I made it (despite the doubts)!

[Reverie1]

Well there have been many times over the last 9 weeks when I’ve seriously doubted if I’d get to the end of this programme (including this morning as I struggled up a particularly hilly bit!) - but I’m proud to be able to say I’m now a graduate! 😀

Couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement I’ve had from reading this forum, and from Laura of course 😉

It’s a great programme and it really works! I’m very much not a ‘natural’ runner, and was pretty unfit at the start. I’ve even started enjoying my runs (well, bits of them!) and I definitely feel better for it.

Next steps will be to build towards the legendary 5k...I’m managing about 4K in 30 mins at the moment.

It’s also going to be a challenge keeping up runs when I start a 9 week placement next week (involving 4 hours travel a day..) - I’m thinking I might have to cut back to 2 short runs in the week plus a longer one at the weekend, but I’m worried I’ll lose my hard-won fledgling fitness.

Any advice on managing this appreciated.

[Wobblyjog]

Well done 👍🏆

[Hidden]

Well done and congratulations on graduating 👏👏👏👏

[Jell6 Graduate]

Congratulations 🍾🍾, and you have already got a plan for the next 9 weeks, I think you should maintain your fitness doing that.

Keeping running is what's important🤪

[steviej99 Graduate]

That's brilliant well done!! Two short runs and one long run a week is fine, it's actually a good plan for running further. Try to make your short runs a bit quicker even if you have to take some recovery walks. Make your long run nice and slow and if you have time try to extend those long runs by two or three minutes a week. You'll definitely maintain your fitness. Congratulations on graduating!!

[Patslad Graduate]

Well done. Sometimes it’s a bit daunting not having your C25k coach with you after graduation. There is plenty of support on here and in other apps. Keep on running.

[Reverie1 Graduate]

Many thanks everyone for those nice replies and the encouragement! 😊 Some really helpful tips too: I’ll definitely try and keep extending the longer run a bit, as well as picking up the speed on the short ones. Might also try and work on those hills too... 😝 I agree the main thing is to keep at it, and stay a runner now 😎 Thanks again for the support.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations... one lone run should keep you going... if you do the short ones at a slightly higher tempo that will help your speed too.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done..Congratulations Graduate..!!

Consolidation of the 30 minute runs now.. and some shorter and longer runs too.new routes as well...

Fit in the runs as and when you are able... work out on the days you cannot.. core strength and stamina... loads to choose from...short and longer exercises to do anywhere!

Many folk do a short run and a sightly longer one and then a longer run at weekends.

I always try, ( when not on a plan), for a shorter, slightly speedier one and then... a 5/6K and then my favourite... a Sunday Runday.. see where I get to run

You will be just fine

But now... Party time!!!

[hudsondoglets Graduate]

Well done!!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

A big well done, you got to the podium. That is an achievement!

[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.

[Reverie1 Graduate]

Thank you so much for the tips and encouragement, everyone: I’m really chuffed that people have taken time to reply and offer advice 😊 I’ll definitely take on board the things you guys/gals have said, and I’m feeling pretty good tonight after a celebratory glass or two of wine! 🍷Sunday will be my first ‘graduate’ run, then I’ll try and get a new routine on the go next week: I’m feeling more reassured I won’t lose all the work I’ve done if I have to cut down my runs on some days 😎 Have a good night, all, and enjoy your weekend running 👍

[GeoffGeofferson]

Congratulations. Fantastic achievement 🏃‍♀️😜

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

Congratulations and very well done 💐👏🎊👟🏅🍾 - 4 hours travelling a day sounds draining, I hope you manage to fit some taking-care-of-yourself time in.

[Reverie1 Graduate]

Many thanks, GeoffGeofferson and Languid_Lil (great name btw!)

Well, Im not exactly looking forward to all those dark morning starts and late nights home, but my aim is to take it very easy at the weekends, and if the commute is the worst thing about the placement I'll be getting off lightly ; ))