break and keep up the good work, runner! 🎉🍻🏆
David, so happy to come out of work and see this post. What better way to lift my mood and be inspired. I am so glad that you kept on trying and kept on trying and got there in the end. A massive humongous well done from me. 🎉🎊🎆🎇✨🎈✨🎇🎆🎊🎉🏆🏅🏃🏃🏃🏃❤
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W9R3. ✅✅✅
W9R3 done 
Done it - W9R3!!
W9R3
W9R3 COMPLETED!
