Is this really me?

[TJMazz]

Was I really out doing my first run after graduation on a Saturday evening when I am usually on the couch? Yes, I certainly was. 😜 My aim to keep on running for 30 mins a few times a week and to hit the 5k at some point.

The rain was coming down at a comfortable rate and was doing its job of keeping me cool. Once I hit the 30 minute mark I was feeling relaxed and enjoying my run so decided to keep going until I hit the 5k. Yes, it’s still quite slow and took quite a bit longer than the 30mins but I really enjoyed it. So pleased with myself 🙌🏻🙋🏻👏🏼😀

[vlmiller1225 Graduate]

Great job!!!!! I’m about to graduate and don’t feel that I can do any longer than 31 minutes at this point in time... but good for you!!! my next goal will be actually reaching that 5k!

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Well done TJM, that's a great time for 5k.

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Martin_Rose]

Thank you. I’m feeling much more confident with the 30 mins now so thought I’d go for the 5k.

[Kimterry Graduate]

Congratulations on your post graduation run! That's a fabulous time - well done and enjoy!👍👏

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Thanks. I really enjoyed it 🙌🏻

[rolysmate Graduate]

What a great post, well done on the 5k and that time ain't so shabby

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Thank you. I’m so happy that I’ve persevered and completed the programme. I’m still in shock. Determined to keep on running and hopefully get fitter.

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Congratulations well done 👍 you sound very focused it’s hard when you finish and have enjoyed the structure of the program putting something in its place to keep you motivated. 👏🏃‍♀️

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Wantorun2013]

I did miss Mr Smooth a bit but enjoyed the freedom of just running it alone. Just MapMyRun and my music was good for me. 🙌🏻

[quirkybee Graduate]

That's fab TJMazz you are far quicker that I. My pace is about 14 or 15, must be my stamina haha. So please you did the 5k though, well done lovely x

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

Thankyou. I’m pretty chuffed with myself. I’m still amazed that I can run 😂

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Well done it's a great achievement 👍

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thank you. I’m happy with my progress. I didn’t think I could run and now loving every opportunity to get out there. I’m feeling great 👍

[Snodi Graduate]

Look at you GO! 🏃👍 Well done lovely x

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Snodi]

Thank you for your support 👍

[the3rdwife Graduate]

Wow! This is the whole reason I have begun this journey. So I can just “go for a run” 😀

[Surreyjelbel Graduate]

Well done you! Although I graduated a couple of weeks ago, I haven't yet weaned myself off the programme. I even did it on my first Park Run so I had an idea of time/pace.

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Surreyjelbel]

That sounds good as it is good to have structure. Maybe I should try that for a while. Difficult to know how to progress 😀

[Anthie Graduate]

Well done (especially int the rain and in the dark)! I'm going for my first post-grad run this morning; I'm waiting for my MP3 player to charge so that I can have a re-run of week 9 (don't feel confident enough to run without "the voice"). I plan the same as you: trying to reach the 5K but feeling comfortable. Wish you other great postgrad runs!

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Sounds great. Hope you had a good run. 😀

[Anthie Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

The run yesterday was alright but the last 10 mns less easy than the graduation run! So, I will keep on improving the 30mns runs for the moment. I've got a bit of a cold, which I suppose makes me even slower if it's possible.

[Hidden]

Good job! Don't push too hard though. Remember though, it is important to consolidate and then increase by no more than 10% a week in order to keep injury free

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the advice. I certainly don’t want to end up on the injury couch. It’s difficult to know what to do once you stop running with your normal trainer. Maybe I should concentrate on 30 minute runs for a bit longer?

[Hidden in reply to TJMazz]

I would say so, but you know your fitness levels and how to listen to your body. Just feel there is no need to rush, maybe better to build running legs for the next 20, 30 or 40 years of running ahead

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Helen. Would be lovely to think that I could keep running for that long. I agree with no need to rush. I’m enjoying that I am out there running which is something I never dreamed I could do. 🙋🏻

[Nickycatwoman Graduate]

Fantastic! I've now completed 2 post graduation runs, and am struggling a bit with motivation. But your post has upped that a notch or two!

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Nickycatwoman]

Go for it. I quite enjoyed the freedom of doing what I chose to do. Enjoy your next run 🏃🏻‍♀️

[scotinexile Graduate]

This is so much like me. I graduated last Monday at a snail's pace. Hoping to run tomorrow again. I will also try to go for at least 30 mins three times a week and maybe progress to 10k in the future.

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to scotinexile]

I think it’s fab that we have completed the programme and still getting out there and running. 10k! That’s impressive 😀

[Newrunnerliz Graduate]

That’s just brilliant! You go girl!

I have just one more run to graduation and at the moment I am running about 4.2k in 30mins so pretty slow.

I have knee replacements which means my doc isn’t keen for me to run much longer or much faster but if this is all I am allowed to do, so be it. I will stick with it, it’s more than I ever thought possible when I started.

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Newrunnerliz]

Wow, you are doing really well. Keep enjoying running 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Wow & Yaaay! 🎉

Looks very respectable to me for a new graduate- and scarily faster than me!! My best average pace is a whole minute & 6 seconds slower than you!!

Happy to make you feel good about your speed!!😂😂

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you. As long as we are out there running speed is not an issue. We are runners and we are proud of it 🙋🏻👊🏻🏃🏻‍♀️🙌🏻