Couch to 5K

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Getting there slowly ...Week 9 Runs 1 & 2

JullalyGraduate•

I believe I am the slowest snail in Oldfloss 's garden. Thats why I have smiled from ear to ear at Hidden 's picture about it doesn't matter how slow you go you are still lapping people on the couch. Never mind the pace, I have taken the slow route to week 9, I must have been hanging around here for at least 11 or 12 weeks. When I do my graduation run I know I will be no where near the 5K and I really don't care. I am running. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the ups, the downs, the tears and the tantrums! Believe me I was sat right here above the farm kicking my legs in a complete tantrum because I was so sick of running up hill! Never mind, not only can I run but I can run uphill. I can't thank you all enough for teaching me slow and steady and because I am so slow and so steady I know exactly what I need to be doing post graduation.

Im very lucky that mum and dad are fit, healthy and nearly 90. It warms my heart when I hear dad telling people that I run ..'and she is a grandma you know' he proudly says. My hubby shakes his head and he and the cows and sheep can't believe this aberration amongst them on the farm, my daughters are inviting me to join them on 5K race for life and park runs, one of my grandaughters asked me to run alongside her as she has just learnt to ride a two wheeler. It seems only 5 minutes a go a friend laughed at me when I said I was starting C25K and another exclaimed 'but you are not built for running' But I stuck at it and because I did, life is different, life is good and I've made lots of new friends right here.

93 Replies

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So lovely to hear from you! Your post fills me with warmth and 💕. This champagne has chilled perfectly now just waiting to pop the cork very soon. I’m parched!

Enjoy your last run and I’ll be here to welcome you over the finish line. You runner. xx

I can't wait for that cork to pop, I'm nearly there but more importantly Im enjoying running the 30 minutes. Thanks for all your support

Loved being here with you on your journey. 💕

Ah..., oldladyruns that’s a lovely post!! You’re on the home stretch to graduation! You’re amazing! Your Dad is right to be proud. I’d say that the hills are more challenging, than anything that I will experience on my journey to graduation, so an extra special well done to you! Your views are glorious too!

You certainly are a runner!! And up hills too! 😉 ❤️❤️

thank you, thats so kind, I knew when I started this I had to face the hills or else I would never complete the programme, I curse them but secretly pleased when i get to the top because the down bit is so nice

And you’re so built for running! 😉

Oldladyruns your a true inspiration ...Those hills and what you've achieved is fantastic ...A friend I think not ..But you showed yourself more than anyone that you can do it ...So so well done to you 😊😊

you are doing so well too, I've been amazed how its more an emotional rollercoaster than a physical one

So true ..It's amazing what we can achieve when we put our mind to it 😊😊

Fantastic, well done to you. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and I have learnt a lot by your experiences of each run, good and not so good. Thank you for your posts, which have without a doubt kept me going. Congratulations on reaching your graduation run.

thank you, to be honest, I still can't believe it, never had confidence in myself on the sporty front so its a genuine.. if i can do it anyone can

My hat is off to you for training on those hills. Looking forward to seeing you over the finish line...!

I can't wait to join you lot on that podium lol

Lovely post thanks. It’s a privilege to share the journey with you. 😄

So... I better get the podium polish out pronto! Have you bought Dolly’s & your celebratory digestive?! 😃

Dolly is still loving her digestives and I'm sure she will push me off the podium to get to the graduation biscuit in my pocket lol

That’s lovely. So glad that things are positive and looking up. As someone who has no hills nearby, your stamina to run up one is impressive! Really looking fwd to your graduation post and photo. Get your mortor board ready! 👍👍👍

So very close now and thank you for being an amazing support, I really would not have got through this without the forum friends

It's easy to do for you!

You've done yourself proud! It's lovely to hear your girls are inviting you and getting involved in your new career. Like you say, distance doesn't matter. Your increased fitness levels won't give a damn whether it's 50 metres or 50 miles. Heart rate is up and you're doing it.

Just so you know, I always look out for your posts as they make me smile and come with a beautiful view!

Thank you, I really do feel so much fitter and healthier. I hope you are doing ok

I'm doing great! My OH had a wobble on Tues, but back on track now. R2 tomorrow and hoping to graduate on Sunday. My plans for a Parkrun finish were scuppered by a lack of babysitter and the wobble. I'll get him there one day 😆

Life and wobbles always get in the way! but very well done

Hills. Why does it have to be hills? 🤣

So glad you are heading toward the podium. You helped and supported me a great deal through my struggle to run and I really can’t wait to see you graduate. All Sirens across the line.

You are still mad for running on hills, though!

