Grad-U-ation - at last!!!: Well its been delayed... - Couch to 5K

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Grad-U-ation - at last!!!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate
28 Replies

Well its been delayed by a couple of weeks due to a sustained knee injury right before starting W9. But today I ran my last run of the C25k program and I'm still not sure how I feel.

It was a subdued mood to begin with, maybe down to the fact that I had got so into this program that I am a bit sad to see it finish; perhaps due to the injury and the broken momentum that this last week feels separate; maybe its the way the program is designed that your graduation run is the same as your previous two - I'm not knocking the program (I love the program); maybe I am unsure what to do next; or perhaps because after 27 runs together, my constant companion Michael Johnson signed off this run the exactly same way he had the last two - what no fanfare, no emotional speeches? Eye of the tiger...

So I feel the same way I felt after W5R3. I know I was supposed to feel euphoric, but it was only another run in the journey. That said W6R3 was an amazing feeling as was W8R2 and W9 R1. So I guess its different for everyone. And after all this wasn't my last run, not the end - the end of the beginning perhaps - but not the end... and perhaps that's the point

Anyway, I did it, and I am immensely proud. I will have more opportunity to reflect during my next "post-graduation" run.

Can I have a badge now please?

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Whatsapp
Graduate
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28 Replies
TJEL profile image
TJELGraduate

It sounds like 'your lost' because now it's just you without Michael. Well Done on Graduating 🎉 I'm sure once you start your own runs you will be fine !! The world is your oyster, you can go where you like 😃

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to TJEL

Thanks. I think you're right. The next run will feel strange, a bit like your first time in the car on your own after passing your test - you know where you don't really have anywhere to go, but you just want to get out because you can.

damienair profile image
damienairGraduate

Congratulations and very well done. Fantastic achievement. I'm a week away from graduating and have already ran for over 30 mins a few times and ran a full 5k whilst doing a Parkrun and will be starting run 1 of week 9 tomorrow with a Parkrun. I might feel the same as you after my next 3 runs. But you should be very proud, how many thousands attempt the plan and never finish? I tried many times before and gave up at around week 5. So well done and many congratulations again. You did it.

Damien

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to damienair

Thank you.

I am proud, just not euphoric. I will celebrate with a few beers tonight. You are right anyone who completes this program has undertaken a fantastic achievement.

I felt more excited when I completed W9R1 after 17 days on the IC, because I wasn't sure I could so I guess after that it was just getting another couple under my belt.

Good luck with your final week damienair

damienair profile image
damienairGraduate

Hi WhatsApp I think to get your graduation badge you need to reply to pinned posts at the bottom of the forum home page in June graduation posts. Look forward to seeing your badge.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to damienair

Thanks, will do

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Congratulations. The adventure starts here!!!

The world is your running track.

Keep running, keep smiling.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks IannodaTruffe I am really looking forward to my first post-graduation run. I was thinking of taking a weeks rest, but I'm not sure I can wait that long.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate

Just looked it up and I did actually run 5k in my 30 minutes - so now I am really buzzing!!

damienair profile image
damienairGraduate

That's an excellent pace. I ran a full 5k Parkrun in 34:26 and I was thrilled. My goal over the next few weeks of consolidation running is to get to just under 30 mins. Your already there. Brilliant pace. That's 1 km in 6 mins constant pace. Well done.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to damienair

Thank you. I have not tried a park run yet, so maybe not tomorrow, but perhaps next week.

Jomarie1979 profile image
Jomarie1979Graduate

Big well done to you 🎉

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to Jomarie1979

Thank you Jomarie1979 I look forward to seeing you graduate soon too

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

That's the spirit Whatsapp😊

CONGRATULATIONS on GRADUATING..🎉🎉🎉🎉

Keep in mind that you are now equipped to run for 30 mins non-stop when you want to whereas before you started the plan you maybe struggled to run much at all. Those last three runs are the foundation of your new found exercise activity.. (the graduation badge and this forum are just incentives to help encourage us) The hard work and discipline was all down to you.😎

Yes...We'll done on completing the program🎊🎉🎉🎉🎉..the fanfare etc. is provided by your fellow runners who know what you've achieved. The obligitary fist pump is down to you..

