The BEST Christmas present ever !

[Deirdremmccarthy]

I have just graduated this morning and I'm absolutely delighted ! When 2017 began, never did I think by the end of it, I would be a 'runner'. It was mid October when I had my epiphany moment and decided I was going to do this - I didn't think about it - I just did it ! That's the key, we think about things and procrastinate too much - JUST DO IT because you can !

I have loved every single minute of this programme but I know there is no way I would have achieved this without the immense support of the forum. I feel I have taken so much from it but have not gave anything back , therefore I just wanted to say a huge, sincere, heartfelt thank you to you all! The advice and encouragement along the way is priceless (from having a gait analysis, wearing the correct footwear, even tieing my laces a different way to help with burning soles). If you have a running problem - someone here has definitely got an answer.

The warm and friendliness of you all is overwhelming, especially when there is so much hatred in our world. We don't know each other personally but there is a sense of togetherness that is so uplifting and positive.

I just wanted to share this card that my fiancé sent me. I love it ! I can't stop talking about running and all the euphoria it brings although I've met a few green eyed monsters along the way - jealousy is a terrible thing lol !

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and may 2018 bring you lots of health, happiness and running challenges.

Happy running x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Yay! Congrats on a job well done Graduate!

Don't forget to ask for your badge here healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep posting, and continue to enjoy where your running takes you in 2018.

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks ! Will do - very exciting 😄

[siobhp Graduate]

Congratulations!! Love the card...! 😀

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to siobhp]

Thanks ! The card is so true lol

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Congratulations!... I’ve done my first ever this morning and so you are my inspiration!

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

Ah thanks ! You CAN do it and it's so rewarding. Enjoy every minute x

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Lovely post! Congratulations and enjoy your new life.

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Thank you !

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Well done! 😀 and the card is brilliant!

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

Thanks 😄

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A runner is a runner, the world over and that is all we need in common to have a fellow feeling and a shared joy in another new runner joining our number.

Many congratulations, fellow runner.

May you run forever.

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you ! I've always found your posts inspirational 😄

[Richard7 Graduate]

Congratulations and well done for getting you running shoes on every time. Enjoy your Christmas present to yourself and Happy New Year Running.

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Thank you 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeayayyayayay GO GRADUATE!!!! What a great post and how positive.. take note, Newbies.. celebrate and enjoy a wonderful Christmas..

PS

Plan your consolidation runs

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much - the advice is priceless 😄

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Well done! A lovely post, we all feel the same way! I will be out tomorrow and then.... oh no .... Christmas day..... and I can't wait!! Never would have said that this time last year. My little bit of peace and quiet before I get eyeballs deep in sprouts and spuds! Happy Christmas runner!

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Thanks ! Mince pies even taste better this Christmas as I can eat one without feeling guilty because I am now so active ! Enjoy your Christmas Day run 😄

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉 and well done on Your Graduation 😊..👏👏👏

Its an Amazing program isn't it..I still feel so chuffed that I can run, and yes, it gets into your system and is never far from your thoughts..

Happy running Graduate, and what a lovely thoughtful fiance you have..😊x

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you! Running brings a lovely feeling of euphoria. I'm always in a happy mood afterwards (although I've noticed my teenage son takes advantage of this as he now knows this is the best time to ask for pizza, money, to stop homework etc and the answer is always yes lol) x

[RuthL Graduate]

Congrats, and what a lovely feeling it must be to graduate. 👏👏👏

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to RuthL]

Thanks! It's a great feeling however when I set out on my final run, it was tinged with a little sadness - like coming to the end of a really good book. However, I always pick up another good book and that's what I'll do now that I've graduated - keep going ! Good luck on your journey 😄

[Slinkymalinki Graduate]

What a lovely post - it sums up this great community & program perfectly and congratulations to you! You have a lovely supportive fiancé as well as friends on this forum. I never imagined at the end of last year that I would be a runner in 2017. Wishing you a fabulous end to the year & many happy runs in 2018!

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thank you so much! And you too x

[Suesky17 Graduate]

Congratulations and so well done. I’m just 5 runs away from graduating and never thought I would be doing so well. Merry Christmas 👍👏👏👏👏

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Suesky17]

Thank you ! Go Girl and give yourself the best present in the world 😄

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Congratulations!!! Enjoy the post graduation glow, you deserve it!! We are all one great big family on here that run along with each other, give advice & encouragement & truly enjoy reading about each other’s runs...if you need anything, anything at all, you’ll find it on here 😊...well done

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you ! So reassuring to know that we are not alone on our journey. Happy Christmas & Happy Running x

[Hidden]

Congratulations! Not smug at all....just rightly proud of an amazing achievement. Enjoy your running 🏃🏾‍♀️

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you ! It's very rewarding 😄