Immensely proud and a little bit sad

[Msken]

So today I did my last official run of the programme and can now call myself a graduate!!

I have had lots of highs, a few 'mehs', one or two lows and a hell of alot of surprises. To be honest, I thought before starting that I would probably make it to week 3 and give up. I've surprised myself beyond belief and feel so much healthier and fitter for it.

It's been a challenge, I can run for 30 minutes but it still feels so hard and I've never really regained that feeling of elation that I got on wk 5, r3.

But there is no way I'm going to give up now. I'm going to carry on doing 30 min runs for a couple of weeks and then work on distance and then eventually speed. I'm desperately slow, I can only run 3.7km in 30 minutes and that is hard going but then I'm only 5ft with little legs!!

If I wasn't doing sober for october I'd crack open a bottle of wine so I'll settle for a self congratulatory dance around the house instead.

Thanks to everyone in this community, whilst I haven't contributed much, I have visited everyday and its what's inspired me to continue.

Happy running people x

[Hidden]

Well done you and enjoy the self congratulatory dance...

Don't forget to get your badge, you did the runs so enjoy the bling

[Msken Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, just put my order in for that shiny new badge 😎

[Hidden in reply to Msken]

Being blinded already!

[Neverrunbefore64 Graduate]

Well done. Starting week 2 tomorrow and really up for it. Like you I’m only 5ft. Was called little legs at work. I’m proud of my achievement so far. Hope I can carry on and graduate. This community is a massive help.

[Msken Graduate in reply to Neverrunbefore64]

Well if this 5ft-er little legs that has never run before can do it, you definitely can!!! Good luck and happy running. Petite people rule 😎

[icklegui Graduate in reply to Msken]

Yes we do and yes we can

[Hidden]

Congratulations!! You have done so well, you made it

So glad our little (or not-so-little) community has inspired you. Me too, I'm sure I would have given up at week 2 if it wasn't for all the support on here.

Remember C25K is not actually about 5K but 30 minutes of running, and you have done that and you should be very proud of yourself. And you can have a drink to celebrate come 1st November!

Again, so well done, please do keep us all up to date with how you're getting on. It genuinely helps the rest of us.

Take care,

Neil

[Msken Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, definitely having that celebratory drink on the 1st November!!!

[Polly2810 Graduate]

Happy graduation!!! I am only doing 3.7 too but just gonna keep plodding!! Congratulations!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[mickthevic]

I’m a week behind you but rejoicing in now being able to run in a way that I’d never imagined 8 weeks ago. I’m planning to stick at running for 30 mins, and joining the occasional Parkrun. Keep it up!

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

Congratulations! For many of us, the enjoyment seems to temporarily fizzle out as we get near graduation - our bodies are tired!

[cathsykes]

That's brilliant!

Well done

I'm getting very confused about running speeds

Some people are talking 1 mile in 10-12 mins whilst others 1km in 10-12 mins

It's a big difference between the 2 - like you I'm in the 10/11 mins per km

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done 👏 lm just starting out on my journey of discovery and lm also only 5 ft !! X

[Hidden]

Congratulations 🏆🏆🎉🎉🍷🍷🍾🍾🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😃

[Or10]

Wow full of admiration . 🎉I'll be so glad if I get to the end. I'm only week 2 and I can't believe I'll ever finish.

[Kimterry Graduate]

Fantastic - it's a great achievement! Keep on running!🏃🏽‍♀️👍🏅🏃

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

That's awesome, a huge well done! 👍🏃🏆

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant.. well done you!

Maybe now, relax... runs for joy... just because you can.. enjoy them.. consolidate the 30 minute runs, that is essential and vary your routes.. do some short runs too and a longer one or two, then think.. where do I want to go.

Speed and distance can come..but make sure the runs are what you want ! C25K+ podcasts are great to help with this.. when you are ready

[Msken Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Very wise words which I will bring with me, thank you. You're absolutely right, I need to find a running plan that I enjoy.

I have tendency to 'compete' with myself and the least enjoyable runs have been those when I have put pressure on myself to step up the pace and distance.

I very consciously decided not to track my graduate run so I just could relax... and it was well worth it!!

[Msken Graduate]

Thanks all for all your lovely comments, I'm feeling the love. For those at the start of the programme, I'm almost jealous, you're in for a treat - its such a wonderful thing to do, good luck and enjoy!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Msken]

But for you.. the treats go on and you will have a wonderful time!

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Well done! I can really relate to what you say about loving Wk5 r3 more than graduating. It is hard.... but it does get better. I am 9 weeks post graduation and still doing 3 x 30mins a wk. From the lovely advice on here I slowed right down and learned to enjoy the run for what it is without worrying about speed or distance because I know I'd use it against myself!! Only now that I am comfortable with my 30 mins I'm thinking about tracking myself and running for longer. I might give it a go tomorrow. But we are all different and you will work out what's right for you. Enjoy your massive achievement, it's just brilliant!

[Ruthie2907 Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Week 5 run 3 is my next run am looking forward to finishing it! Am surprised I've got this far really.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

No need to be sad!!!

Congratulations.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Bestcat Graduate]

Congratulations!!! 😎🍾💐🏆🏃

Don't worry about distance or speed at the moment, just enjoy the fact that you can run for half an hour which is something you couldn't do 4 weeks ago!!!

Happy Running! 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃

[Hidden]

Congratulations, Fabulous job. I am sure that you will find that elation again, not every run; but enough to keep you going back for more. Now consolidate and think about where your running journey will take you next.

Enjoy the party (badge looks nice!)