W9R3 COMPLETE! 🏃🏻‍♀️🥇

[Fairydust777]

It’s been a difficult few weeks down to illness and being crazy busy but I managed to squeeze my runs in which got me to W9R3. The night before, I laid my clothes and various lucky charms so I could just get up, drink some water and be on my way.

The following morning once I was dressed, I found myself procrastinating - I realised I didn’t want to do the run because then, this would all be over. “Calm down Lisa - think about this rationally. This chapter might be almost over, but what about the chapter of maintaining the endurance and stamina, increasing distance and bridging on to 10K.” The pep talk worked wonders. One more trip to the loo and I left.

It was ferociously hot outside. I left my comfort blanket (long sleeve top) indoors and on I went.

Throughout the run, I kept thinking of this incredible journey I have been on. I laugh at how 60 seconds of running seemed like hell on watch in W1. How I was terrified of W6R3 and the dreaded leap of running time. Running seems natural to me now. I feel more social as I smile at people I pass, say hi to fellow runners. I feel more confident in general. I am a bridesmaid at a friends wedding and went to pick my dress up last week. I’ve lost inches everywhere! This might mean alterations will cost a fortune but damn, I look good! Running is my “me time.” It’s my chance to mill through my thoughts, process them and deal with them. No one can take this time away from me.

I got emotional at the last five minute call. I picked up C25K because I needed a personal goal this year, a project if you will. And it has taught me so much about myself. Last sixty seconds - I go for it. I run faster than I’ve ever ran. I was elated. I completed it. I done it! 4.64km in thirty minutes is not too bad I thought. Slightly disappointed I didn’t reach 5K but I will get there.

Thanks for all the support of this wonderful forum. It really helped when at times I didn’t wholly want to go for a run. There are some inspirational people here 😁

[David_G]

Congratulations, you’re a graduate 🏆👩‍🎓 Welcome to the podium!

Relax and celebrate your achievement - you’ve done superbly 😀👍🏃‍♀️

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to David_G]

Thanks! It is such an achievement considering before this, I wouldn’t even run for the bus 🙈

[Lola333 Graduate]

Congratulations!! That’s a great distance too ⭐️ xx

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Lola333]

Thanks! 😁 x

[QueenTea Graduate]

What an achievement- congratulations 🏆👏🌟. I felt like you / didn’t want it too end, but now we have the pleasure of consolidating what we have learned over last nine weeks. Lovely start to the week for you😉

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

Thanks. You’re compeltely right, I didn’t want it to end but now is the next stage as you say - consolidating what I’ve learned. Can’t wait for my first postgrad run! X

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Well done on your graduation. Celebrate in style then continue your running journey 🍾🥇👏

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thanks! I will definitely be continuing running 😁

[Jell6 Graduate]

Congratulations 🍾🍾🍾, and that is a great distance. Well done, and without long sleeves too.🤩

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Jell6]

It’s really hot in Scotland - vest tops all the way in this weather 🤪 thanks!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

What a lovely post.

Nothing has really come to an end.......you are only just starting.

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

Do check out this guide to post C25K running. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Exactly! I realised this wasn’t the end and I can take on the world (or increase my distance, endurance and stamina in due course!). Thanks for link - your post about beginning C25K really inspired me so I’m sure this one will too 😁

[Saartjie Graduate]

Well done Fairydust! Amazing feeling isn't it? Enjoy your moment and your future running 😊🏃‍♀️🏅👏👏👏

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

Thanks!

[sallenson Graduate]

Brilliant!! Well done you!! A proper, real, honest-to-God runner. With a great distance too.

Now we can start to have some fun, eh? What a difference 9 weeks can make. Who'dda thunk it? xx

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Thanks! Check us pair out eh?! I’m looking forward to the next part 😎🏃🏻‍♀️🤪 this forum has been amazing and I shall definitely be checking in from time to time and hopefully give some wise words to the newbies. Because we aren’t the newbies anymore. We are the graduate runners (who like to get emotional during/after our runs) 😂

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Fairydust777]

Mad eh? And helping out the folk who are where we were 9 weeks ago and having all those "AAAGH" moments, that's pretty good compensation I reckon.

We'll just have a whole new set of woes where we're going!!

C'mon, let's get out there and run around a bit... xx

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fabulous! 👏👏 well done. Congratulations to you 🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Enjoy your acheivement and new ability! 👍😁

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks 😁 x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Lovely post and Congratulations to you Fairydust, a great Graduation run🎉🎉🎉

The program is brilliant, isn't it. It builds confidence and self-belief as well as stamina. I hope you continue to enjoy your 'me' time as you go on to run 5k and more if you want to.😎

Lovely that you are all toned up ready for your bridesmaid duties, be sure to mention you are a Runner now!😊xx

Hop onto the podium for your Graduate badge! Ask for it here...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Happy running 😊 x

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks very much! Oh trust me, I tell everyone I speak to that I am now a runner! Also, how brilliant the C25K programme is 😊