Graduated!: I know I am fat (BMI over 45!) . I... - Couch to 5K

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Graduated!

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate
103 Replies

I know I am fat (BMI over 45!) . I know I am generally unfit (Sciatica, Diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol are also high). But.....despite this I am proud to have completed the programme culminating in a park run today.

I am going to continue to keep up jogging weekly and I’d highly recommend the program to anyone out there. It is a good idea to join a group if you need encouragement and if you are unfit young a community group rather than a running club prigramme. (Our local Mind charity organised runs for mental health benefit and we have found such lovely people there who have become friends)

If I can anyone can - I promise!

My time was rubbish - 54 minutes for my park run. I walked about a third of it I think. I have only jogged for 30 mins before today and was well short of the 5k distance though so I am ok with this.

Add to this it was peeing down and had bad sciatica this morning it’s almost like I am Mo Farah! 😂

Ps. Here is the proof! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Pps. The group I worked with has a grads programme. I am going back to this to get my speed up.

Ppps! Never thought it possible. So proud of me! ❤️

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misslynx profile image
misslynx
Graduate
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103 Replies
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

You are fantastic...and all words associated with fantastic....I am NOT worthy...proud isn’t strong enough a word...proud with a mahoosive capital P!!! Amazing, inspirational, encouraging...there are so many positive words for you...I for one am looking forward to following your journey....I’m having one before bed & im clinking my glass to you misslynx ...very, very well done x

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Mummycav

Thank you. So many are using the word inspirational which is lovely but weird to me! I’m just a fat lass moving my bum! Lol!

However..... if it does inspire people to move more and not give up then that is fantastic - thank you for such a positive response x

stpehlittle profile image
stpehlittle

Omg congratulations misslynx! This is fantastic, you are amazing! Thank you for the inspiration- I hope you'll stay in this community so we can keep following you ❤️

ToniCR profile image
ToniCRGraduate

Fantastic! Well done!!

mergirl101 profile image
mergirl101Graduate

Absolutely fabulous!

Jen58 profile image
Jen58

Smiled all the way through reading this post you are amazing ,

I for two are following you

Good on you 😊

Rammy75 profile image
Rammy75

Your parkrun time wasn’t rubbish at all,it was a lot faster than those who didn’t get off the couch!!!!

Well done!

O505k profile image
O505kGraduate

Brilliant, well done. Keep up the great work. Keep posting your progress. Yo are an inspiration to many others.

Jullaly profile image
JullalyGraduate

So proud of you. You are an absolute inspiration. I can’t wait to hear of your graduation adventures. I am smiling from ear to ear for you. You go girl ! X

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

How glorious, congratulations - you have so much of all the right sort of guts!

Your first 5K time was quite a bit faster than my first 5K time (which I achieved some while after my C25K graduation) and not much slower than my usual 5K time. And I don't think I'm rubbish.

Enjoy your running!

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to GoogleMe

Thank you! I found it hard with a peppa pig overtaking me (they were trying out their outfit for London!) and I walked more than I liked which I think annoyed me! My aim was for less than an hour so glad I made that. Going to try for sub 50 next time! 👍

Priyanka_03 profile image
Priyanka_03Graduate

You are an inspiration!

Exmoorllent profile image
ExmoorllentGraduate

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your story, very motivational for me. I did couch to five k about a year ago, but have stalled and haven’t run for ages. I managed the 30mins of running but like you got nowhere near 5k in that time. I’m so inspired to get going again, and also blooming well done you!! X

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

An inspiration...simply that.

What a post, what a runner. You are amazing and I cannot wait to see where this running path takes you next.

Huge congratulations and very, very well done:)

Go and get that well deserved badge.

Go girl go ! Well done you👏👏👏 brilliant photo and well just........amazing!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to

I love the photo - it was taken early in so I am not last(!) and it was taken by the regular photographer and really looks like I’m a proper runner on it! It is now my fb profile pic dice I ousted myself as a runner to my friends yesterday! Lol!

