By Jove, I've done it!

[Herbal-T]

Warning - bit of a gushy post to come!

I am absolutely delighted to say that I did W9R3 yesterday morning, after a 5 day gap in which Christmas prep, school stuff, a work trip away and some seriously horrible weather (think 36 degrees and awful humidity) got in the way ... but I have done it!

I used to run years ago, and until I found this program I thought my running days were done, as my several attempts to get back to it in the last few years aggravated an old neck injury. But with Laura holding my hand, and by treading lightly on the earth (did most of the program on grass) I am so excited that I can run gently for 30 minutes.

I knew that I loved to run, but what I didn't anticipate was the sheer joy this program has brought me. In the past I have run by the clock and always felt a bit of a failure. I was never fast, but I always thought I should be faster, and generally felt disappointed that my times weren't coming down quickly enough. Now, every run is a PB, just because I am able to step out the door and do it. I don't care at all how fast I am going, I am just revelling in being out there again in my trainers.

So this is a thank you - to my middle-aged body, to Laura, and most of all to everyone on this site. Although I live on the other side of the world to most of you, and am running in a different time zone, season etc, the support and encouragement from this forum has been amazing. Although I love to run alone, I have never felt that I was facing the challenges of the program on my own. Thanks particularly to everyone who helped me over my W6R3 wobble.

My plan, for what it is worth, is to spend the next couple of (very hot and humid) months consolidating, and then once the cooler weather arrives in March to have a go at the C25K+ podcasts, and also to start to stretch my Sunday run a bit, so that once a week I am covering a longer distance.

In the meantime, best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year,

H.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Congratulations graduate! 🏅🎓⭐️

[Herbal-T Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you!

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Herbal-T]

Click on this link and claim your shiny badge 👍🏼

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Herbal-T Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks Millie-J, I have already put in my request and am looking forward to receiving my badge - I'm so happy to have graduated in time for Christmas!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A graduate with a carefully considered plan.......... excellent!

Keep up the slow and steady progress. As you say, the speed will come, but if you have an injury history then keeping it nice and gentle will help your body adapt without major shocks.

Happy Christmas.

Keep running keep smiling.

[Herbal-T Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, you too! (and I hope you will have good news about your health in 2018)

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Wow! Congratulations to you! I’m new to this running lark (and the forum) but can tell already it’s full of amazing support! I too imagined running to be time/distance oriented and so I’m surprised every time I hear that it’s “Just running for 30 mins”

No particular distance required. Lovely.

Congratulations again, and merry Christmas!

[Herbal-T Graduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

Gush away! A big well done to you 🏃🏾‍♀️⛄️🏃🏾‍♀️this programme is awesome and so are you👍

[Herbal-T Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I will think of the snowman when I am sweltering in the Park on Tuesday morning!

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations 🎉🙌🏻🙋🏻 Such a great feeling. Have a fabulous Christmas 🎅🏼🎁🎄