There is not a lot of choice, I have to run those darn hills, but I'm pleased I did because when i get to the top of one I always talk to the hill telling it I beat you this time! Im sure everyone will think I'm a loopy lady talking and cursing to the hill !!

Who cares if it works! I’m just in awe.

Wow...what a beautiful place..

I'm running very slowly too at the moment..I read that 5k an hour is an average walking pace...I am barely getting above that running at the moment..I reckon I would need an hour to run 5k ..who cares ? Not me🤩

I don't care either and I blame my extremely short legs!

Warms my heart to read your post 🤗 slow, steady and true all the way to the top of those hills 🏅well done x

and very well done to you too, a few of us will be jumping on that podium together

I know, just reading Marvo's graduation post, it's quite emotional to see everyone reaching the end. Hope to be there myself at weekend.

What a fabulous post. 12 weeks is it that long - it took me about 17 weeks- but I’m still going strong. In fact I ran my first half marathon this morning. So watch out, you never know where this running business might lead to. 🏃🏽‍♀️

Huge congratulations, I really admire you and I have realised that I love this running thing so much that I would love to achieve a half marathon one day. My daughters run the Great North Run in Newcastle and I would love to join them one day.

Yay! Nearly there! I'm also a real snail and proud. I will never run 5k in 30 mins, my legs just don't go that fast! But I will do my best to run 5k however long it takes me! Slow is good! Will be looking out for your graduation post!😃😃😃

Its been quite an emotional roller coaster of a journey, I am going away this weekend, I will take my running gear just in case I can fit in a run.

Fantastic! 👍 To me this is what C25K is all about: Challenging yourself, supporting each other and developing friendships and community spirit. 😍 We all celebrate our successes, however big or small, and encouragement is only a post away when things go less well ☺️

It’s great that you can run up hills (even if you don’t have a choice). That’s something I’ve struggled with all along 😕

So near the end now - see you on the podium soon! 🏆🏁🎓

There will be quite a few of us on the podium all at once..shaking the champagne, popping the corks and having a right old party 🎉

Lovely photo, lovely post! Good luck with your graduation run!😀🏃🏽‍♀️

Thank you, not long now!

Great post - warm, friendly and a funny😊 You are amazing!

Graduation is just round the corner and you will ace it - if you can run those hills, you can conquer the world 😅

Please keep posting your motivating and inspiring thoughts to keep the rest of us following in your footsteps

Slow and steady wins the day!

Thank you and I remember your poor hurt face when you fell on your first run and look at you now, it’s amazing how we all celebrate each other’s achievements and pick each other up when we do wobble

This is one of the best things that I have ever done. Incredibly we did W8R2 tonight but in flatter than flat Lincolnshire ☺ I really am admiring your hill runs.

I have to keep going now as just signed up for a 5k Race for Life in July 😁

Yes I have too on July 15th, it has helped keeping me focussed

I love your posts and following your journey. You have summed it up so well, we each have our own journey and it doesn’t matter how we get there and whether we are running fast or far at the end- we are all out there, hopefully beating the snail though.

Everyones journey has a different story and thats what makes this place feel every emotion going. I can't beat the snail because I am the snail lol

A big well done, nearly there and with hills!! Lovely to her how the family have responded. Lovely example for the grandchildren, they must be so prod of their Nan.

I am looking forward to being the nan that joins in their mud runs or colour runs rather than watching from the sidelines

Fantastic! I am on week four. I hope to grow up and be you someday. Rock on, runner!

I remember week 4, I had a real wobble during that week, but here I am running 30 minutes comfortably ..who would have ever guessed it..not me, I will be watching out for you running through the weeks

Brilliant! Well done I'm so pleased for you. I always remember your post about people saying you weren't built for running- I always used to say that about myself (I'm my own worst critic!) but here we are - running for - well in my case 28 minutes and 30 for you! We're pretty bloody amazing you know!

aren't we just! Know the feeling about being our own worst critics. I still battle with my self doubting thoughts

Lovely, lovely words.

Enjoy it all with your lovely family.

What a journey, inspiritational🌟👏👏

You will be smiling for a week.

Can’t wait to see you take that tape and Dolly waiting for her giant size digestive biscuit.🌟👏👏

Thank you my friend, Mr BAY, you were the very first person to help and advise me and you still do. Dolly will have to have her picture and digestive biscuit up on that podium

Such a sincere and uplifting post.. u were kind enough to give me words of encouragement on my first post after my first run and i’ve been so grateful to u and others who took the time to respond. But d’ya know , you’re great!!! Fair play to you for doing this at your own pace and in your own way, i’m gearing for my dreaded 20 min run in the morning for W5 and i’ll use you as inspiration ...thanks 😊👍

my word here you are on THE week 5 run, that is such a defining moment, enjoy it and you will feel amazing after. I can honestly say that run was one of my favourites.

