Wk9 R3...Graduation Run✅

[Melo_smiles]

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you all I completed my graduation run this morning 😁 but I’m also excited as I know this is just the beginning of my running journey! I am absolutely hooked and love the feeling of accomplishment at the end of each run 😁

My graduation run wasn’t quite how I imagined it as unfortunately the weather had changed, as I headed out the rain was coming down quite heavy! I decided to run the same route I had run on Thursday night and had quietly said to myself, if I had enough in the tank I would try and push on for the 5k 😉

The first 10mins were tough as always but I kept telling myself “it’s just the toxic 10 and then it will become easier” My choice of music today was ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack and as I settled into the run the track ‘Come Alive’ came on, before I knew it I was clicking my fingers as I ran along in the run...grinning like a loon as normal 😆

I passed other early morning runners who all gave me a cheery ‘morning’ as we all got on with our own thing in the rain. When Sarah told me I had finished my 30min run I knew I could push on a bit further, I kept it slow and steady but did manage 5k 😳 it took me another 10mins but it was a personal goal I had set myself and I’m delighted I managed it.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, given me advice which I have listened to and the amazing forum community. To those that are just starting C25K, I’m so excited for you as it’s an amazing plan. I still can’t quite believe how C25K has changed my life and I’m loving it 🏃🏼‍♀️👍

Happy running everyone xx

[TheRiddler8t2 Graduate]

Such a lovely post. Enjoyed reading. Congratulations on finishing the plan and pushing on to get the 5k also. Don’t forget to get your well deserved graduation badge. What’s your plan going forward?

Happy running

[TheRiddler8t2 Graduate in reply to TheRiddler8t2]

You can get your graduation badge here

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[TheRiddler8t2 Graduate in reply to TheRiddler8t2]

Also here is a post on some ideas going forward now you’ve completed the plan

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to TheRiddler8t2]

Brilliant! Thank you 😊

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to TheRiddler8t2]

Thank you 😊 I’m joining a running group on Wednesday and excited about running with others to build on what I’ve learnt so far. C25K has given me a real confidence boost and I can’t recommend it enough to others 😁

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Congratulations 👏🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Very well done. Welcome to the other side of the rainbow 👍😁🌈

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you so much 😁 I’m absolutely thrilled and excited about continuing with my running.

How’s your toe? x

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

The toe itself doesn't give too much grief unless put under pressure. The whole foot feels weird though. Bruising still spectacular! 🤣🤣

It's a great feeling and the world is your oyster now. Enjoy that freedom to roam!👍😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[JoP61 Graduate]

What a lovely way to graduate (despite the rain!). And well done on the 5K - I haven't managed that yet - I did 4K this morning. Great to hear how much you love and appreciate the running - will be lovely to hear how you get on post C25K. Many, many congratulations and happy running! xxx 😀👏👏👏 🎓🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to JoP61]

Thank you so much JoP61 and I don’t think I’ll be attempting 5k each run 😂 next one will be the 30mins and build on from there. I was definitely slow but I know the pace will improve in time 😉

Yes we definitely need to keep each other updated on how we’re doing. I’ve signed up for Race for Life in July which is 5k.

Happy running to you too! Xx🙌

[msanni]

Congratulations Melo_smiles. Wonderful! I'm 5 runs behind you and chomping at the bit. I love running in the rain and I love feeling like a part of the running community that gets out there even when it is raining and gives its all. You're right, this little app changes lives 😊

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to msanni]

Thank you and good luck with your last few runs, you’ll be graduating before you know it!!! 😊 I must admit the rain kept me cooler as I always look like a red tomato at the end 😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations fellow runner.

The journey has just begun.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much and a massive thank you for your advice along the way 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 Congratulations Mel...saw your strava recording and a brilliant 5k run!

A lovely post and look forward to hearing all about your new adventures with your running gtoup too!

Your badge really suits you. Happy running Graduate 😊xx

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you sooo much and although I was getting tired towards the end I wanted to see if I could hit that magic 5k number 😊 looking forward to some more 30min consolidation runs and I think the running group will help me to build on what I've learnt so far 😉

Thank you for my graduation badge...Still got a silly grin on my face 😆 xx

[stpehlittle]

Ah! This is wonderful and really inspiring. Well bloody done!!! Thanks for sharing, I hope you'll keep sharing on here ❤️️☀️

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to stpehlittle]

Aww thank you that’s a lovely thing to say 😊 I’ve been so inspired by so many on this forum and will definitely be cheering everyone along and posting how I’m doing 😉

[thisfishcan Graduate]

Congratulations !

