W9r3 - That's me graduated! It almost eluded me but in the dark I signed off from Laura with my longest and fastest run to date.

[RunForestR]

Ok so not quite 5k in 30 minutes close enough for me - 32.15min to cover 5k. With Head torch on and high vis jacket got to the end of my 30 minutes but wanted to push on to see if my faster pace had translated into a PB - and I'm happy to report that I beat my Park Run time from last week by just over 3 minutes so pretty pleased with that.

Thank you to all the people who have provided guidance and support it has been a massive help - will be consolidating for the next few weeks then looking to build towards a 10k next year. To be honest I started to write a list of people to thank - but realise I'll only forget someone - so thanks to everyone whose liked or commented over the course of the last 5 weeks - much appreciated.

[dubnde]

Congrats! Feels Faberific doesn't it.

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to dubnde]

Really does.

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

Whoop whoop! Go you!! Make sure you get your badge and looking forward to see you in the "bridge to 10k" forum! Many congratulations!!!

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Sweatyfaced]

Thank you - do I need to pay a toll to use the bridge or is it free to cross?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Another happy customer!

That's what we like to see.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I'll keep on trying. Thanks for your assists!

[Bestcat Graduate]

I've got my sunglasses on cos I'm blinded by the big smile & dazzling medal!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 😎🏆🏃🍾🎉

[ju-ju- Graduate]

This is a fantastic achievement, well done 😎

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks Ju-Ju - largely down to all the help, support and generally rabble-rousery of this forum, and your amazing administration - of course!

[Nozza03 Graduate]

Absolutely fantastic! Such a great feeling isn't it!! 😘

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Nozza03]

Hey Nozza03 - who knew that we'd end up being able to run 30 minutes - and planning to go further - all neatly wrapped up (fortunately injury free - immediately reaches out to touch wood) in a 9 week programme.

[Nozza03 Graduate in reply to RunForestR]

I know!!!! I didn't have any injuries either which I'm surprised about (reaching out to touch some wood) I'm still in shock I'll be honest.. went for a run this morning. Felt lost without jo whiley telling me what to do. I could of used her but really wanted to listen to music and measure my distance. I didn't manage the latter. Would love to know how far I'm running just to see if the 5k is achievable.

[Ificandoit Graduate]

Well done - you are inspiration for my week 9 starting today!

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Ificandoit]

If you've got this far - you can definitely do "ificandoit"

[Nursebeverley]

Congratulations 🍾🍾🍾

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Many congratulations - fab time too!

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Thank you - felt like a proper run

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

Many many congratulations 🏅🏆🏅

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Kimchoc08]

Thanks Kimchoc08 you'll be crossing the line in a few weeks too! Keep up the running and don't worry about week 7 that was one of the hardest weeks for me. Just take it slow and steady and you'll get through it to week 8.

[misswobble Graduate]

I see your badge now! Very swanky it looks too! Congratulations, well done 🙂🏃✔️🏅🍾🥂🍰

This is where the fun starts! Just be slow and gradually build up distance while doing some cross training to make sure that bod's strong enough to ,support your running.

Enjoy yourself. It's a good time in your running career 😃👍🏃✔️

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to misswobble]

A road of endless possibilities

[Hidden]

Congratulations on hitting that podium with a pb too.

Brilliantly done over the last 9 weeks, you must be chuffed to buckets...

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Must confess to a moments smug satisfaction. Then I got over myself.

[Polly2810 Graduate]

Whoopee congratulations fellow graduate!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Polly2810]

yes Congrats Polly2810 but where's your badge - getting blinging girl!

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to RunForestR]

🤷‍♀️ hiw do I get it???

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Polly2810]

do a search for September Graduates 2017 - then give RealFoodie your details by posting a message on that string - and hey Presto - well earned Bling.

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to RunForestR]

Ok will do 👍🏻

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Polly2810]

Bling!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop😄😄 Well you did it...you RanForestRan all the way to the podium 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

So pleased for you, and like your comment 'signed off with Laura😄'...you will miss her (unless you do the c25k +podcasts)

Great run by the sound of it and you are rocking that badge.😎xx

Enjoy your celebrations 👏👏👏👏👏