Yes, I did it!

[Anthie]

That's it! I finished W9R3 this afternoon, not without a little bit of apprehension (and excitement) even if the previous runs went fine. And in fact, I nearly didn't make it as I tripped quite heavily on a root hidden by leaves: I could've fallen but didn't as I managed to get balance back. However, got a short painful reaction of my lower back (my weakest point). I went on and the back didn't complain. So I finished steadily and joyfully, savouring the golden hues of autumn as a sign of my victory.

What next? I don't know: more running and making sure I can run 5K in 30mns lol! I need to fix up a few physio problems before I can even consider going for longer runs even slowly. Ok, now I'm going to see how we get the graduate badge

Thank you all for the great supportive spirit and advice! I've got addicted to reading your posts and I'll keep on reading them...

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Congratulations well done 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👨‍🎓👏👏

[Ianson Graduate]

Congratulations! Those pesky leaves are a nuisance - but such a pleasure to kick through them!

[Anthie Graduate in reply to Ianson]

Indeed, a fabulous leap back to childhood!

[rolysmate Graduate]

Congratulations and very well done, as you say time to consolidate now

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, fellow runner.

Running and this forum are equally addictive.

Put your name on the list of November graduate and if by magic your badge will appear soon(ish) healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running keep smiling.

[TonyR1972]

Congratulations mate, it's a great feeling.

[Christene Graduate]

Well done @Anthie , massive congrats on graduating. We all need to be careful this time of year, lots of hidden dangers, one small trip and you can be out of action for weeks ...

There is a post somewhere, @OldFloss reposted it, we’d to tag your name in there to get your badge... can’t be far away... the presentation party is approaching .... 😊😊😊

[Anthie Graduate in reply to Christene]

Yes, found the post, thank you: I've applied for the graduate badge!

[Kimterry Graduate]

Fantastic! Well done to you. Just keep running and keep enjoying! 🏃🏽‍♀️👍🏅

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉🎈🙌🏻 Great work getting your balance. 😀

[kickibro Graduate]

Congratulations! You did it!

I do recommend all over, but in particular core, strength training. You could follow the strength plan on the NHS site, find a gym near you and get a plan worked out by a PT, or sign up for a Pilates class perhaps? There's also plenty of dvd's on the market.

You just never know where this running malarkey will lead!

Do think about parkrun if you're not already signed up.

Nx

[Anthie Graduate in reply to kickibro]

Thanks a lot for all the advice. I'm actually in a nordic walking club and practise postural stretching at least once a week because of my back problems. I swim/aquagym as well when I have time. So fitting it all in with work has been a challenge. But of course, I'll keep on running now that I know my back can take it! I used to get completely blocked (and I still can for no reason) and not be able to walk for 3 days and had terrible experience when trying to run on a regular basis. But the progressive plan of Couch25K has been doing wonder even strengthening my back muscles. I'll keep posting now and then to let you know how the running is going

[Zarmina]

Well done! A big congrats to you!

[AJ2804 Graduate]

Yay - well done 🎉🎉🎉

[Anthie Graduate]

Thank you all for your nice words. I wish you some great time running, slow and steady or not!