I did it!!

[PashleyPedaller]

Wk9r3 in the bag … I ran for 5k (it took me 33 mins rather than 30) but I did it!

Very nearly didn’t go out today as everyone around me has a rotten cold and I’ve been feeling a bit under par with a sore throat since yesterday, but the weather forecast later this week sounds grim and cold so headed out at lunchtime, this time in the opposite direction to usual. For part of the way I ran around lanes that I haven’t been back to since weeks 1 and 2, when I was struggling to jog for 60 secs. I can’t believe the difference this programme has made – back then I used to think that I'd be the one person who’d never be able to complete it. When I got about 28 mins in, my trusty iTunes shuffled ‘Skateaway’ by Dire Straits (how I’d have liked “wheels on, on her feet …”) and I kept running right to the end as it felt so uplifting. I'd like to say to anyone reading this who is wondering about C25K – just go for it! If I can run 5k, then anyone can …

So what now? I'm torn between satisfaction at completing the programme, but also not wanting it to end. I think it's fair to say I’m completely addicted now, so plan to keep doing the wk9 runs with lovely Jo Whiley for the time being. I've also plucked up the courage to sign up for my local Saturday parkrun (ooh-er). A huge, big thank you to the mentors and all the lovely peeps on this forum for your words of wisdom and encouragement. C25Kers are the very nicest bunch and I’m so glad I found this forum – I honestly don’t think I’d have come this far without you all X

[RunningRosie]

Well done! Can only imagine your elation at completing the whole thing 😀

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to RunningRosie]

Thank you, Rosie. I’m so thrilled to have stuck with it; I would never have done it without the lovely people on this forum and their inspiring stories. Good luck and happy running

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

That's great! And what a good time!

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Thank you. I’m just so pleased to get through to the end of the programme. Just believe in yourself, stick with it and enjoy the journey. We’re here cheering you on

[whoami123 Graduate]

Brilliant! Well done you!

I completed W4R1 this morning and am still not convinced I'll manage the 30 mins (it definitely won't be 5km, that's for sure!) but I'm not totally ruling it out. Watch this space!

[dory950 Graduate in reply to whoami123]

I thought the same I am just about to start week 9 tomorrow! You can do it 👍

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to whoami123]

Thank you, Whoami. I’m so thrilled to have stuck with it and completed the programme. If I can do it, then anyone can. Believe in yourself and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. We’ll be here cheering you on

[MikeJones68 Graduate]

Well done, Angela! I'm still waiting to be able to attempt W9r1 again. I would also like to do some park runs and intend to continue with my current route after graduation, maybe just extending the distance each week.

[Sarakc Graduate]

Congratulations!! Well done!! It’s a brilliant feeling! 😀👏🏃‍♀️

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Sarakc]

Thanks, Sara. Yes, I’m so proud to have stuck with it and achieved what I thought I’d never be able to do. I meant what I said about all the inspirational people on this forum; all the likes and messages have meant a lot to me

[Sarakc Graduate in reply to PashleyPedaller]

I graduated on Sunday and I’m hoping to go out tomorrow! I think it’s a wee bit harder now the programme is over! I’ve been a bit out of routine this week! I ran on Monday with a jog Scotland group doing interval training!! New one on me but it was good and nice to join others! I’m hoping to run early morning if I’m awake early! We’ll see!! Enjoying it so much! 😀

[Hidden]

Thats fantastic...well.done 😊

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Claire. If I can do this, anyone can. Good luck and happy running.

[Hidden in reply to PashleyPedaller]

Thankyou very much 😊

[rolysmate Graduate]

Very well done and that's a nice time, you'll get faster

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Thank you. I’m chuffed with my progress and certainly hooked now - if anyone had told me that a few weeks ago I’d have laughed. Looking forward to post-grad running and keeping in touch with all the great folks on this inspiring forum 👍🏻

[Ajs07 Graduate]

Congratulations x

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Ajs07]

Thank you, AJS! 😀

[Gaspode1 Graduate]

Congratulations runner 🏃🏻‍♀️🏁🎓

Onwards and upwards 😊

Enjoy your running 😊

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Gaspode1]

Gosh, thanks Gaspode! I guess I can call myself a runner now. Didn’t really believe Jo Whiley when she first said that, but if I can do it anyone can. Looking forward to post-grad running. Happy running to you too

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations.

Best thing for the next few weeks is to get comfortable with the 5k/30 minute runs. Do them for fun and don't try to get faster on every run, you will benefit more by doing only 20-30% of your running at full tilt. Use an easy pace for the remainder, where you can easily converse without gasping or not being able to finish sentences, will reward you with further stamina.

After that C25k+ podcasts are used by many and if you want to increase your distance, head over to the Bridge to 10k forum where you will see many familiar faces.

Enjoy your running future.

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for your kind words and helpful advice. I do feel a bit ‘lost’ without the structure of the programme now. But looking forward to post-grad running; will take your advice and just enjoy 5k for the foreseeable future

[Anthie Graduate]

Great job!!! And you've managed the 5K! Enjoy more running discovering new possibilities (Park run ;-)!

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Thanks Anthie. I’m a bit nervous about the parkrun as only run solo until now so the prospect of a couple of hundred runners is a bit daunting. Determined that I will do it though. Happy running to you too

[TedG Graduate]

Way to go Angela, congratulations 👏👏, you completely smashed it. 33mins is an amazing time so don’t worry about the Park Run, you’ll be leaving a lot of them in your wake...including me if I were there 😖😛

When are you doing it btw?

Enjoy the satisfaction of completing the programme, onwards and upwards 😁

I’ve opted to do the 10K using Ju-Ju’s programme 🏃🏃🏃

Take care and happy running 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Ted 😘

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to TedG]

Bless you, Ted. And thanks for all your support. I think I was so elated to have got to the end of my graduation run that I managed to speed up for the last few minutes - not sure I can do that again! I’m hoping to do the first parkrun on Saturday; that will be a completely different experience and I’m already getting butterflies just thinking about it. I’m going to stick with running 5k for the foreseeable future and just see how I get on. I’m super impressed that you’ve signed up for 10k and have absolutely no doubt you’ll do it. I’ll be watching the forum for news of your progress. Happy running and here’s to onwards and upwards for both of us 🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️ Take care, 😘

[TedG Graduate in reply to PashleyPedaller]

I’ll keep an eye out for your result. Good luck 🏃‍♀️😘

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Oooh a lovely Well done and Congratulations to you PashleyPeddler👏👏👏👏👏

Sounds like you are hooked and I look forward to hearing about your next running adventures 😊xx

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you, Jan. Yes, I fear I’m well and truly hooked now and find myself thinking about my next run on my rest days. Never thought I’d say that when I started out on this programme! I’ll keep posting and checking back on the forum to keep in touch and see how all you lovely runners are doing. Onwards and upwards - happy running 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Kimterry Graduate]

Fantastic - well done to you! Keep on running 🏃🏽‍♀️🏅👍

[PashleyPedaller Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Thank you very much, Kimterry. I most certainly will - got the bug now! 👍🏻

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Fantastic! Bask on that podium! 😄

Have fun with the next part of your running adventure.

[PashleyPedaller Graduate]

Thank you, Elfe. Got to keep it up now! Happy running to you too