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to thisfishcan]

Thank you 😊

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Well done 🎉😃🎉😃 fantastic 😃😃

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

Thank you 😊

[Jen58]

Congratulations 😊👍🏻🎉🎊👏🏻🎓 how good are you 👍🏻 enjoy the rest of your journey 😊

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Jen58]

Thanks Jen 😊 still smiling 😆

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Brilliant achievement graduate! Great first 5k too, well done!

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you 😊 I might attempt park run next weekend with a friend who said she’ll stick with me. There’s a big hill so I’m thinking that could be my walking/catch my breath moment 😁

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

Yes parkrun will be great! As a graduate you can take a walk break anytime it suits 👍🏼😀

[Jullaly Graduate]

That is an amazing achievement, congratulations. Its wonderful reading about how you feel coming out the other side. You too have been a great support to us nearer the beginning of the journey. I look forward to hearing your next running adventure.

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Aww thank you 😊 hope you’re getting on well with your runs. Before you know it you’ll be posting your graduation run too 😉🏃🏼‍♀️

[Jullaly Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

I am thank you, I did a wk 3 run today and it was the best I've done so far, thoroughly enjoying the journey

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Superb, well done and I’m so pleased your enjoying it. It’s definitely the best thing I’ve ever done 😉

[Carcul Graduate]

Congratulations Melo on your achievement.....it’s a wonderful feeling isn’t it 👍🏃‍♀️😊x

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Carcul]

Absolutely 😆 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge congratulations you!

Very, very well done.. time to celebrate big time Your badge suits you and now you can be smiling even more..because this journey goes on and..guess what, we will be right here running the next bit with you x

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much Oldfloss 😊 I think that’s what I’m most excited about, continuing my running journey 😊 x

[Hidden]

Nicely done - Melo_Grins like a loon.

Happy running graduate±

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I am definitely a bit of a loon Jancanrun 🤪 especially once I had finished 😁👍

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Good work, Melo! I am very proud of you. Here’s to a very happy running future! 🏃‍♀️👏🏅 xx

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you Sadie 😊 hope you’re keeping well, I always look out for your posts as I love hearing about your runs 🏃🏼‍♀️ Xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

Thanks Melo! Have been in Disneyland Paris with my sister and niece for a few days - no running as was exhausted by the sheer amount of walking / queuing / general madness. Looking forward to getting out tomorrow, feels like it has been an age! Hope you have gotten out for a post-grad run! 🏃‍♀️😀 xx

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate]

Another Greatest Showman listener here Melo_smiles. Congratulations on your success, I’m right behind you. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to WalkingWithLabradors]

You’ll be clicking your fingers too on your next run 😆 it felt like the perfect soundtrack for today’s run 🎪🎩😁

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Congratulations graduate 🎓

And happy running in the future🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Liz x

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

Thanks Liz 😊 x

[notoutofbreath Graduate]

Well done you! In the rain as well... Major props on not only graduating but 1) doing 5k 2) running for a whole 40 minutes As for the latter just 10 weeks after starting, well you're just showing off now! Nice one, very pleased for you.

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to notoutofbreath]

😂😂 thank you! Don’t think I’ll be doing another 5k just yet as happy to keep to the 30mins of running...wanted to try and push myself further, just the once 😉

[notoutofbreath Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

Yeah, I really enjoyed a few weeks of just running 30mins over and over, sod the distance. To get it to the point when it's comfortable was just great (I also accidentally managed to do the 5K in 30 I'd gotten so relaxed, that was full on hilarious LOL: healthunlocked.com/couchto5... )

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to notoutofbreath]

I’ve just gone back and read your post...love it!!! 5k in 30mins is fantastic 🙌 it took me 40mins and I’m not intending on attempting another 5k just yet 😆 hopefully I can continue to consolidate my runs and in time my pace will increase and the 5k will get a bit closer to the 30mins 🤞

[notoutofbreath Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

Thanks, I bet you'll end up like me - there a lot sooner than you think!

[ellie674 Graduate]

Ah congratulations to you! What a brilliant achievement ☺️well done x

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to ellie674]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden]

Wonderful! Well done. Definitely inspiring xx

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Aww thank you 😊 hope all is going well with your running 👍

[Hidden in reply to Melo_smiles]

Thanks, I am on track 😁

[Ajay99 Graduate]

What a fabulous finish, well done, amazing, good luck with the rest of your running- sounds like it's just the beginning!

[Melo_smiles Graduate in reply to Ajay99]

Thank you...I must admit I’ve definitely got the running bug and always desperate to get back out there after a day or two rest 😆