Ellebear profile image
Ellebear

Well done you! You should be proud. I’m just starting this journey W1R1 completed on Friday but all of you are an inspiration to me x

HelsN68 profile image
HelsN68

Fantastic, well done. My target is to do a park run once I complete the programme. I’m starting week 5 tomorrow and your post is very inspiring. Keep it up and keep posting. 😃

RuthL profile image
RuthLGraduate

Yayyyy. Well done and you should feel very proud of yourself. You’re one step ahead of me, as I haven’t had the courage to join a park run yet 😄

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to RuthL

It was part of the plan for the group I was with. Definitely do it with a friend or two and be aware you can just walk it if you want. No pressure to be fast (but find one without hills if you can! Lol!)

thisfishcan profile image
thisfishcanGraduate in reply to misslynx

This is my problem, I did the C25K on the flat. I have since done 2 trail runs with hills, which took me over an hour to complete. I’m going to be working on getting better at the hills, because at the moment I’m doing a lot of walking. As long as we are still enjoying our running journey, that’s the main thing 😀

Theziggy profile image
TheziggyGraduate

S U P E R B misslynx

Plus the fact that running will help with your diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol.

A WIN-WIN situation. 8-)

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Theziggy

My blood sugar has gone down and my bp is 110/70. Even on meds 3 months ago it was 140/90

Running helps. Really helps! :-)

ElizaMai profile image
ElizaMaiGraduate

Well done you 👍👩‍🎓😁😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Keep going I’m right behind you 😉xx

I have just graduated too!! Going to sign up for a park 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Once I’ve run a couple of weeks 😀x

You’re right!! This programme goes to show we all can !! 😀😀😀 x

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Well done 💪👍😃🏃‍♀️🏅

You made me sing 🎵🎶 🎤 😃. Woo ooh ooh ooh can you feel the force 😃

Great work. Keep moving and having fun 👍

Kizzy52 profile image
Kizzy52Graduate

Congratulations, a fantastic achievement and real strength and determination 😀

Teweybear profile image
Teweybear

Thanks for this post, it’s just what I needed! I’ve signed up fir the C25K programme with my local leisure trust starting on Tuesday and am absolutely bricking it! I would say health/fitness wise I’m in the same boat as you and was worried about starting it. I’d be happy with a 5K that I could run/jog/walk and just complete - that’s my goal. So you’ve given me the motivation I need to get off my bum and get it started (and stop worrying about whether my bum looks the size of a small country in my new jogging bottoms!) 👟👟

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Teweybear

You will die running for 60 seconds in the first week. Then you will be amazed at 3 mins..... then 5.... then 8..... it is really surprising! Just take one week at a time, trust your body and your biggest opponent is your mind - don’t let it make you think you can’t because you can!

Good luck!

Teweybear profile image
Teweybear in reply to misslynx

Thanks xx

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

👏👏👏 fabulous! Well done. You should be proud you've done amazingly well👍😁 go you! Congratulations 🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 onwards and onwards 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

ruralfrance profile image
ruralfranceGraduate

So you should be proud, Misslynx. Many congratulations! Keep running, keep posting. Good luck!

Queeny1969 profile image
Queeny1969Graduate

You know that’s amazing you should be so proud of yourself. Well done !!!!!!

Mcdon profile image
McdonGraduate

Amazing achievement x

Getfitok profile image
GetfitokGraduate

Brilliant! Well done you😇 You should be so proud of yourself!

JetsOwner profile image
JetsOwnerGraduate

This really is terrific.

MsDynamite profile image
MsDynamite

You're an absolute star and what an inspirational story . Keep going im starting monday morning x

ClarriePan profile image
ClarriePanGraduate

Well done💚. And well done in starting the programme in the first place. I am sure most people with your medical problems would use it as an excuse for not bothering. And doing a parkrun with sciatica - OW.

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to ClarriePan

I admit... the pain down my left leg was bad. When walking I was limping. I am what they call ‘determined’. (Or stubborn! Lol)

Wasn’t going to let it ruin 12 weeks of work (the c25k programme I did was a slightly adjusted 12 week one)!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Congratulations on your graduation ! Brilliant!

gillebro profile image
gillebroGraduate

Go you! I'm a fellow fatty and I believe in us and our running capabilities. Keep on at it!

A big congratulations on your graduation. You have done a brilliant job and should be really really proud. The running world awaits you!

