I’ve done it!

[Prudanced]

OK so it’s taken me 15 weeks instead of 9, but YES I’m a runner and YES I can run for 30 minutes!

I’m also pleased that I got further than usual today, which means that I was (marginally) faster! Partly because a gaggle of teenage girls from the boarding school appeared in my path and I felt embarrassed about my end of run staggering gait. Out of nowhere I managed to find an ounce of extra energy and picked up my pace! Which is good as the podcast ‘you’ve got one minute left so how about speeding up’ prompts have never worked for me!

So the challenge now is keeping it up... self discipline has never been my strong point.

[Anthie Graduate]

Well done! Be proud of your self-achivement! As for postgraduation, you may feel like consolidating your 30 mn runs and see where it will take you... "The only way is up"

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Yes, thank you Anthie. Yes I think I need to consolidate. I’d like to run more comfortably and with a little more speed. Not necessarily for longer.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Prudanced 😊....

We have all run that little bit taller, faster with eyes on our backs😆...

Was that your Graduation run...Congratulations, 🎉🎉🎉of course you will keep on running, you have worked hard to get to this point and can now reap the benefits of that 30 min run getting more comfortable, as you wear your shiny new badge.....😊x

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Jan! Yes it was my graduation run! Amazingly! Can I get a badge or something from somewhere? X

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Prudanced]

Yes..ask for it here...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

And the badge fairy will make it happen 😊xx

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you. Done! X

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

Well done Prudanced! I always try a little bit harder when I meet people or cars are passing.

Was that your 3rd week 9 run? I just did my first 30 mins so I'm right behind you and motivated by everyone who's done it before me.

Enjoy your future of running, love Lizz

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

Yes it was my third Lizzi! I’ve done week 9 as a straight run. I think I was on week 8 forever! Good luck with the rest of your week 9!

[Hidden]

Congratulations. Enjoy the glory and I hope you love the next phase of your journey

As for motivation; remember why you started?

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes. I think at the beginning it was hard to believe the promise of the programme was true. It seemed a bit like a magical trick. It’s not long since the 60 second runs were a real challenge. The extra weeks it took me were really because of external circumstances: cystitis, a cold, Christmas. I didn’t let myself move forward if I’d had a gap. Really to have achieved this with not even so much as an ache, when I hadn’t done any cardio exercise for as long as I can remember, is pretty amazing. I’m still pretty stunned!

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Well done that is fantastic. Step up to the podium and enjoy the limelight 🍾🥇🏆

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thank you! *bows*

[Hephz89]

Yes!!! Well done 👍🏻👊🏻🎉

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Hephz89]

Thank you!

[Chairmanoftheboards Graduate]

Fantastic stuff 👏👏well done 👍

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Chairmanoftheboards]

Thank you!

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

Huge congratulations!! Well done fabulous you!!

Self-discipline is not my strong point either which is why my running is still (a bit of a) secret but if you're not addicted already, you will suddenly find that you ARE and then the discipline is not needed cos you get itchy to get out there and do it if you stay inside too long.... best of luck with the next stage of your journey!! Xxx

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Sweatyfaced]

Thank you! Yes I guess I can’t say I’m addicted. Finishing the programme has been a big goal but I procrastinate for ages before every run! It’s quite a struggle each time. I wish I’d done it in just 9 weeks actually as I think I’d have more momentum and more of a habit then.

[Kimterry Graduate]

Fantastic, huge congratulations. Consolidate running for 30mins for a little while and don't be afraid to use week 9 as a bit of structure. Enjoy your running! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏅👍

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Thank you! Yes I’ll definitely be consolidating for a bit: I’d rather run for 30 mins with more ease and speed than run for longer. I think it’ll help as the weather gets better and the days get longer too.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done, a few months down the line and you won't be bothered was it 9 weeks or 90.

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

No, true. I’m not bothered now, although I do think I’d have more momentum and more of a habit if I’d not taken a few breaks.

[TJMazz Graduate]

Congratulations. What a great feeling. Hope you continue to enjoy running after graduation 🎉🎈🙋🏼😀

[Prudanced Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

Thank you! So do I! In fact I hope I grow to enjoy it more, because I think it’s the sense of achievement I’ve been enjoying most up till now!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Congratulations, lovely badge 🎓🏅