I've only gone and done it!! 😄

[Little-runner]

Yesterday was the final run of the program and the heat made it a tough one.

I was in the peak district for a long weekend and ran along the Transpennine trail, flat all the way, lovely and quiet.

If I think back to how I felt at the start of this journey, I was determined but apprehensive and daunted at what lay ahead.

I have learned that I don't give up, I usually have more in the tank if I need it, and I don't like hills.

I love to run to music and it's like a metronome that keeps me going, adjusting my pace to the BPM.

I've learned to keep a slow pace, and naturally I've become quicker without thinking about it...it just happened and is still happening.

I have health anxiety and due to a heart condition I worry about this, a lot. I don't have any restrictions on activity at the moment, so I've had a bit of an ongoing mental battle with my breathing, and sometimes I can feel an inkling of panic, so I just have to tell myself 'you are running, of course you are out of breath, just relax'.

I love technology and stats (Strava), and I love running gear. Never ever thought I would wear proper running shorts, but in this weather, it's non-negotiable!

Next? I'm doing my first Park Run on the 4th August, and in the meantime, I'm going to keep the distance the same, and mix it up with some hill training (cos I just have to get better at hills), and some intervals.

I'm mindful not to go too crazy as I've heard this is time for new runners to get an injury. I know I'm still in the very very early days of my running life, and it's also something that I will do for the rest of my life if I'm able!

Happy running everyone!

[bellspond Graduate]

Wow congratulations, you’ve done amazingly 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

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

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Robert128]

Well done completed mine today great achievement for next the 5to10k 😊

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Oh my Little-runner Im just catching up today and Im so pleased to see you've done it! Graduated! You star!! Congratulations to you and well done! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🎓😍❤️

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you lovely! I'm chuffed to bits! x

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

What a fantastic journey 👏👏👏

Many, many congratulations! 🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Enjoy that great acheivement, and your new ability!! 👍😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[theoldfellow]

Well done Little-Runner! Proud of you.

[Equi-geek Graduate]

What a great graduation run! I know what you mean about your heart I think. I have SVT and this programme hasn’t given me a moment’s problem - thanks to the warm up and the ‘go slow’ mantra! Still, the odd thump from my heart triggers a brief anxious moment and a few seconds of self-monitoring before I can truly relax again 🙄 enjoy the running GRADUATE!! 🎓🎓🎓🎓🍾🍾🍾🍾❤️❤️❤️

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Thanks Equi-geek. It’s good to know I’m not alone in my anxiety. Haha...and you called me a ‘graduate’! That’s brilliant, I am aren’t I?? Yay! 😁

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Loved your post! A BIG well done to you! Congratulations! Glad you recognize to not go crazy in the next month or so.

😀🏃😎🍾🍰

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Goforitmama]

Thanks so much! Yep, not going crazy as definitely don’t want an injury. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done you.. what a super place to Graduate... it rained in Buxton today!

The journey goes on! IannodaTruffe has given you the link

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hey Oldfloss, yes it was a wonderful location, just looking at the views was definitely keeping me distracted from the heat! I would of loved some rain to cool me. x

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Oh wow I love your post!! And having just read Fabulous450 's shorts post I'm blown away (alright and a bit emoshe! 🙄) by the strength and sheer guts that we find we have when we really dig deep and look for it! It's been there all along! I just L❤VE this forum!! 😬🤓

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Hey Flara, this is without doubt the most supportive forum I’ve ever been on, 😍

What a lovely bunch us runners are! x

[Fernshome]

Congratulations very well done🎓

[Jelon Graduate]

Well done you it sure sounds like a fab grad run 😊👍🏻🙌💪🏻🕶🌞

[owmeknees]

Congratulations and well done! 👍👏🍾🥂🎉🥇

[KazH01 Graduate]

Well done - massive achievement. My advice is to repeat week 9 at least for next 3-4 weeks. Maybe the heatwave will have subsided by then and just think how strong your body will be

[Manxmezzo Graduate]

Congratulations!!!

[southlundon Graduate]

Huge well done Little!