You are a legend and an inspiration to us all, and all those thinking of starting this programme. I still can't run up hills! I've reserved you a special spot on this podium...x

Gosh, have you not got off it yet ..lol. You will be stuck to it like a statue. Seriously Im a teeny weeny bit jealous of that lovely shiny badge next to your name

I'm not moving! (I can't!)

Love this. Well done for keeping going. Speed doesn't matter I've also realised...it's just about not stopping! Enjoy your graduation run xx

Thank you, it took me a while for the penny to drop that I didn't need to sprint off like a rabbit across one of our fields and that it was slow and steady that took me the distance.

And going slowly means you can appreciate that beautiful view😊 I don't love the hills either but I live on the top of one so unavoidable. Something strange happened on the last run while I was going up one of them. The same one had nearly finished me off a few short weeks ago, but there I was confidently (but slowly) running up it with my head held high thinking i can do this...it's just a hill!!

i know exactly what you mean, same thoughts here. I also get this strange determination that it won't beat me

A lovely fantastically inspirational story thank you

i am inspired every day by all you wonderful runners

I’m not sure I can say anything that others haven’t already said, but I am so pleased for you. Only one run left, and you know you will do it because you’ve done it twice before. Get your best running gear out for that final run to the podium. 🐄🐂

Thank you Dexy, you have been a great support. My clothes are all washed, pressed and ready!

Those hills will stand you in good stead. Nearly there!!

You've been with me from the start, thank you. I may have cursed at those hills but the one thing they have given me is determination, I never let them get the better of me!

Aw! Exciting! One run to go! Fancy me writing that! As if you didn't know! I should imagine they are preparing the podium as I type. I do hope you have a lovely, slow and steady graduation run. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Thank you61, I hope they are shining a badge and polishing the podium! Im pleased you are back on form well done

Youve done great hang in there and enjoy your graduation run

Well done on everything you've achieved, you've been such an inspiration. I have total respect for you running up those hills, and I'm looking forward to helping you celebrate your graduation!

Well done! I hope you’ve sorted your friends out now!

I certainly have in fact I hope I’m boring them rigid with our forum running tales

A lovely post OLR what a journey you have had and now you are almost there and about to step on to the podium. It might be over half a day before the news reaches this side of the world, but none the less, the corks will be a popping for you. Enjoy that party. X

Thank you Lexi I often think of you in NZ , I am inspired by you

Thank you, you are the inspiring one LOR! (Lady of the Runs) formerly known as OLR. X

Just love this.👍

Lady of the Runs.👍

or Lady of the Hillruns.🤔

Maybe olr will change it, when she graduates.🤔

Hey ho, perhaps not.🤔😂

I’m in awe - running for 30 minutes on hills! Just the thought of that makes me feel out of breath lol. Enjoy your graduation run and all the lovely runs you have planned with your family 🙂

Thank you luckily where there is an uphill there is usually a down the other side although I must admit sometimes I feel I’m permanently going up

Well done! The podium is being polished ready for you 😊😊😊 I think I would rival you for slowest snail but like you I don’t mind either 🐌🐌

We are what we want to be 👍😉

You my dear are most definately a runner 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😁

Thank you and I'm even secretly starting to believe I am a runner lol

I’ve only just seen this post. I’m so proud for you. I always knew you would complete the journey (well almost). Don’t worry about distance the fact you are running for 30 minutes is amazing. Truth is I don’t think I’ve hit 5k in 30 minutes. But I’m running further then I could ever imagine.

So lovely to hear how you are doing and can’t wait to hear you have graduated...good luck and happy running 😁

Well done from another granny

What a beautiful view and a wonderful post - very uplifting to read, thank you for posting. 😀 So glad you are enjoying your running experience (well apart from hills 😉). All the best to you

Hey. How’s it going?

She’s gone AWOL. I’m worried. I’ve inboxed her twice 😔

😢

Me too. 😟

What a lovely positive post. You’re such an inspiration to so many people . You have such a busy life but you’ve found time for yourself to do this which is just fab. Enjoy your last run- can’t wait to see you on the podium. 🤞🏻🏃🏼‍♀️😘

Missing you. Do hope that you are alright.

Congratulations on all you have achieved . You are an inspiration running up those hills . Been following your journey and cheering you on. Hope all is well and you have finished C25K .

RGR