JT489 profile image
JT489Graduate

Fabulous work...it’s great to hear and another reason for me to start the journey. I appreciate your honesty and that makes me feel I just keep making excuses

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to JT489

Believe in you. You can if you let yourself. Just have a go and see how you get on! Xxx

SusieHicks profile image
SusieHicksGraduate

Wonderful, well done! You are an inspiration! I’m heading into week 9 and terrified of my first park run ( my sister has put me down for one in Scotland in 3 weeks’ time!). I’m sure I will be last, but after reading your post I will try not to wimp !! You should be very proud:-))))

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to SusieHicks

You can’t be last! They have a back market who is last! I was lucky as my whole group came back to support me across the line (it was a bit like a movie all coming back to help the struggling awkward one! Lol!). Their support was amazing. If you can run with anyone who is prepared to be with you all the way then it will help with confidence - you will always beat those who are still in bed too! X

SusieHicks profile image
SusieHicksGraduate in reply to misslynx

Thankyou! Fingers crossed! And I just found your post about blood pressure, and that’s another reason to go! I haven’t done mine recently but it tends to be borderline high and I’m diabetic, so not good :-)

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to SusieHicks

I had a full hypo after week 1. Had double vision and felt like passing out. Now I have 3 slices of toast 1-2 hours before running and 2 ginger biscuits 10 minutes before. I also keep sugar tablets in my pocket and let organisers know I am diabetic too. Preparation for your ailments is the key. Be safe and listen to your body and the running will help our health x

SusieHicks profile image
SusieHicksGraduate in reply to misslynx

Timely warning, but I’ve come off insulin so should be OK, tho I’ll start carrying dextrose just in case. I’m curious to see if running helps the diabetes - I think it might. I came off the insulin when I also got IBS ( oh joy) and had to give up most carbs ( the wheat free ones are almost all super-high GI ) which improved my readings no end ! We shall see:-) Has anyone else found it improves blood sugar control?

LookNannyruns profile image
LookNannyrunsGraduate

What a great photo, look at you out there running and in the rain to boot. I am massively impressed with you and your positivity. Very good luck on your journey .

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to LookNannyruns

It was peeing it down and everywhere was wet at the end! More positive afterwards than at the time! 😂. Thank you x

lucie-rapunzel profile image
lucie-rapunzelGraduate

Congratulations! You did amazingly.

Skylark64 profile image
Skylark64

You are an inspiration- thank you for sharing.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

You have every right to feel proud, Congratulations and well done on your graduation.

Keepcalm-keepsmiling profile image
Keepcalm-keepsmilingGraduate

That’s brilliant, well done 👏👏👏 It’s so inspiring to me as a newbie to hear of your amazing achievement, thank you for sharing your story

Motherin profile image
MotherinGraduate

Massive congratulations on your graduation. You should be very proud of yourself. Keep up the good work and enjoy the journey going forward. Your story will inspire many I'm sure 💞

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Motherin

I’m starting to realise how many find it inspirational. I still find that weird but humbling..... if I get just one more person to improve their health then I’m chuffed to bits!

Catbee profile image
CatbeeGraduate

Brilliant!! You’re an inspiration. Well done 💪🏻🏃🏼‍♀️x

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate

Fantastic you!!! A complete and utter inspiration - out there and doing it, just brilliant! :) Things only get better from here on in too, as your body starts adjusting you will feel the benefits physically and mentally. Good luck with your next goals.

Tartiflette profile image
TartifletteGraduate

Fabulous! 🙌🏼🙌🏼Congratulations on your super success 💪🏼🏆

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Whoop whoop 🎉 🎉 🎉 Congratulations misslynx on a fabulous Graduation👏👏👏

Ask for your well deserved Graduate badge here, its waiting for you, all shiny and new!😊xx

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you for the link! :-)

DebJogsOn profile image
DebJogsOnGraduate

Wow - how inspirational are you? Keep at it misslynx - would love to hear more about your post-grad journey.

A Mind running group sounds like a fantastic idea - I've definitely benefited at least as much mentally as physically since taking up C25K.

Happy running 😊

SW16 profile image
SW16Graduate

Awesome, congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate

Just wanted to say wow and thank you to you all. Overwhelmed and tearful with all the messages. Just wow. Xxxxx

Never have I been an inspiration nor do I see myself as one still - but I guess that what being inspirational is like! If I help you not to give up when that little voice is telling you that you can’t then I’m a very happy lady!

