W9R3, the final frontier, these are the voyages of LeeU...

[LeeU]

Woke this morning, strange feeling, a run I have already done 3 times in the last week, yet I felt apprehensive about this one, not sure why, lol.

Got myself ready, headed for the treadmill, said hello to Laura and set off on my 5 minute warm up walk; started off jogging, my pace at the hotel on Wednesday was slightly quicker than my usual pace due to the MPH/KPH conversion, not much but as a supermarket used to say, every little helps! So I set the speed to .2kph fast than the pace from the hotel.

5 minutes passed by, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, same pace, same elevation, tiring a little, so dropped the elevation to 1 degree, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, Laura then tells me I can slow to a brisk walk, which I did, 5 minutes later, it's all over, my run is complete, I'm grinning like a little boy on his way to the toy shop.

That mean's I've graduated, roughly 10 weeks since starting this journey, I had to move a few runs around due to one thing or another but bang on where I'd thought I'd finish once I got past W5R3.

My mantra worked, W5R3 unlocked the entire program for me, I'm so glad Oldfloss gave me the advice of Slow and Steady, I'm around 800-900m short of the 5k but I'm not bothered about that, at the minute, my fitness levels have improved immeasurably, 5k is another goal I'll reach in the near future.

So I've come to the end of the journey, a jump off point really, with a longer journey ahead, one I'm really looking forward to if I'm honest.

I'm going to grab a shower, there's a green tea with my name on it and celebratory poached egg with avocado on toast for breakfast after that.

Got to what I don't over do it though, I went shopping for some jeans yesterday, in March I struggled to fasten a pair of 44 inch ones, yesterday I could get into a pair of 38's but they were snug, maybe a little too snug for now, give it a month or so

Thank you all, to every member of the forum family that has replied to my posts, your replies, advice and motivation helped this middle aged fat guy do this.

Thank you all!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You have just done the avocado and egg thing again...!!!! Okay, that is now what i have to have for breakfast too!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You are completely amazing!

GRADUATE...... Yes, I am shouting it out. Well done you. You have completed this first part of your running journey, ( yes, it goes on :)) with absolute style!

You have listened to advice, taking it on board, followed folks' tips, listened and learned so much about your body and your running, and run the whole thing beautifully; but, you have found the time to support and encourage the other runners too..and not just the newbies. Your support has helped so many on the journey with you... an inspiration before even graduating! Thank you.

Please, do not even begin to think of stopping this now... this is, just the beginning, the journey goes on and it is amazing and it becomes very much YOUR own choice now.

Go and get that badge.. the party will come later.. champagne is ready to be chilled...bask in the truly well deserved glory .

I am proud to have played a small part along with many many others in your journey so far... and the good news is? We will be with you as you run on ...great eh!

Enjoy your breakfast ! x

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oldfloss, I've been accused of lots of things over the year but I've never been accused of ignoring advice.

I know I've said all along my target was to get the graduate badge BUT that was a step, I have absolutely NO intentions of stopping running, I have plans on plans on plans on where to go next, but slow and steady as always, I've going to do a week or two of 30 minute runs before I start shaking things up a little, etc.

During this time I can try outdoors again, see how I get on and I'll be posting those experiences up to if that's ok, it'll help me and maybe someone else at a later date.

All I can really say is thank you, your help has been invaluable and I really wouldn't have got here without it.

I may have completed the program but all I've done really, is go through the gate in the path, the path continues.

[Virginia60 Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Well done you. I am a couple of weeks behind you but have taken far longer! I loved your last sentence 'go through the gate in the path, the path continues'. Long may you carry on running and try running outdoors I love it.

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Virginia60]

Thank you, it makes no difference how long it takes, we're all heading for the same destination, I'm quite pig-headed when it comes to goals, I drive myself to complete any I set.

I don't mean this to sound like you or anyone else who struggles aren't driven, quite the opposite, your determination has got you where you are now, your drive WILL get you to the end of the program and through your own gate.

The first 9 weeks we all share the same path, our own gate at the end of that program/time then takes us on separate, yet parallel paths.

You WILL get there.

[Virginia60 Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thank you

[Hidden]

You graduated!! Well done Bask in that glow!!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Neil, I'm not sure if the glow is from graduating or the fact I've pushed myself yet again

Hope you got the virus/ransomware sorted and will be running soon?

[Hidden in reply to LeeU]

Yes - sorted it, thanks for asking. And in the process finally got my work PC on windows 10. (Reformat/reinstall job. Thank heaven for backups!!). For some reason the upgrade from Win 7 never worked without bluescreening. And... just been for an amazing run! I shall post about that in a minute

[Wannabefit19 Graduate]

Fan..tabi..tastic 🎉👏🎉👏. You sound like it was s great run and with increased pace whoooop !!!

