Insert big cheesy grin 😃😃

[JaneM21]

Well, who would have believed it? Certainly not me! I started this caper on 9th August, and completed my W9R3 run this morning. (It would have been 10 days ago, had I heeded the 10% rule, rather than try to run a whole 5k before I was ready for it!). I’m so chuffed, but still utterly amazed that I managed to do it. I’m 63, have dabbled with exercise (Zumba etc), but certainly never tried running, in any shape or form. I had a hip replacement 2 years ago, and initially wondered whether that might cause problems, but it didn’t. Was I just making excuses perhaps?

We all know the benefits of this, but there is much more to it than that. I’ve really appreciated the support I’ve had from all of you on here – many of whom have become familiar names now.

What to do now? I want to do my first Parkrun on Saturday – (there will be a bit of walking). I then want to keep improving so that I can actually run a whole 5k. I have no desire to go on towards 10k. I just want to get better at what I’m doing now. However, I need a plan/structure to keep me motivated. Any suggestions, and does it include MJ? 😉

To anybody reading this who may have just started this plan…… if you’re feeling anxious – don’t be! Just trust it, because it works.

I’ll still be popping in here, because I know I’m still in very early days, and need Oldfloss and others to keep me right!

Finally, to pinch a quote – Keeeeeeeeeeeep running! 👍

[Virginia60 Graduate]

Fantastic congratulations to you. Enjoy your graduation moment. I am doing my last run Thursday but have taken longer than you to get there, I started early May and have repeated a few weeks and had holidays etc when I didnt follow the plan but still did some exercise. Enjoy your future runs, well done again xx

[JaneM21 Graduate in reply to Virginia60]

Hope your last run goes/went well! Jx

[damienair Graduate]

Congratulations and very well done to you for completing the plan. I found Parkrun was a great way to stay motivated. Run twice during the week for 30 mins and then run Parkrun on Saturday mornings. Try and improve your PB time each week. After a couple of months you will find your own way. Just keep running. Well done again.

Damien

[Steve1011 Graduate]

Congratulations you've done it. Today must be a good day as I graduated earlier this morning. I am looking to consolidate for the next few weeks and then tackle my first Park Run towards the end of November.

[JaneM21 Graduate in reply to Steve1011]

Well done to you too. Great, isn't it? 🏅

[Kimterry Graduate]

Fantastic - well done to you! It's a great feeling, isn't it? This achievement makes you feel like nothing is impossible but everything is possible! And yes, to borrow that saying... keep on running! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏅👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done you!!! You have done brilliantly...

Go get the badge that is waiting for you... and , the best bit.. the journey does go on, and we are right here with you...

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop Congratulations JaneM🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Well done on Graduating the program. Great work...

There are follow on podcasts you can download c25k + which have Laura as the coach ( you may have heard her name mentioned on here before 😉)

Good luck with your Parkrun and it won't be too long before you reach that 5k mark all running.😊x

Enjoy your celebrations👏👏👏👏👏

[KatyKaycd Graduate]

Many congratulations to you. I also graduated last Saturday after starting in August aged 64 - it is a great feeling to know that we can do it isn't it? Good luck with the Parkrun - I have done a few during the course and managed to run the whole of the last two. Just make sure that you do not start off too fast, it is really easy to get carried along with the other runners and then feel exhausted after a couple of KM. Stay towards the back and just go at your own pace and I'm sure that you will make it round. Like you I have no desire to get to 10K, just want to do the 5K slightly faster and (hopefully) find it easier as I build up my stamina. I have been advised to try some interval training, i.e. 1 minute fast run, 1 minute slow run for 20 minutes or so so plan to try this. Along with you I will keep running!

[JaneM21 Graduate]

Thanks for this advice. I'm looking forward to trying the Parkrun, but am convinced I'll be bringing up the rear - not that that really matters I suppose. Watch this space!

[KatyKaycd Graduate in reply to JaneM21]

Check out the website for your local Parkrun and you will be able to see the results for all of the past runs showing all of the times. This will give you an idea of how fast (or slow) the runners are. I’m sure you won’t be last but even if you are it is the getting round that matters and the support you will get from other runners and the marshalls will get you round. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Glossy Graduate]

Well done!!!

Enjoy the Parkrun, they really are all inclusive, there is no need to worry about walking or being at the back. I've brought up the rear both times I've done it and I got plenty of cheers and 'well done's' from the other runners.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Woo hoo...we’ll done JaneM21 ...good feeling isn’t it? Feels like yonks since ‘weak’1 eh? How strong do you feel now?? Congratulations, I’m raising a glass to you now....x

[JaneM21 Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you MummyCav. You’ve been a significant part of this! Cheers! 🍾 x

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

That's a fantastic achievement and a brilliant post. I am with you all the way. Celebrate in style and bask in the glory of that place on the podium 🏆🥇🍾

[JaneM21 Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thank you. Really looking forward to Saturday now. 🏃🏻‍♀️ X

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations. So pleased for you. Must feel amazing 🎉👏🏼🎈🙌🏻😊👍😀

[JaneM21 Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

Thank you. It’s a funny old feeling - on the one hand, total amazement when I think back 2 months, and yet, at the same time, so achievable if you follow the plan properly! X

[GeorgiosA Graduate]

Well done you! Don't worry about running the while 5k, it will come naturally, just keep at it, you can certainly do it! Park run is a great idea to get there