Wk9 R2 ✅

[Melo_smiles]

Last night I completed R2 of Wk9 and for the first time actually felt like a runner 😁

I took a different route which was one big loop which I knew would cover approximately 5k. The first part of the run took me alongside a main raid which I wasn’t so keen but thankfully I soon turned off and everything quietened back down. As I took the outer path I had a stupid big grin on my face as I hadn’t taken this path before. I knew other friends had as it was on their runs on Strava so I knew roughly where it would take me but still exciting running somewhere new.

Who knew 9wks ago I would get excited about finding new places to run 😂 As I approached the final 5mins I passed our local running group who had just finished their Thursday night 5miler. I must admit I did pick up the pace slightly for the last 5mins and got lots of encouraging smiles and ‘evening’ from the other runners 😊. As I finished the 5min cool down walk I could see I was so close to 5k so I walked around the car park a couple of times to hit the 5k 😂 I know the 5k included my warm up and cool down walks but it felt like a massive milestone had been achieved!!!

One more run to go which I’ll run on Sunday. For all those just starting C25K believe in the programme and you’ll be amazed how far you will come 😉 I still can’t believe I’m out there running for 30mins after struggling so much in the beginning weeks 😳

Happy running everyone 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Jullaly Graduate]

What an inspiration you are, I can't imagine getting to week 9, but I am determined to and I will remember this post when I do. Congratulations on your achievement

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Aww thank you 😊 I felt exactly the same at the beginning and now I don’t recognise myself!!!! In the first few weeks I really questioned if I could continue the plan as I struggled so much. But as everyone kept telling me ‘believe in the plan and you will do it’

Some of the other school mums that I really admired getting out there running all told me they started with C25K 😳 that really gave the motivation to keep going.

Remember we’ve got Race for Life in July so lots of motivation to keep us going 😊

[JoP61 Graduate]

What a lovely run! I felt like I was out there with you - done in style! You're just a hop, skip and a jump away from the podium - looking forward to your graduation, you runner you! xxx 👏👏👏👍🏃‍♀️

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to JoP61]

😘 thank you! Excited about graduating and then continuing the journey 😊 how you getting on Jo? Do you still use the Wk9 podcast for your 30mins runs? I’m thinking I might do to begin with as I do like the time checks to keep pushing me on 😂

Nearly on that podium with you 👍🏃🏼‍♀️ Xx

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

You certainly are nearly on that podium - I'm just budging up for you. 👍💪👏👏

I've been doing the C25K+ podcasts, all of which seem to have terrible music but do feature the lovely Laura, which is a bonus. One is called Stepping Stones, which made me run more slowly than before (?). The one I did today was about increasing speed, which was quite good. Then there's one about stamina which I'm going to try next. Not sure what I'll do after that! I do appreciate having someone telling me what to do during the run.

Savour your graduation run on Sunday! xx 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀

[Hidden]

Awesome so glad you are almost at the end of C25K don’t forget us when you elevate to the next level “BRIDGE TO 10K”😂😂

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Hidden]

😂😂 I think I’ll always be a C25K hanger oner 😂 hope you’re back out there soon Steve once you’ve recovered 👍

[Hidden in reply to Melo_smiles]

Thank you😊

[Wizziewood]

Brilliant, well done you!

You're so close to the podium ... good luck for Sunday!

Happy running!

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Wizziewood]

Thank you 😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

I love reading posts like this! So inspiring for others who are just starting out on this running journey. I would also add, to others at a similar stage to you - that this is also just the beginning of such a fantastic change for life, whether you build a regular 5k habit or push on to longer distances as many of us have. If it hadn't been for Couch to 5k and specifically this forum, I don't think I would still be running over two years later....love running!🙂

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

I think that’s what I’m most excited about, knowing this is just the beginning 😊 fab to hear you are still loving running 2years on!

[Hidden]

You won’t be Melo_smiles for much longer, you’ll be Melo_grinninglikealoon....

Brilliant and happy running for your graduation run

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Hidden]

😂😂 my friends always say they never see me not smiling, lots of things to be grateful for 😊 but must admit since I’ve started running that grin has got wider 😁

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

👏👏👏 fabulous 😁😁😁 grins a plenty! Well done you. It's quite something exploring new areas. Impressing your local running group too, that's a feat 👍 go you! Just the finale now 😉😁

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks GoGo_JoJo 😁 Sarah told me I had 5mins to go and I had enough left in the tank to give it one final push. My last kilometre was the fastest I’ve run which I was also surprised at 😳 it’s amazing how much we progress during the plan!!

[alikayV Graduate]

Oh how lovely to hear your tale! I’m starting to fizz with excitement as I build anticipation for my first W8R1 run tomorrow. (Saturday) And I did W7R3 on Monday! It’s so weird that the time between my runs hasn’t dampened my ability or enthusiasm! Well done Melo_Smiles 👏👏👏

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to alikayV]

Aww thank you 😊 have an amazing run tomorrow, I’ll look out for your update 😉👍