Wahoo! I did it!!

[GiGill]

Just so you understand... my tongue is FIRMLY in my cheek with that photo...

But hey, I DID graduate today, just not on the beach!! During my 40 minutes (including warm up and cool down walk) I covered about 5.35km - shame the GPS on my phone went wonky meaning that Strava reported me covering 18km at a pace of about 2:15 per km!!! Hahahaha, world class!! (Though I must admit my gadget issues are starting to seriously piss me off - my Sony Smart Watch won't run Strava... but that's another story...)

I realised today within a minute or two of starting to run that I had set off too fast, so I listened to my body (instead of pushing myself for once!) and slowed down a little to what felt like an easier pace. Good move, as after 10 minutes running my body was feeling warmed up and I really enjoyed ALL of the remaining time and even managed to speed up for the last five minutes, and for the first time following this route, I managed to get home before the end of the podcast, so must be going at a faster pace than previous runs! And afterwards I don't feel tired like I used to, it's marvellous!

Never thought I would say this 3 months ago, but now I am starting to ENJOY running!! Who would have thought it? Lol!

So.... what's next????

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Congrats on your graduation, you sexy beach runner you 😆

Good job on listening to your body and slowing it down so you could enjoy your graduation run. You ask what is next? Whatever your heart desires, you're a runner with great running habits. Usually at this stage people continue to run 3 days a week, getting comfortable with the 30 minute run. When this is comfy, then you decide if you want to increase your distance, work on increasing speed or just enjoy every run for what it is. You can continue to post here, and can also move over to the bridge to 10k forum. There are C25k+ podcasts that help with stamina and speed, ju-ju has a bridge to 10k plan pinned on the bridge to 10k forum, others use Sammi Murphy bridge to 10k. It is a lot less structured in the graduation stage - but you can do what makes you happy 😊

[GiGill Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks for your reply SaskAlliecat!

Well I have a few things lined up: for one, I will be able to run on the beach for real next week (possibly not in a bikini!!) as I shall be in Jersey visiting my mum. Shame I won't be able to do the Jersey Parkrun as it will be too close to when we land and will miss it, but have registered to do the Northampton one when I get back (gutted I missed the Halloween one!!), that's another short term goal, as it will give me a baseline time for a true 5k. Plan to do that maybe once a month to see how I'm progressing.

Not sure I want to increase distance, as I'm happy with how much time it is taking currently. I really started Couch to 5k as a way to get fitter for dog agility with my two mini schnauzers (in my profile pic), so now I really need to keep it up. Recently had a go at Canicross, so might give that another whirl to keep the dogs fit over the winter - some cheeky bugger did tell me I needed a bigger dog!!

I'll probably get back to the gym again, do some of those strength exercises... beyond that, who knows? I'll keep thinking...

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done on Graduating GiGill🎉🎉🎉

Keep going with the regular 30 min runs...you have worked hard to get here.👏👏👏👏👏👏

I used to do agility with my goldie...great fun.😊x

Celebrate and don't forget to ask for your badge here

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[GiGill Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Jan-now-runs!

I'm waaaaay ahead of you, lol, already requested my badge!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Congratulations and consolidations

Lots of 30 minute runs...different routes... different distances... the running legs have to continue what they have started...building up!

Then.. after a couple of weeks, maybe C25K+ podcasts..very different and very good for different disciplines in our running Then... well... 10K may await... another journey

[GiGill Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss

Yes, would like to incorporate some hills (not many in easy reach, Northants is fairly flat, but at least I don't live in Norfolk or Lincs, lol). I am also looking into Chi Running which seems to make a lot of sense to me... bought the book cheap on Amazon Marketplace to investigate...

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

Many many congratulations 🎉🎉

[Kimterry Graduate]

Well done to you! Fantastic achievement 🏃🏽‍♀️🏅👍

[Richard7 Graduate]

Congratulations .... I am glad you clarified on the photo as clearly not slow and steady and I think the stride is too long!!! Happy Running days ahead I am sure ... continue the running and remember all the good advice you have read along the way. Go get your bling.

[GiGill Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Hahaha, yes very true, not sure I would run like that even if I were physically capable!!! My motto will be "Keep on improving..."

[Getfitok Graduate]

Fantastic! Onwards & upwards from here