I type this with teary eyes but tears of absolute happiness and relief.
Happiness because I've finally done it. I've finally graduated.
I started this programme back in September last year and unfortunately after reaching week 8 Run 3 I slipped over at work and hurt my foot and back. That was the start of many problems that ceased my running for 5 months. I was devastated but knew I would return.
9 weeks ago today I put back on my running shoes and started again with the determination of a woman on a mission.
As I look up a gaze upon this large playing field on the outskirts of Epping Forest, I remember the days when I couldn't run a quarter of it. Now I run round it multiple times. That alone was and is a great achievement for me.
Many wouldn't understand or don't care and that's why I've done this journey alone and that's why I'm here alone today with no one to cheer me on. But that's ok.
I know that everyone on this forum is cheering for one another and I'm soo greatful for you all.
I am so relieved right now aswell.... not because I've finally done it but because I was worried that my foot wouldn't carry me through but it did and right now it actually doesn't feel too bad.
When I reached to my usual spot earlier, the Saturday park run was in full force. So I just kind of joined in. Had to run in the complete opposite direction than I usually would but I did that to blend in and to also not get in anyone's way by going one way and everyone else going the next.
My graduation run went well and my samsung health app told me that I broke my fastest speed record. I wasn't trying to break any records or personal bests today at all. I just wanted to finish in one piece with my right foot still attached but it just happened.
Well I've shed my tears and will just sit here and reflect on my journey for a while.
My journey has far from ended though and you all won't get rid of me that easy. I intend to keep on running and maybe one day break that barrier of 5km in 30 minutes. It will happen, sooner or later.
A massive thank you to you all for your advice, kind words of encouragement and understanding when others didn't. Wish I could hug you all right now.
Now let me go and get my shiny badge that goes beside my name and order my #couchto5k medal which I will cherish from this day forth.xxx
What an inspirational post, I'm just coming up to where you were the first time you did the programme and can't imagine having to stop and then start again after such a long time.
Thank you. Yep I've been through a whole heap but it just goes to show that when you want something bad enough, don't give up. Things will be thrown at you to stop you from succeeding but never give up. 😊
Well done. Enjoy the immense buzz (or deep mellowness) that follows this run. Especially well done for coming back for the second go after injury.
Lump in my throat thinking about what you said about doing this alone, and I know how that feels. I hope the running continues to bring you joy.
Awww thank you. Tears again. I came in this world alone and I will leave alone and many times in between I'll be alone. At least we can say that we did it from sheer determination and not because of someone else.
I'm sure the feeling that this day brings will continue while I run for a long time to come. Fingers crossed. 😊
I’m so happy for you Donna! I’m almost in tears too! Your profile pic is one of the best on this whole site and I’m just imagining that beaming smile all over you face right now.
I suppose we all have to be determined to do this but for you have come back after all you went through is something beyond determination.
And you did it in style! ‘I’ll just join in with this park run and get my best times ever’! Well done!
I’m glad your foot is ok too.
You are an absolute star! Many, many congratulations! ⭐️⭐️⭐️🥇🥇🥇👏🏻👏🏻🤩🤩🤩
Amazing and another brilliant story showing that setbacks are just that and you can come back and keep going! Huge, huge congratulations, and here's to many more miles xx
Well done Donna, it’s quite an emotional journey isn’t it , and you’ve done well in keeping up with it with all the obstacles. Enjoy the podium with all those lovely people who’ve graduated this week. 🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🤸♀️🏃♀️🥂🍾🏅👏
Oh, you. Just, oh, you. You have been just brilliant at this, all the way through. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you or how proud of you I am.
We've been on this since pretty much the start of your re-try. I couldn't have asked for a lovelier running buddy. You are one special lady, Donna.
Let's keep on plugging away, ok? Get your foot looked at. We've got a long way to go together, you and me.
No-one, just no-one, deserves this as much as you. Every flipping possible hug in the world is making its way from Sunny Sussex to Extraordinary Epping as we speak.