Brilliant celebratory breakfast . Love advacado and poach egg on toast ... want that myself now ... yummmmmm

I too will be nervous on Sunday morning for my graduation run -- strange as we have already done these runs but guess it feels such a special one ... bring it on and again a very well done to you 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Wannabefit19]

I really never thought it would taste so good, my youngest daughter put me on to it, I was surprised how much I like it, I use it as a treat now.

I'll be keeping a look out for the update on Sunday, I'll keep the podium warm for you until then.

[lardofale Graduate]

Fantastic work fella! Massive cyber high five from me. I know what you mean about the waist size, I dropped from a 40 to a snug 34/loose 36. Keep at it and enjoy!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to lardofale]

Thanks, I love every run I do, it's opened up so many new avenues, still hate shopping though and I'm trying to limit the amount of things I buy as I know I'm not stopping running any time soon.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Whoop whoop! Many congratulations to you. Your running world has just got a lot more exciting 🤗 Enjoy.

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I find it exciting as it is, every run is like a brand new experience, even if it's one I've just done 2 days before. Each time it's like opening a present at XMas.

I remember what it was like before C25K, I'd still be up at 6, working by 6:20 - 6:30 and then I'd take a break, etc.

Now it's up at 6, running by 6:15 and working by 8 - 8:30 and I still get everything done.

I love running.

[GingerBohemian Graduate]

Congratulations LeeU. !!!!!

You stuck with it and did it all in a treadmill as well !

Enjoy the longer journey and Lee popping in and letting us know what is happening.

Enjoy that egg and your new Friday feeling!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to GingerBohemian]

You aren't that far behind me, you'll be hitting the podium yourself soon too.

The egg, avocado and toast were brilliant, thanks

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

Well done Lee on achieving graduation 👨🏼‍🎓👍🏼🏅

I'd like to say a very big thank you for all the positive words and encouragement that you have given me during my run affair. It has meant such a lot to know,that beside me when I run, are my fellow C25K family. Good luck for whatever running comes your way 😊😊 and may you continue to enjoy it 🤗

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Kimchoc08]

You make it sound like I'm disappearing somewhere but I'm not, I may have Graduated but I'm still going to be around, I really like the forum and the people on it.

I'll be trying the transition again to outdoor running, I'm going to post up how I get on, it may help others at a later date, I know it'll help me.

Plus, you have 3 runs left now and I really want to see you graduate, your posts and replies have helped me, what type of person would I be if I didn't repay the favour?

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thank you. I'd really love you to be at my graduation!!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Kimchoc08]

Kim, if I could physically be there I would, likewise for so many of the people on here that have helped both of us and many others.

I will, however, be running alongside you on your runs.

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉🎈🙌🏻

[LeeU Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

Brilliantly done LeeU loving the celebratory breakfast....

Btw I just got blinded by your bling...

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Jan, a big thank you to you, your posts have really helped keep moving me forward.

That's one short term goal reached, time to press on for the next one, after a rest day that is.

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Wow, what a fantastic post and a brilliant achievement! 🏆🍾🏃I am in awe and it's posts like yours that keeps me going to my own gate 😊

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

You'll get there, trust the program and believe in yourself. Seriously 10 weeks ago I struggled to do 8x 1 minute runs, I was gasping for air, etc, now I'm barely panting when I get to the end of a 30 minute run, I'm sweaty and feeling tired but I'm pretty sure I could go on for longer.

Just take it slow and steady, control your breathing and you'll get to, through and way past your own gate.

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden]

Well done LeeU. It's been a great journey and now a whole new world of running awaits you....Now consolidate the immense achievement and then see where it takes you. Further? Quicker? Outdoors? Have a lovely breakfast and enjoy the glory

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen, hopefully all three of those but I'm in no great hurry, a week or two of just straight 30 minute runs I think, just to consolidate and then onwards.

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Congratulations leeU 🏃 yay uve done it

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Shelby1973]

I struggled on week 3/4 due to trying to keep the earlier pace of weeks 1-2, until I was given the advice of slow down, focus on finishing the runs, I'd still be at week 4 or 5 if it wasn't for that, to be honest, I doubt I would have gotten past week 5 run 3.

It feels amazing to graduate but I know my journey isn't over yet, I'm still learning and still plodding along, consolidation time and then outdoors, speed and distance.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Yey!!! Well done LeeU...fantastic graduation run...fantastic post...fantastic runner...champers chilling for later!!! 🎉🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🍾

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop 😄 Congratulations LeeU🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Well done on Graduating, its a fantastic feeling isn't it.👏👏👏👏👏

One of the best things about this plan is when you realise its working and you *are* able to do it. It feels magical, and I think that's why we love to encourage everyone and celebrate everyones journey... and you always offer brilliant support and advice, and will continue to do so I'm sure.😊

You look great in your badge and I think your plans sound spot on.

Happy running adventures😊xx

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan, your help has been invaluable. I'm still grinning now.

I only try to repay the forum for the help and advice I have gotten from everyone here.