Week 9 Run 3 complete. I've done it !

[Ljb71]

Well, I can hardly believe it but I've completed the C25K programme this morning! From puffing through 1 minute of running thinking I was going to die in week 1, I can now run for 30 minutes non stop.

I had planned to finish the programme before my summer holiday but work commitments and the heat meant that I didn't, so running kit was packed with a view to doing my graduation run today.

By 9 am when I was ready to run, it was already hot. I am in the beautiful town of Coniston and had planned out a route alongside the lake by looking online but didn't realise it had very little shade. I also didn't realise there were lots of gates which needed opened, meaning I had to slow to fiddle with the latches! It was also a rough gravel path which is different from my normal footpaths. All this meant my pace was much more irregular than normal but I still did it! And boy what views!

I am so proud of completing this as I have never run before. My husband and 2 teenage sons are also very proud of my achievement.

Before I did the programme I never thought I would be running on holiday, that Jo Whiley would be my mentor, that I would possess so much lycra, that I would know that I overpronate and that I would pay a small fortune for trainers!

I have posted a little but I have lurked a lot on this forum, taking advice and encouragement from those ahead of me on the programme or the administrators which helped me keep going even when it was hard. Thank you!

What's ahead? I am going to build up to 5k in 30 minutes, I am going to sign up for our local park run with my boys and I am going to build on my progress. Beyond that I don't know, I'll see how it goes but I am very glad of the day I took the headstaggers and decided to donate my old trainers and track bottoms and embark on Couch to 5k! 👟

[Dralimc Graduate]

Massive congrats!!!! You are a fully fledged runner! 🏃🏻‍♀️🌞🏅🍾

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Dralimc]

Thanks- I know, I can't believe it! ☺️

[Forestgrump Graduate]

Well done! That’s a massive achievement. It’s a great feeling when you complete. Get yourself a big glass of fiz....... once the sun hits the yard arm 😁

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Forestgrump]

Thanks! Great idea! 🎉🥂

[southlundon Graduate]

Congratulations! And a stunning place to graduate 😀

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Thanks, absolutely beautiful here, especially on such a sunny day. Stunning scenery

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Ljb71]

I also think that everyone should post a graduation selfie on here like you’ve done 😀

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Now to get my graduation badge!

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Ljb71]

Yes - go and grab it with both hands!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Woo hoo! Congratulations.

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks, it's a great feeling as you know 🙂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ljb71]

Oh yes 😁

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

😀

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Congrats Ljb71, you’ve done it and you will have a great time Parkrunning with your boys. I just love consiston water - I’ve only done it with walking boots on. Who knows where this new addiction will take us.

🌟💫🏃‍♀️☀️👏🍾🥂🏅

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, a beautiful part of the world. Now to keep going!

[Ang33333 Graduate]

🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Thanks 😀

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Well done 👏👏👏 congratulations to you 🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Enjoy your acheivement and your new ability! 👍😁

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks, it's a great feeling 👍

[owmeknees]

Congratulations and well done! 👍👏🍾🥂🎉

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

Thanks 😀

[MelsieJay Graduate]

And the most beautiful region on earth for your podium run! Congratulations!!

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to MelsieJay]

Thanks - it certainly is beautiful here. My first time in Coniston and I love it.

[David_G]

Many congratulations, it's amazing what we can achieve when we put our mind to it. I hope you carry on running. I've found Parkrun to be great fun and it's always good to be surrounded by other people who understand what you do and why you do it.

Have a relaxing day and celebrate how far you've come!

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to David_G]

Thanks, having a lovely day and looking forward to my Parkruns ☺️ 👟

[Tinker5393 Graduate]

Well done . You deserve a double medal graduating in the recent weather. Happy running, 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♂️🍾🍾

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Tinker5393]

Thanks, it certainly has been hot. I prefer it cooler and run a much more steady pace!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Whoop whoop 🎉 🎉 🎉 Congratulations for completing the program Ljb..and on holiday too! GO YOU😎

I can imagine your graduation run, as we have stayed in Coniston on holiday, and the dog in my photo has swum from the little beach at Coniston lake. It is so pretty!

Enjoy your celebrations... (the sticky toffee pudding at the Kings Arms in Hawkshead is to die for!) Footie tonight though...

Hop onto the podium and ask for your badge here...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enioy your holiday...Graduate 😊x

[Ljb71 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks, badge requested 👍

[Gran4z Graduate]

Yeehah, you did it, welcome to being a C25K graduate, it's a very satisfying feeling, enjoy 😎

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge congratulations...lovely pikkie, lovely run and lovely smile. Happy runner

[Rachells71 Graduate]

Well done 🏆🎉

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I ran that lakeside route last year and it was beautiful, even in the rain.

Many thanks on your graduation fellow runner.

This guide to post C25K running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.