What a lovely, lovely post Donna! You are not alone with your teary eyes because your words have made me well up too! When I graduated (over two and a half years ago now), it had been following an injury at Week 8 of the programme which put me out for several months. I too, started virtually from scratch with that same steady determination to graduate!! I know how special today must feel!😀. Huge congratulations on graduating - it sounds as though this is still the beginning of your journey and who knows where the running journey will take you...I went on to run further ( and a little bit faster!) completing my first half marathon last year! This was never an original goal but it's funny how this 'running bug' takes over and how much it can change our lives. You are right that this is a fantastic place to come for support and to share the journey (as are the Bridge to 10k' and 'Marathon runnning and Race Support' forums. ) Wherever you go next, whatever your goal - enjoy!!!🙂👍
Thank you for your kinds words. You know exactly how I feel.
I don't have any major plans as yet but one thing is for sure.... I would love to be able to run that 5k in 30 minutes.
So I will continue to run these 30 minute runs for a few weeks and then hopefully try to increase my speed as I become stronger. From that goal is accomplished.... who knows. I may very well try going for the 10k. 😊
Fantastic Donna! The badge suits you! Looking forward to see how Class of June 2018 progresses! We are all amazing, but especially you today. Really well done. Time to celebrate.x
Well done and congratulations! An inspirational story of true grit and determination. You have done so well to come back after your injury and time out. Enjoy stepping up to the podium 👏👍🍾🥂🎉🥇
Congratulations Hidden so pleased for you and grateful that you shared your trials and tribulations with us all, stories like yours really do help motivate the rest of us, enjoy the graduation glow
Thank you so much. I tried to be as honest as possible so others saw that people do have a hard time sometimes and that they're not alone when struggling.
I am most definitely enjoying the glow of graduating and looking forward to all the runs in the future to come. 😊
I am really happy for you Donna. You have done so well and have faced down considerable challenges
You are never alone with this forum and now you have a whole amazing future of running ahead of you👍🏃🏾♀️😊
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Thank you soo much. If nothing else I always knew that you all on here are always nothing but supportive and encouraging. Can't thank you all enough. 😊
Amazing effort Donna. Total respect to you for coming back after your accident. I’m struggling with week 8 and found your post super inspiring so thank you. Enjoy the afterglow - long may it last! Xx
Congratulations Donna, you certainly deserve your badge - and a few more too! You have enormous determination and have made it through obstacles that would have put many off ever bothering to return. But you stuck at it and kept on going, hopefully that makes today all the more sweeter. The sky's the limit from now on x
Thank you so much. You've been around and read all my ups and downs but throughout it all, it was more than worth it. I'm glad I stuck with it. 😊
wow , i have tears for you , what a story , to pick up again after injury must be so hard and that makes your achievement mean so much more . Well done my friend xxx
Aww donna im sending you hugs right now ...Many many many congratulations ...Im so proud for you ...Feeling teary reading your post as i was on my graduation ...Let the happy tears flow sweetheart all the very best to you ...So so chuffed for you ...We all need to keep in touch no one is going any where i hope ..This forum has got us all through .....Well done ..😊😊😊😊😊
Donna you’re a star! Very well done . Hope you’re proud of yourself - we’re very proud of you. It’s been a pleasure following your posts . Look forward to hearing what you’re up to next . 🎉🍾❤️🏃🏼♀️👏🏻🥇😘
Awww thank you. I will most certainly continue running the 30minutes for now and see if I can improve on distance covered in due time. After that, who knows! Maybe the 10k one day.😊
Congratulations! That was a heart-breaking read to hear that you've felt so alone. Hopefully the fact that we're all right there with you will help a little. Then a feeling of elation swept over me to hear the strength it must've taken to continue the programme with your injury. I'm impressed and full of respect for you. What are your plans now? I'll be watching with great interest. 🍾🥂🎊🎉🏅👏👏👏🏃♀️💨
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Thank you. Well for now I just intend to continue running 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Hoping to hit that 5k in the coming weeks to come. That's the immediate goal. After that... I'm not too sure as yet but I will continue to run for sure 😊
Well done Donna, I remember starting out together last September. Your injury was such bad luck but I'm so pleased you have now made it. See you over in Bridge to 10k soon!!!
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Enjoy your badge, and I really hope your foot starts to improve soon
I did it! Week 9 run 3!
I Did It. Week 9 Run 3
Week 9 Run 3 - Graduated!
I did it! Finally Graduated 
Week 9 Run 3 - Hurray! I did it
