A year on from graduation ...

[linda9389]

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

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fabulous! Glad you're still enjoying it a year in 👍😁

[Hidden]

Inspirational! It’s always great to hear from someone who has graduated & is still running. I’m one run off graduation - yikes!!

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

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

[SendWine Graduate]

Great to read. I'm currently dithering about wondering how to keep going post graduation. Good to know it can be done with a little effort.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to SendWine]

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

[SendWine Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Great advice, thank you

[Jay66UK Graduate]

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.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

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.

[ToughBean in reply to Hidden]

I feel the same though Jay66UK.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Well said. I totally agree

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

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.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

A great inspiration to us all whatever level we are aiming for.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

So much inspiration on this forum

[Kimyeo Graduate]

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

Kim

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Kimyeo]

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

[sallenson Graduate]

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

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Haha 'grown up'? Never! But it does feel like part of 'growing up'

[sallenson Graduate in reply to linda9389]

You'll always be a grown to me, hon xx

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Yikes! too much responsibility

[Hidden]

Thank you for an inspirational post. I’ve recently graduated and am struggling to keep up regular running, so this is a great and timely message!

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

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 Graduate]

Happy 1st Runniversary linda😊... I feel the same, and still look forward to my run and planning what to do next!

Enjoy 10 is the Magic number again!

Happy running 😊x

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

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

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Aw thats a lovely thing to say linda...and I must say it was the same for me when I joined the forum in 2015...running folk are great.😊x

[Glittery2k]

This is so motivational , just completed my first day of the first week today ... this is amazing xxx

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Glittery2k]

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

[Pippayoungart Graduate]

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!

[linda9389 Graduate]

It's amazing isn't it? Well done though, sounds like the bug has well and truly bitten