"They think it's all over.... it is now!" 🏆🎉

[Becky2301]

W9R3 - complete! 😁😁😁

Couch to 5k was exactly that for me. 9 short weeks ago there is not a chance on this green earth that I thought I'd be writing a "finished" post. I argued with Laura that she wouldn't have me running for 30mins, that I'd prove her wrong and that running was not for me.... well tonight, I eat my words!

Week 1 seems like light years ago and I genuinely hated every minute of it, but persevered. Week 3 was a turning point as after 3mins of running, I felt pride! Week 5 was probably my favourite week, conquering R3 like a pro then Weeks 6 and 7 nearly killed me, but after attempting this programme twice before and never getting that far, they weren't going to beat me!

Week 8 I was running for 30mins and this last week, Week 9, I've focused on upping my speed, with 3.5k completed in 30mins on Wednesday which although slow, is fabulous to me!

Tonight! The final hurdle! The last run! W9R3! I DID IT! I ran for 30mins.... and I ran for a few minutes more.... and I completed 5k!

My first ever 5k! And I completed it in 40:03. I cannot remember feeling as proud of myself as I do now. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and support, this forum is fabulous! Going from hating the sport, I really do love the feeling after a successful run so let this be the start to a flourishing new hobby!

I'll keep posting as I try to better my speed, fitness and stamina. Maybe even venturing from the treadmill to the great outdoors! But for now, Happy Friday everyone!

And Happy Graduation to me! 😊🍾🎉🏆🏃

[CT2017 Graduate]

Well done you! I completed the same run today and I'm going to work on distance, I manage between 3.5-4 k depending on the route.

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to CT2017]

That's so good! Congratulations 🎉

I'd definitely recommend building distance slowly. I felt great straight after pushing to 5k after only completing 3.5 before but paid for it later 🙈.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Whoohoo! Nicely done!🎉 don't forget to request your graduate badge - you earned it!!!

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks! Where do I do that?

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Becky2301]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you! 😊

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Congratulations that's fantastic such a great program and journey of self discovery enjoy the moment. 👨‍🎓🏃👏

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Ooh brilliant I can’t wait for this next week to be me 😀 did u have to increase speed much to run 5k . W8 I’m averaging just shy of 4K but taking it slow and steady to reach the end x

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to Shelby1973]

I run on the treadmill and W8 was doing around 3k in the 28mins but wasn't pushing it. W9 I upped the speed slightly but not a lot and got 3.5k done in 30mins running. Yesterday I kept that pace but just kept going after the 30mins to get to 5k. Took just over 40mins. I'd definitely recommend keeping it slow. 5k is 5k, regardless of how long it takes 😊.

Good luck for your final week! X

[Shelby1973 Graduate in reply to Becky2301]

Thank u x

[dapsmith281 Graduate]

Happy graduation from a fellow graduate of today. Great feeling isn't it. 9 weeks ago I would get out of breath running a bath. Now, 30-40mins not a problem.

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to dapsmith281]

Congratulations to you too! Great feeling 🎉

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Wow that is awesome well done . Enjoy your place on the podium and celebrate in style 🎉🏆🥇

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done.. congratulations...

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Congratulations! Another convert successfully recruited! Welcome to the ever growing club of people who'd never thought in a million years they could run but are! It's bl**dy marvellous!

[rolysmate Graduate]

Well done and sounds like a cracking graduation

[Hidden]

Oh wow, that's amazing, well done!! Especially for doing 5k, that's fantastic. What's next? Ultra Marathon?

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

Erm... baby steps! 😂

[Hidden in reply to Becky2301]

An ultra marathon might take hours and hours if you only take baby steps...

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Slow and steady! 😉😂

[Hidden]

Well done!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Happy graduation, Becky! And well done! You should be very proud. Reaching 5k is quite the achievement, too! 👏👏👏

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you! Was very pleased with myself 😊 x

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉🏃🏻‍♀️🙌🏻😀 What a great post. Enjoy your running

[Jenny1970 Graduate]

Wow that's great. I'm on week 8 and only cover 3 and a bit K. I thought I'd never manage 5k but you have given me fresh hope. Thank you, congratulations and happy running 😁

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to Jenny1970]

You will definitely do it! Just keep those legs moving. I wouldn't recommend going straight for it like I did, 3.5k to 5k next run took it's toll last night but it's certainly do-able! Build up, a few extra mins each time, you'll get there!

Good luck 🎉 x

[Jenny1970 Graduate in reply to Becky2301]

Thanks Becky x

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Yay! Congratulations on graduating and you first 5k. Look forward to hearing about your post grad runs!

[Virginia60 Graduate]

Congratulations a fantastic achievement 5K in 9 weeks!! Well done. I took a lot longer than that but now love running! Carry on with the 3 runs a week and enjoy your graduation moment x 👏🎉

[Becky2301 Graduate in reply to Virginia60]

Thank you! Will definitely carry this on, haven't felt this good in years x

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Yaaay - fantastic! Cheering for you! 😄

Thanks too for your encouraging post.

[Getfitok Graduate]

Well done you! That's brilliant