W9R3 done this evening, woo woo!!

[wendyj75]

I haven't posted before, just been a lurker the entire time, so thought I'd share (at length, sorry!) now that I'm done.

I wasn't a complete beginner, so hope no-one feels I'm an imposter! - but I used C25K this time to get back into it after a long break. It took me longer than 9 weeks to complete - between working shifts and having young children, I often only manage 2 runs a week, but I'm happy with that and it's still worked for me.

And what a difference it's been instead of doing my own random thing! It's been motivational, feels good to be following a set structure, and the 'forced' warm up and cool down really do help - I've never bothered with this in the past, and I've always suffered post-run muscle aches - now a thing of the past!

If I have any advice to offer anyone starting the program, it would be:

1. Find a very comfortable way to carry your device while running - I struggled at first, but now use a stretchy lightweight waist pouch, wouldn't even know it's there, no rubbing or bobbing about.

2. Stick with it, it's so rewarding to find yourself getting fitter, well worth the hard work - even if you don't manage 3 runs one week and it ends up taking more than 9 weeks or if you need to repeat some runs - it doesn't matter at all, just keep going, you will get there and it will be great!

3. Definitely do the warm up/cool down walks every time!

I'm really pleased to finish, I'm moving on to a 5 to 10k app, can't wait to get started!

I'm slightly disappointed with my distance though - the last couple of weeks I've used a fitness app and my 30 minutes doesn't quite take me 5k - but hopefully my pace will pick up over time with more training.

All the best and well done to everyone, thanks for sharing all your experiences good and bad, and for the helpful advice aplenty.

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Well done you! Big congratulations!!

I am a returning runner too, plan to do w6 r3 tomorrow.

Glad you posted.

[wendyj75 in reply to Goforitmama]

Thank you - glad you're enjoying C25K too!

[oldwheezer69 Graduate]

Ah well done you! I did a parkrun last week and my time was 42:45 but this programme is about stamina not speed so that will improve in time. There are a number of post C25K podcasts I think, before you go on to a 10k programme. Congrats again 😁

[wendyj75 in reply to oldwheezer69]

Thanks - I will search for some chat about what people have been doing next. Well done on the Parkrun, I will need to go along to mine soon. Absolutely - it's great just to be able to run without stopping at this stage, no need to worry about winning any races just yet!!

[Intheshed Graduate]

Well done you wee lurker 😆I like the 5 min at start and finish as it gets me away from the house so the neighbors don't witness the sight of me running 😱

[wendyj75 in reply to Intheshed]

Thank you! Lol, I am the opposite, I would rather they saw me running - they probably just think I go out for a walk dressed up in running gear!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Congratulations 👏🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Well done. Don't worry about distance, you will get there! 👍😁

[Nicola4038]

Your post has spurred me on I too sometimes struggle to fit the 3 runs in occasionally and I sometimes only get to do 2. I’m on week 8 now now but it will have taken me 11/12 weeks to complete. Congratulations and good luck with the 5 k to 10 k .🏃🏻‍♀️🙂

[wendyj75 in reply to Nicola4038]

Thank you - it's actually taken me well over 3 months to finish, with one thing or another, including the snow days - maybe the extra rest days don't do any harm?!

Well done you too, only a week or so to go!

[Gilly0410 Graduate]

Well done and congratulations. Good luck with the next step xx

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I still can’t get sub 30!

Congratulations 🎓💪🏽

[18Windmill Graduate]

A huge well done to you! Happy running!! 👍👍👍

[Bev_Beeti Graduate]

Well done!