Another graduate!

[TedA]

Just finished W9R3 and am beaming right now. This programme is fantastic and truly works. Thanks to the NHS for setting it up and to Laura (I used the podcast version) for pitching the advice and encouragement just right. And also to all the great people on here for the brilliant support. Some of you directly, but many more whose posts have been such a great help without you knowing.

I took an extra couple of weeks to complete, as I came down with a bad enough summer cold after W6R2 that I had to take a week out and then redo W6. Otherwise it's gone really smoothly. A little bonus today was that my final run came in at 4.9k. I've been using the Strava app on my iPhone to track the runs. It stopped giving me audio feedback early on and because I stow the phone away when I'm running, I don't see any numbers until after I'm done. So it was only afterwards that I saw the 4.9k/30 min stat.

My deal with myself was that if I completed the C25K programme I'd get a decent fitness tracker. So I'll treat myself to a Garmin now and get on with consolidating. I fancy the Bridge to 10k programme, but I intend to give my 55-year-old body plenty of time first to get used to 5k and hopefully shift some weight too. I've lost about 4kg during C25K, but there's a lot more to go...

So, to anyone just starting out, this really does work. And any time you're in doubt, just come and read the posts from all the great people in here.

[telford_mike Graduate]

Unbelievable, another graduate this weekend! Welcome to the class of 2018 and congratulations! 4.9k in 30 minutes is super speedy too! I also bought a Garmin as a graduation present, you'll become obsessed with the stats! Well done again!

[TedA Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Thanks Mike! You're very much one of the posters who's been an inspiration as I've followed this programme.

[MandiV]

Well done Ted - fantastic achievement and what a good idea - treat yourself to that running watch!

[TedA Graduate in reply to MandiV]

I will Mandi, thank you!

[Runsome Graduate]

Congrats TedA nice one👍

[TedA Graduate in reply to Runsome]

Appreciated!

[EmilyReads Graduate]

Congratulations! Enjoy your moment and good luck with consolidation

[TedA Graduate in reply to EmilyReads]

I will Emily, thanks!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Well done! I graduated this morning too! Doesn’t it feel great? Hop onto the podium and have a glass of something with us all! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🎉🍾🥇

[TedA Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Congratulations to you too! Heading off for a celebratory lunch now.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to TedA]

Fabulous, enjoy it! Don’t forget to claim your badge! 🥇

[Hidden]

Congratulations , really well done , a treat is well deserved 👏👏👏👏

[TedA Graduate]

Cheers Rob.

[Tinker5393 Graduate]

Well done,great time and buy that garmin , I treated myself to one when I graduated too. Enjoy your day. 🍾🍾🍾

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

That’s great news! Another graduate! Well done 👍

[TedA Graduate]

Thanks Brian!

[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.

[TedA Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Great info, thanks. I’ll take the advice to consolidate nice and easily while digesting it all.

[Agelesslass]

Isn’t it wonderful? I would never have thought of trying to run to get fit but saw C25k app and thought let’s go for it. That was back in April now I’m running 7 miles plus. Like you intend to do I bought a Garmin Forerunner and it’s very motivating, love it, definitely get one, you will love it too. Congrats to you, 55 is no age, I’m 64 and running is now a big part of my life, I have also lost over a stone in weight, all positive stuff eh!!!!

[TedA Graduate in reply to Agelesslass]

Very encouraging. Thanks!

[Getfitok Graduate]

Well done you! That's brilliant 😊

[MadDave]

Well done and I think you deserve the Garmin! These older legs do need more recovery / consolidation runs, but I’d suggest running 2 x 5k’s a week and slower, longer one. I’ve fallen into the habit of the weekly park run being the ‘race’ run with the other two runs each week being both a fair bit slower. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[TedA Graduate in reply to MadDave]

Cheers Dave. I’m carefully reading and absorbing all the advice as the first post-grad runs approach

[PaulBrad Graduate]

Congratulations TedA very well done - onwards and upwards