Keep going all.... I’m scaring my hubby by suggesting a marathon for my 50th.... a lot more realistic than it was 3 month ago so he is scared! Lol! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Heyjudyjudy70 profile image
Heyjudyjudy70Graduate

Amazing, inspirational!! You should be really proud of yourself, I know how hard it can be but with your positive attitude.... the only way is up!!

Pink-Floyd profile image
Pink-FloydGraduate

Well done you. Still trying to build the courage up for first park run as I know it will take me over 50min and probably walking half of it. You are giving me motivation to go for it this coming Saturday when I start week 9 on my second time on programme. I'm worried about how flat course is as can't cope yet with any sort of incline. I'm going to sign up now and get my barcode ready,

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Pink-Floyd

You can find out on the park run website a bit like what the course is like. I’d visit the park beforehand so you have a feel before the run? The park run I did was where my group met every Saturday so I knew it well. It was flat apart from one incline (and I made a conscious decision to walk for the minute after the incline to recover). Working out what’s coming and how you will manage it really helped me. Good luck! X

jochanc profile image
jochanc

Wow well done that is incredible- you are an inspiration 💪

Dannoodles profile image
Dannoodles

Awesome 😊 🤗

thisfishcan profile image
thisfishcanGraduate

Well done you, it’s an amazing achievement. Keep up the good work, you’re Inspirational !

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

Flipping brilliant and you should be rightly proud. There is no such thing as a rubbish time.

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate

That is so great misslynx! You should be so proud of yourself. You are another great example of how wonderful and successful this programme is. I'm glad you outed yourself to your friends, perhaps you may inspire a few more to take up the journey and join our great running family 🙂

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to SaskAlliecat

Already inspired one I know of and inspired another to walk the pretty muddy course too. It makes me really happy to know I have helped them - even more than completing the 5k myself! 😍

lp87 profile image
lp87

Who cares what your time was? You did it! Great stuff!

Richard7 profile image
Richard7Graduate

Well done misslynx - time is just an illusion. It really doesn't mean anything and your time is your time. My first 5k was about 2 months after graduating so I think you have done so well .. and I still haven't done a Parkrun!!

I went to the doc recently to have a well person check and the results of my running have been really positive for me - they said they do not see results like that normally without drugs so keep up your running and at your pace - exercise is so good for you and can really help with your health and sense of well being - Something which I seem to have overlooked for too many years!

Go you. Stay proud and stand tall.

DoodleDee profile image
DoodleDeeGraduate

Very well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻What an inspiration you are! Thank you for sharing this post and pic. Good luck with the rest of your journey 👍🏃‍♀️👣👣👏🏻🤗

Carcul profile image
CarculGraduate

Congratulations MissLynx.... what an inspirational post.... you should be so proud of your achievement 👍😊x

Beccym profile image
BeccymGraduate

Well done, getting round is the most important thing. I have more admiration for the people who finish last than the elite runners who do it in 19 mins. It takes much more courage.

Also means you will get lots of PBs as you get better. Massive well done

Weekenderbedford profile image
WeekenderbedfordGraduate

Well done on the massive amount of progress you've already made. We're great at putting ourselves down, when we should be acknowledgement how far we've come. Keep on running!😁

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate

You've made my weekend! Reading this has given me the motivation I need after a difficult and disappointing run today - just goes to prove we can all do this if we stick at it and keep on plodding! I'm learning so much from this forum, thank you for being a part of that! And a huge heartwarming well done to you!! 🙏

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

The bad runs are horrible aren’t they? Keep going - I want to try the park run again on a good day - I love jogging when it all just fits together! We are all capable of more than we think we are x

c1air3 profile image
c1air3Graduate

I love this post! So utterly pleased for you on completing a park run and this has totally inspired me to think about trying one once ive graduated.

With only 5 runs left to graduation and a larger lady myself my couch to 5k is more of a couch to 30mins jogging and i have always picked times and routes that are away from the public as i guess im a little embarrassed to be seen trying to run but seeing this and with the help and positivity of this group behind me i feel like i could do anything i put my mind to.

Yey you misslynx....keep it going...your a truly inspirational runner 😀

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to c1air3

Thank you - if t helps me and hubby go out at 10pm at night so as not to be seen! Lol! I find early mornings are good too (no scallies awake!)

