I've done it! Just graduated!!

[Lizzisforliving]

I wasn't feel confident about today's run, and my calves were really tight in the first couple of km. I kept waiting for Michael to tell me I was halfway, and then I decided that perhaps it was different on run three. Luckily Strava was on and telling me my time, so when she said 26 mins I knew something had gone wrong with MJ. Long story short, I noticed my calves has loosened up so I decided to keep going back to where I had started my run. I even sped up in the last kilometre, and ran a total of 38'44" and 4.5km. Not world record pace, but literally the furthest I have run continuously in my entire life.

Consolidation starts here! Thank you to everyone on here who gives such great support and encouragement - I ran the first 2k because I wanted to tell you I'd graduated. (After that I started enjoying myself.)

Lots of love Lizz xxxxx

(I'd add more emoticons but I never really understand what they mean )

[Pm3eak Graduate]

Congratulations! Isn't it a lovely feeling? Well done for seeing the programme through and I hope you enjoy whatcomes next.

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Pm3eak]

Thank you Pm3eak

[Seaskimmer Graduate]

Congratulations Lizz! I bet you'll be buzzing for the rest of the weekend. I hope to join you on the Consolidation Trail soon (starting wk8 next week..) so save me a place!🌞🤖👾🐴🎠😁

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Seaskimmer]

Thanks seaskimmer - I'll look forward to it!

[Anthie Graduate]

Fantastic!! Well done! Enjoy the moment! For your calves, perhaps you need a longer warming-up?Have you tried the dynamic stretch before going out? The cold might make you feel more tense as well. And you can massage them before a run with some warming sports balm/cream. Otherwise some runners use compression socks, which apparently works very well. I use a roller and I also know I need to do stretching everyday (walking on tiptoes, doing "eccentric" exercises lol).

Wish you a lot more happy running! Glide unlimited

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Thanks Anthie, I wondered if perhaps a longer warm-up would help. I'll try that for a few runs.

Love Lizz x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations.

You have given yourself a wonderful gift, now to consolidate and ingrain the habit.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

Thank you very much - you and the other stalwarts of this board have carried me through the last four weeks. (I didn't discover it until I was on week 6.)

I really appreciate all the advice and encouragement; I've never been on such a friendly forum with universally kind and helpful contributions from everyone.

Love Lizz xxxx

[TedG Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

Same here Lizz, I didn’t discover the forum til I’d completed W4, I was using Zen Labs version initially 🙄

[TedG Graduate]

Congratulations Lizz 👏👏

You did it👩‍🎓🥇🏆😀

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to TedG]

Thanks, Ted x

[Vish-runs Graduate]

Hooray! A big well deserved CONGRATULATIONS to you. This is just super. Wish you the best in the oncoming months and keep running graduate 👩‍🎓

Lots of love

Vish xx

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Vish-runs]

Thanks, Vish.

What about you- have you run today? I haven’t spotted a post from you...

If you’re about to go out, good running and see you on the podium (I kept going in the first, difficult bit today solely because I wanted to post on here that I’d graduated- I could not have done it on my own.)

Lots of love Lizz xxxx

[Vish-runs Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

I know, kept thinking of the 🏆 trophy lighting up when I finish. However the rain stopped me at 20.

Hopefully Monday will be the day I graduate.

I’ve taken great inspiration from your posts though. Thanks

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Vish-runs]

Ooh does it light up? How exciting. I’m planning to keep running the same route for a while till I feel stronger and more confident, so I’ll be right alongside you on Monday. (Don’t go too fast, or I won’t be able to keep up!)

Love Lizz xxx

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Huge well done Lizz, that's fantastic! 🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏😃

Lay your plans for enjoying the next part of your running adventure. 😄 I put together my first 'Ruuun!' playlist of favourite music to celebrate graduation!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you Elfe5. I must make a music playlist, but today I ran to Fortunately with Fi and Jane which makes me smile and lasts just long enough that if I’m flagging I can make myself keep going to the end of the podcast.

In fact, I’ve just remembered that as I ran today I was thanking (in the style of the Oscars) everyone who made my success possible and it was this board first and then Michael Johnson and last but not least Jane Garvey and Fi Glover and « everyone on Radio 4 ».

I am really loving this running lark.

With love Lizz

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

Good old radio 4 - stuffed with good things to listen to! 😃

[Elfe5 Graduate]

P.S. Regarding your calves - do you have a roller? I have an old wooden rolling pin on a radiator ( so it's warm) and find using it before and after running really helpful. 😃

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Someone else on here suggested that - I love the idea of warming it on the radiator!

Thanks x

[p1M2l3]

Congratulations . I've just graduated as well. but I think I'm feeling the anticlimax at the moment.

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to p1M2l3]

Congratulations to you too! Have you applied for your graduation badge yet? I bet you’ll get a buzz from seeing that beside your name. Please don’t lose heart - I started planning my next stage a week ago, but I think this board is the best place to come for encouragement

I check in at least once a day, and I’ll look out for you.

Best wishes and keep running

Love Lizz

[Hidden]

Well done Lizz. Enjoy the graduation party!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks helenwheels x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge Congratulations.. well done you!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss. I've applied for my badge, but don't know what it is - is it the grey highlighted 'graduate' beside the user name? And does this board have a Facebook page? I seldom use FB but I'd really like to share this little accomplishment.

Love Lizz xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It is... that precious little smudge that you have worked so hard for...

nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/...

FB link is at the top of the page

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Congratulations!!! A brilliant achievement & one to be celebrated!!! I shall raise a glass to you later!! When I’m running, very often it’s what I’m going to put on my post when I get home that keeps me going!!! Enjoy your graduation glow...😉

[Deirdremmccarthy Graduate]

Well done ! I’m really happy for you .... it’s such a great achievement and a wonderful feeling 😄

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Deirdremmccarthy]

Thank you x

[RAnselm Graduate]

Congratulations!! (also thank you for inspiring me to do my run tomorrow morning).

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to RAnselm]

Thank you and all the very best for tomorrow- you can definitely do it. Drop by later and let us know how you got on. Love Lizz xxxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

Congratulations Lizz😊

Just seen this and want to say a huge WELL DONE for completing the program and graduating.👏 👏 👏

A lovely run by the sound of it and a great time and distance too.

Lots more running adventures to come...

Happy running 😊 xx

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan, but are you mocking me with all theses emojis? (Grin)

[Irish-John Graduate]

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATE!!!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks Irish John. x

[Janenz]

That’s amazing! Well done for getting there. Great stamina!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to Janenz]

Thanks Jane (not sure about the stamina, but it'll improve, I hope. The will is strong anyway.) xxx

[siobhp Graduate]

Congratulations! Great run and 38 minutes, that's fantastic! 🏆

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to siobhp]

Thanks siobhp, I think the last 10 minutes was all head - my body had no input!

Love Lizz xxx

[Geo-Lesley]

Fantastic, Lizz. Very well done. So happy for you. Happy running x