It's great that you made the 5k in your graduation run (not many manage this, me included) so be very pleased with yourself. Carry on with your running..There is much more to come..😊

Your badge looks great.x

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you Bluebirdrunner The route I run, I also pass by on my commute and it still amazes me as I drive past, that I can actually run that far!

I simply didn't run before the program, and doubt I would have got far at all without it.

I have recommended C25k to everyone and I look forward to many more runs in the future. This forum has made the experience so much more than the running, and I'm glad I can still continue to take part on here.

Wizziewood profile image
Wizziewood

Brilliant, well done you, you're a runner! Enjoy the moment and then plan what to aim for next.

I felt as you do, I even took Laura (l did the NHS podcast) out with me on my first post grad run. Then I worked towards 5k and my first Parkrun. Now I'm slowly trying to get my 5k time down to below 30mins, that will take some time!

You've done so well, enjoy it. You don't need me to tell you to keep reading this forum for excellent advice and encouragement, it certainly keeps me going. Maybe try a Parkrun.

Good luck with your future targets and Happy Running!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to Wizziewood

Thanks Wizziewood I have heard a lot about park runs, so will definitely be signing up in the next week or two.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Congratulations graduate, super shiny badge looks great 🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻🎓🏅⭐️

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

Thanks Millsie-J I shall wear it with pride!!

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

Ah Whatsapp you're home and dry! I know what you mean about the final run being the same as the penultimate one. Wot, no "You are SO amazing, you've finished the programme" blather. Bit of an anticlimax I agree😁 But that's the best part of the forum. Your adoring fans are right here, with the virtual bubbly, balloons and streamers and cheering our lungs out!

Massive, enormous 🎈🎉CONGRATULATIONS🎉🎈 to you on a fab graduation run (and a super wicked 5k too).

Step up to the podium and then grab a well deserved glass of fizz😊

🎈🎉🍰🍻🍷🍺⭐💥🍸🎊😆🏆🏆🎓🏆🏆😆🎊🍸💥⭐🍺🍷🍻🍰🎉🎈

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to McFitty

I guess I was expecting a little more from the app on completion. Feeling good now. Work is done and a cold beer will soon follow.

Thanks McFitty

secksy34 profile image
secksy34Graduate

well done you xxxx now to start running to your own tune lol !!!! i know exactly what you mean about it being the same as last 2 i think maybe a different graduation run podcast is needed , i loved laura but i did think hmpf is that it , anywoos running life is just started and you will know what to do as you fancy doing it , ive done 3 runs as nrmal , 2 of those were 40 mins and todays was a 30 im happy with that , ill move on as and when as i know you will too , now cake wine and congrats x

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to secksy34

Thank you. Glad to hear the running is going well post-graduation 🏃🏃

Go WhatsApp, fantastic news. I know exactly what you mean about the ambivalence of finishing. But, this really is the start..,.

By the way, you are not in the car on your own, we are all crammed in there with you!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to

Thank you. All the lovely, supportive messages today have more then made up for it. Time to celebrate 🍺

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

What? no fireworks? I was expecting the app to shower me with party streamers before setting off some fireworks at the very least. Thanks for adjusting my expectations! Brilliant job well done. 5K in 30 minutes? I'm in awe, that's fantastic. Celebrate in style :)

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to linda9389

🎆🎆🎆🎇🎇🎇🎇🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🎆🎆🎆🎇🎇🎉🎉🎂🎈🎈🎈🎈 that's better 😀

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

Much better!

Haha! (on my laptop looking at the post via Chrome it looks a bit odd, but on my phone it looks great, and in the email notification it looks fantastic - so I got two fireworks parties ..... and something a little strange ....)

:D :D :D

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