I graduated a year ago today. I still remember how wonderful that felt. One year on I am still running three times a week (barring three short spells on the IC), I recently completed two 10k runs and am restarting ju-ju- s 10 is the magic number plan as it will make sure I keep up the longer distance.
It was hard to believe that the cardio-averse person that was me, even considered starting the program, let alone that I would still be here over a year later. I hadn't ever run (or even contemplated running) for the full 56 years of my life!
Now? I love it! I love running. I am no longer in hiding or feeling like a fraud!
This site has been a huge contributing factor in my achievement.
To all the admins I want to say a huge thank you; your support and encouragement have been invaluable. Likewise, to all the running buddies I have 'chatted' to along the way.
If you have yet to start, or yet to graduate or are wondering whether you can keep going post graduation, then let me say YES, YES YOU CAN! Just stay here with all these lovely people and enjoy your own journey as much as I have enjoyed mine.
Happy running everyone
Written by
linda9389
Graduate
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Oooh you're so close. Get ready to beam from ear to ear and glow with pride! So many inspirational stories on here, it's a great place to be Enoy your graduation run
I waited a long while before starting the 10k program (partly because of injuries). I spent time getting to 5k, then I tried to improve speed, then I decided to go for 10k. I didn't always know what to focus on, but I did always want to keep running. Try a few things, but just do whatever you enjoy
Lovely to hear that. I worry this will be a “flash in the pan” thing, that somehow the magic will disappear or the motivation will drain away. Thanks for sharing.
People who are experienced runners tell me that once a runner always a runner. I think once you’ve got the bug u r stuck with it. Stay on the forum as well - or head to Bridge to 10k (I think that’s what it’s called) you will always get support, advice & inspiration.
I agree, the secret is to stay on this forum! There's always someone ready with advice, encouragement or even a kick up the backside if that's what's needed! Do whatever works for you - whatever you enjoy most. Happy running.
Good to hear, I still haven’t got to liking the actual running yet, love the ‘after’ feeling. About to start wk 9 tomorrow, confident I will do it, but not so confident I will keep going after. So the more like this I read the better, thanks
That's part of the reason for posting - I found it really hard to believe that I would be one of the ones who carried on. After all I hated running while I was running (maybe a bit strong, but I definitely didn't enjoy it!). But I loved that I had done it, every single time. And still do. The more I run the more confidence I have in what I can do and so the more I 'enjoy' each run. Yesterday I ran outdoors for the first time in ages and I actually LOVED it, even during the run. That might have been a first for me
Stay on this forum and you too will keep running and even begin to love the runs themselves
That's a lovely post, Linda. It's always good to have a proper real-life grown-up come back and tell us that we're not being daft and that some people are transformed on this mad journey..
Good luck as you glide elegantly into the middle distance xx
just keep posting on this forum - someone will provide the necessary encouragement, inspiration or plain kick up the backside should you waver .... Happy running
Bluebirdrunner - I remember you replied to my very first post on this forum (in fact, I just checked, and you were the very first person to reply to me!). At that point I was on the IC before I'd barely started c25k. But it seems I was already hooked! All I did for a couple of months was read posts on here, becoming more and more frustrated that I was missing out. I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would still be here now, and I doubt I would be if I hadn't 'met' lovely people like you
I still remember that run. oh my! I thought I would die, dreaded anyone seeing me .... What I now realise is that that was the hardest run done and dusted. Make sure you read all the helpful info on here and just enjoy. Happy running
Thank you for an inspirational and motivational post! I have worried that after the post graduation euphoria i might slip into my old couchy ways. This evening though, i realised that i had given my next three runs priority and was planning my life to fit around them.... My! How things have changed!
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