Can't believe I've done it 👏

[Dash3]

Hi I'm Dash3 this is my first post on this forum. I started this programme back in late September and finally completed my graduation run yesterday, so it's taken me a while longer than the expected 9 weeks, had a few breaks due to weather conditions and a niggly back, but got there in the end😌 just can't believe that I actually ran for 30 minutes continually. This programme is absolutely amazing!!!! Although I haven't posted anything till now, I have checked in almost daily and I can honestly say that without the support and encouragement from all you lovely people, especially the girls and boys of a certain age like myself . I'm 65, and have never run in my life, always liked the idea of it,but never give it a go. I can't say it's been easy, and there have been so many times , particularly in the last few weeks and the longer runs when I have thought , WHY AM I DOING THIS but oh the feeling you get when you complete a run is fantastic! So where to now? I've read lots of people say that they've felt a bit lost after graduation, so I think I will carry on with week 9 for a while, don' think i'm ready to let Mr Johnson go just yet. So a massive thank you to you all once again for getting me through. Just hope i don't let you all down and fall off the wagon.

[Hidden]

Really well done. Graduation is a wonderful achievement. Now consolidate for a few weeks, enjoy the freedom to just run. Then decide where to aim next🏃🏾‍♀️👍🏃🏾‍♀️

[Dash3 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I'm not looking too far ahead at the moment, as you say just plan to consolidate for a while and go from there.

[LookNannyruns Graduate]

Congratulations, well done you. Great feeling to start a ne year knowing you are a runner? I’m still in first weeks of post graduation and I’m finding my way solo quite a different journey. I’ve been using the final week 5k as a timing method because I can’t quite get mysel sorted to do it another way. At first I tried running 5k each time I went out but I need to build up more strength for that. There seems to be as many ways of continuing this journey as there are people on the forum!

I’m sure you’ll find a way that suits you, I’m going to Cyprus for a month in Feb and my aim is to keep running during that time- perhaps I’ll return tanned,fit and ready for 10k training...... watch this space.

I look forward to to seeing how you get on

[Dash3 Graduate in reply to LookNannyruns]

Aah thank you so much. Yes it really is a great feeling. Plan on taking it slowly . Enjoy your holiday.

[Hidden]

Well done. You kept that to yourself all these weeks😊 i just graduated a few days ago too and am finding the bridge to 10k forum very helpful and supportive, even though Im. Ot even up to 5k yet. Im also consolidating my 30 minute runs for a little while before working on distance.

[Dash3 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks FlickM3. Yes I've kept it to myself, probably a lack of confidence in my ability to finish the programme. But I have and I'm overwhelmed!!!I i have followed your posts religiously and I must say they have inspired me and I've been by your side most of the way. So thanks for being such a positive influence😌 I'm nowhere near 5k and I don't think I will get there for a while yet, but I'm just going to enjoy my success for the moment. I feel so proud.

[Hidden in reply to Dash3]

Im glad if my posts have helped you! That’s my main reason for posting, excpet when I want advice or to have a whinge😂. And you SHOULD feel proud. I can thoroughly recommend a celebration takeaway curry 😍

[Anthie Graduate]

Well done!!! And if you don't know what to run now you're a graduate or your motivation is dwindling, I'm sure you'll get a lot of inspiration from people on the forum. Enjoy you consolidation runs, gently but surely

[Dash3 Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Thank you Anthie. I'll take all the advice given by you lovely lot on this forum.

[Oldgal68 Graduate]

Love the bling, Dash3 ! Congratulations on your achievement! Onwards and upwards! I’m just discovering the ways to extend and quicken up my runs now, with c25k+. I can recommend these podcasts, too, though Laura is certainly putting me through my paces! Happy running!