Also look for footpaths on main A roads (60-70mph roads) where there is a grass verge between the path and the road. We have worked out no one uses the paths unless running and only those in passing cars could heckle and they are going too fast! Lol! It’s inportant to remember at least you are doing it! Those who I thought would laugh at me in the park actually asked if I was on a running program! Don’t underestimate people - some are great 🤗

markchilds profile image
markchilds

Inspirational! I’m struggling with week 7 but you encourage me to feel I can do it too! Congrats!

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to markchilds

It’s all been a struggle! Each week you are pushing yourself that bit more in distance and time...... think how you found week 4 and how far you have come! You will find week 7 easy at the end I promise xxx

markchilds profile image
markchilds in reply to misslynx

I hope so. Thanks.

mummyruns profile image
mummyruns

Wow, what an inspiration you are! Thank you for sharing. I hope to graduate this month too. I am also overweight and love the programme. Well done!!!

alikayV profile image
alikayVGraduate

🍾🥂🎉👏👏👏fabulous! Well done you!!! I bet this is just the start of something amazing for you! Thank you for posting - such an happy pice if news for a Sunday evening! Xxx

Not2old2 profile image
Not2old2Graduate

Good evening miss lynx YOU are most certainly worthy I am so proud of you and you should be extremely proud of yourself, well done girl!!! I will keep looking out for your posts because they are so uplifting, encouraging and inspirational. So thank you. I’m just having a small (ish hm! hm!) G&T so I’m raising my glass to you, Cheers! and happy running

Legion profile image
LegionGraduate

What a fabulous way to graduate. Congratulations and enjoy your running. You remind me of how fantastic this community is, and how I'd never have believed I could run for more than that first minute without it. I don't stop by here enough these days, but I will try harder. I hope you also stick around to inspire others. Happy running misslynx. x

Margoblue profile image
MargoblueGraduate

Well done such an inspiration. I showed this post to my son who has been very supportive all through this running and we both thought the same - that you are 😉

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Margoblue

Thank you - and thank you to your son! I am genuinely overwhelmed by everyone’s messsges. Never expected such a massive response ❤️

Margoblue profile image
MargoblueGraduate

Well you are amazing! Keep on running...

Catalana profile image
CatalanaGraduate

What a great post and photo! Congratulations!! Am very impressed with your parkrun. I graduated a month ago and still haven't plucked up the courage to do one - and I don't have sciatica. You have inspired me to have a go. ☺☺☺

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Catalana

Make sure you post here afterwards! :-)

Suddies profile image
SuddiesGraduate

Well well done. Fantastic. And its not about time! Parkruns are for everyone and its you against the clock. Next week you will be better, cos i can hear you determined! I regularly get in the late 50's ... i have an Achilles injury so walk all the way on a hilly parkrun... and if you keep going, the count amounts up. I have 11 more outings to get my 100 Black t-shirt... and it all started with C25K!

Couch-potato profile image
Couch-potato

Be proud you are inspirational 😊

Funjac profile image
Funjac

Massive well done misslynx. Stop being negative about yourself. Be proud and positive - I did it. 5k Park run - Even in the pouring rain, my determination never let me down. If I can do it, so can you. Even though at present I am carrying a few extra pounds and managing many different ailments, I am so proud of me.

Please, please misslynx give yourself a massive pat on the back. You stuck with it and did it.

Massive well done. Be proud of your achievement.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Fiona_B profile image
Fiona_BGraduate

Congratulations and well done. I am envious of the grads program, it is great to have something to move on to. X

AliK0871 profile image
AliK0871Graduate

Congrats ....an inspiration to us all ❤️👍👏👏👏👏👏

bunty65 profile image
bunty65Graduate

Congratulations misslynx you are an inspiration, keep up the good work

Jm3twink profile image
Jm3twink

I’ve been considering starting C25K and you are my inspiration to really start next week. I am desperately unfit with a high BMI (over 40) and have felt that there is no way I can do this but seeing you out there and going for it has changed my mind.

misslynx profile image
misslynxGraduate in reply to Jm3twink

Just seen this! You started yet? ;-)

Important things are listen to your body - there is a difference between feeling shattered and passing out. Also be stubborn - when you think you can’t you can - your head is just playing games!

Good luck xxx

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