Graduated - guess I'm not such a new runner now...

[Timnewrunner]

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Graduated today (virtual badge pending I hope). Feeling pleased. How was it? Not too bad. I am not that unfit. The reason I started C25K is that I could feel my fitness levels slowly slipping away. I have enjoyed Sanjeev 'everyman' Kohli's support on the BBC app. And even though I haven't been active here I have lurked, and been moved and at times inspired by some of the posts. I also appreciated some of the practical advice. For instance, after my one setback: sore Achilles tendons. I overreached at the end of week 8 - two runs in two days where I'd pushed myself a bit too hard. Cue a search here for advice, followed by ankle TLC, new shoes, gel heels, a week's rest and a step back to some earlier runs.

So what now? In truth, I'm not completely wild about running. I'm not sure I can see myself competing, or doing longer distances for pleasure. But running solo in my local woods is the most convenient and enjoyable way for me to keep fit. Bottom line: I'll be happy to keep running three days a week, 30 minutes a day for as long as I can.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Tim😊 and I see your shiny badge is in place..🎉🎉✋👏👏👏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Congratulations, Tim.

You sound like a kindred spirit. I started for exactly the reasons that you have done and it remains one of the best decisions I have made in life. I tried one local organised 10k run, but it just reinforced the fact that I am an antisocial, curmudgeonly old bastard, who would rather run on their own.

Try running through the woods and along cliff paths and across wild hill tops. There is no better feeling.

The only organised run that this antisocial, curmudgeonly old bastard would recommend, is parkrun. A wonderful celebration of people power and inclusivity.

Another consideration, if you are running in wilder places, is to up your distance to 10k, which is, for me, the perfect distance, allowing you to get away from the crowds and cover some real ground.

I hope running brings you as much joy as it has brought to me.

Keep running, keep smiling.

Tim

[Timnewrunner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Ian. I'll certainly run wherever I can, in town and country. 10k isn't off the agenda, though I want to get more solid with the 5ks first. And I haven't ruled out parkruns, especially if they have the same positive vibe that I've appreciated hereabouts (and your contributions have been at the forefront of that vibe). I wish you the best with your treatment too - the news of your diagnosis was a shock to me, and I know I share the thoughts of many here in hoping that the positivity you have shown comes back your way in spades.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Timnewrunner]

The TIM at the bottom of the post is me........my somewhat obscure nom de web has confused many over the years and I am too idle to correct them. Parkrun is the real world manifestation of this forum....inclusive and supportive......a brilliant event.

Thanks for your thoughts. I really do appreciate them.

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hmmm...Tim, you are either a photographer OR a Bulgarian Restaurateur, yes? Either one, you are still a heck of a runner

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Irish-John]

You could Google my real name, John, and I still have managed to keep below tinternet radar.

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just know your first name Tim

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

What IannodaTruffe said.

If you are running continuously for 30 minutes on a regular basis, the programme has achieved what it set out to do. Anything else is just frills or a hobby - nothing wrong with that of course, and I do agree that the ability to run for about 10k opens up new horizons, literally, in a time frame that is easier to fit into the rest of your life than walking it.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Congratulations

[Englishmum Graduate]

Well done Tim. I'm so glad that someone else has voiced what I've been thinking. I'm plodding on and just finished week 5 - running for 20 minutes was a great achievement but did I enjoy it? Honestly? No. I'm enjoying feeling fitter and just assumed I grow to love it more!!