I DID IT 👨‍🎓👨‍🎓👨‍🎓

[iamarunner]

Well what can I say. I have just finished couch to 5k and am very proud of myself. I am now a runner, a graduate.

I remember starting up with my friend and having to do 8 one minute runs. Well to think how we struggled through that to me finishing. Yes we both had injuries, and unfortunately my friend still can't run but it is achievable. Just don't give up.

The thing I thought was I would be running 5k but that isn't what this app is about. It's about running and maybe my speed will get faster but if it doesn't, that shouldn't stop me.

I've been thinking what to do now as will miss the lovely voice of Jo but my aim is to keep going. I've said it now so no going back.

Good luck to everyone running. Oh how do I get my graduation status!!! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👨‍🎓👨‍🎓

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

Congratulations!!!! There's a post called July 2017 Graduation Badges. You post your details on there and the well deserved "graduate" will appear after your name as if by magic!

I still listen to Michael sometimes. I've got into a routine of Saturday Parkruns and then a couple of other runs during the week. I find listening to Michael, who gives updates on how long you've been running, less demotivating than constantly looking at my watch. One of my non Parkrun runs I spend on a treadmill gradually increasing my speed but still running for 30 minutes. You will find your rhythm and routine! Congratulations again!

[iamarunner Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Thanks so much....Yes my status now says graduate, it does look good. I'm sure I will still listen to Jo but will try other things

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing the programme!🙂🎉 Don't worry too much about speed at this time, that will increase naturally and you can also focus on it once you have consolidated those 30 min runs for a few weeks. You will also find that 5k is not so very far away. Hope your friend is able to resume her running soon - I was also struck by injury late in the programme and had to take 12 weeks out but 'kept the faith' (!) and returned to complete and am still running two years later. It is a journey and a change for life! Good luck!🙂

[iamarunner Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks for your help. Just wondered did you start again after your injury, so I can advise my friend!!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to iamarunner]

Gosh, it will depend on your friends injury so might not be a great comparison. I suffered a calf tear. I think I returned very cautiously with a few of the week 1/ 2 runs and then was able to skip forward a little. The important thing is that we do get through injury, as long as we are recovered well and have taken steps to stop that injury recurring. (for me that was physio, strengthening exercises). I felt frustrated at the time but have gone on to have running become a huge part of my life and managed to complete my first half marathon earlier this year at the age of 52! Am currently retuning from another (non- running related) injury at the moment, which has called again for patience and rehab. But I am getting there and your friend will too!🙂

[iamarunner Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

I told my friend and this has really helped. Thanks

[Wizziewood]

Brilliant, well done! You definitely are a runner!

Don't spoil your celebrations by worrying about 5K that will come, the important thing is you can run for 30mins, wow!

Maybe try your local Parkrun, doesn't matter if you need to walk now and again, lots do, and you might just surprise yourself at how far you run.

Good luck and happy running!

[iamarunner Graduate in reply to Wizziewood]

Thanks Ill think about the Parkrun, just need to build my confidence up but yes a good idea

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Congratulations iamarunner😊🎉🎉🎉

Very well done to you for graduating and now being able to run for 30 minutes.. its amazing isn't it..you are amazing😄

Yep, keep on running, consolidate that 30 mins for a while, have some fun with your runs too..and you will be able to work on distance and speed as you grow stronger..

(I suspect you can run 5k now..it would just take you a bit longer, and its important not to increase your times too quickly)

Good luck and keep posting..there is plenty of advise and motivation for graduates too😄...

Enjoy your celebrations..🎉🎉🎉🎊🎈🎈

[iamarunner Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you

[SteffieLouG]

WooHoo, well done Iam. Brilliant feeling isn't it? The 5k will come, don't worry. As others have said, maybe try your local Parkrun. Keep up the good work 🙂

[Lupinsmum Graduate]

Congratulations runner it's a great achievement..hooray!👏🏻🎉

[CookieM Graduate]

Congratulations! 🎉🏅🎓

[Jaxdreamer Graduate]

Fabulous! 👏🎓🍾

[Si68 Graduate]

Well done, and you already have your shiny graduate badge