9 weeks and 9 months!

[Marcia-H]

Well what do I say?!?!.......

I had a fun start and fun end to today's graduation run! I was just in the park at the pond when my run was just about to start. Then suddenly all the swans took off!!! There were about 16 of them-just all took off and flew around, everyone just stopped what they were doing, it was pretty spectacular!!!

I won't lie, the run itself was tough. I woke with a sore throat, didn't go to bed until 2am and dinner last night was skipped but had waffles and ice cream at the cinema 😂 so whether it was that or just a toughie today I don't know 🤷‍♀️ it didn't stop me enjoying it though.

I was wondering when I was going to cry! Finished my run and thought, that's it! But still no tears?!? As I did my final lap around the pond in my cool down and headed to the gates I was ambushed!!!!

Out jumps my little girl Tallulah with flowers for mummy shouting surprise well done!! And my husband David with baby Vincent 💕🙊

Omg the tears came!!!!

It's been a great 9 weeks!!! So many ups and just a few downs, I'm happy with that! I'm happy that I have graduated and done something amazing for myself! I am proud 😃

I couldn't be more proud than to share this with Vincent turning 9 months today! 9 months pregnant, now he is 9 months! Lots of 9's today!!!!

Anyway I'm going off topic here, I've celebrated with eggs after running, and will treat myself tonight to an Irn Bru tonight!!

I wanted to do something while on maternity leave and I have! In the words of Tallulah 'all gum' (all done!) 💪🤗

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Woohoo congratulations Marcia! 🎉🍾🏃‍♀️👍❤️👏💪 You’ve only gone and done it, and what a wonderful photo of you and your beautiful family! Amazing! 👏👏👏

Enjoy your day, milk it for all it’s worth and don’t forget to claim your badge off the pinned graduation post! It’ll look mighty fine next to your name! 🏅❤️

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheeky! Was so nice they got involved!!

Need to figure this badge thing out now!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations. Great family picture of an unforgettable day. Hope the celebration goes on long. Enjoy.

See you for the start of the next adventure

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM!! It is a great pic of a memorable day!

Not sure where to start now!! Maybe some nike and the parkruns are calling! Promised the dog a run together after graduation so he will feature in a future post!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

Cool... just make sure he runs slow and abides by the rest days 😂😂😂

Nike is pretty good and you can follow other plans, like ju-ju-‘s wonderful 10k one on it.

You’ll love parkrun.

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

He's only got little legs!!! He might need a really long rest and a big dinner!!

I've been interested in ju-ju's plan, so it's on Nike?

The more I hear about the parkruns the more I like them! Just need to work on pace and distance to do one now!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

Not as such... but Nike app you can just set a run and get updates, so when your plan says 6k you just dial it up and go. They’re also stating to put guided runs in by distance, they’ve always been timed before, so you can have a coach or a legend talking you through a run. ju-ju’s plan is gonna be the best way to 10k... the Nike plans are race based so spend a fair bit of time on getting you fast over the distance for a set day... in my opinion that’s a route to go down after you’re at the distance.

Parkrun is great, and you don’t have to worry about pace to go... it’s very relaxed and when the competitive ones have run out of site you don’t have to see them again 😂

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ha! 😂 Roadrunner then!

Thanks for all that, will look into all this a bit more before planning my next move!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

I’m gonna follow 5k race plan, which will take me to 10 miles the second time round, and that’s no longer scary 😂. If I wanted to do 10k as an event I’d be going down the ju-ju- route as it’s a great progression from C25K and teaches you how to do it.

When I do 12x400m though I’ll be crying on here for support 😂

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

You sound very focussed! I wish I was this prepared! It's funny to think 9 weeks ago I'd be talking about anything like this-and probably would not believe you if you told me! A lot of things no longer seem scary just a challenge-more a "ooh I want to do that!!", rather than I could never do that!

Think I'll just do some relaxed runs for a bit and plan something out for the near future...... I'm sure you'll be just fine at your 12x400m, you are the running oracle 😎🤗

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

I went into this not knowing if my knees would hold, now they’re stronger than ever. I’ll survive those 400’s and come out of them stronger. I have a focus on a couple of goals and then I’m back to running just for fun.

It wasn’t about 5k, it was about the C2 bit. As long as we don’t go back to just C we’ve won.

I’ve been loving the relaxed runs, had a great slow run today, no pressure... you’ll love them too for sure, as will the dog with the little legs. Whatever you choose to do with this running thing, keep it fun, keep smiling and know that you can do whatever you set your mind to in running and in life.

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

So nicely put..... love the C2-whatever part, too true!

Fun ✅ smiling ✅ will definitely be in the plan! Mind over matter as long as you're determined-again too true!! The key to any success in life!

[donttrustaskinnycook Graduate]

I'm not going to lie, I was getting tearful reading this 😂

Wow! What a massive massive achievement!! You must be so proud of yourself!! What an inspiration!

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to donttrustaskinnycook]

Awe really!!! That’s lovely!

Thank you it does feel a massive achievement !!!

[SOULY47 Graduate]

Whoop whoop. Go girl. What an amazing 9 months and 9 weeks. How wonderful that your family came to surprise you at the end. Emotional or what??? Its been a pleasure to read your and share your journey. I will miss it. Im on Facebook (gillian holmes) if you'd like to keep in touch. I still dont know what's next but I know I will miss the structure of the programme and the friendliness of the group in general. Enjoy being up on the podium as a graduate xx

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to SOULY47]

Thank you!!! It has been an amazing 9 months and 9 weeks!!! I caught a glimpse of them behind the bush and just broke down walking towards them 😭💕 it was amazing way to finish!!

I’ve just tried to find you on Facebook but there are many of you!!! You might be easier finding me- Marcia Fleming (Hagan was my maiden name) if you or anyone want to add me! (Let me know who you are since it might not be obvious!)

☝️obviously not you but anyone else!

Likewise I will miss the structure too-not even sure what I’m doing on Friday???!! But I want to get quicker and fancy a parkrun!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations Marcia and what a lovely photo of you and your lovely family, you know the score now, to get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE next to your username leave a message on the October graduate post in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked C25K home page, once again congratulations for completing C25K.

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you!! Need to figure this badge out as I use the app and they are never there!!! Thanks for the help!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

Yes I notice that after you posted your report of your graduation run, 9 hours later the word GRADUATE has still not appeared, the badge never appeared on any of the appliencies I use after I graduated but graduate did, even my older Smartphone shows that word.

You could try on a laptop if you have one, I still don't understand why graduate has not appeared on the right side of your username???

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

PS. Marcia, I have directly told Oldfloss an Administrator of C25K about the word GRADUATE not appearing next to your username. Hopefully it should appear soon.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

There now...there have been ussue with it appearing on apps..but the problems have been reported to HU.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for your reply Floss

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I fell asleep last night-must have been the run 😂and it's late tonight so might need to wait until tomorrow to sort it out and get to finally see my graduate badge 🤗

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

Marcia-H, the word GRADUATE is now next to your username.

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you both so much!!! 😃 ignore the reply above, replied before reading this!! 🙊

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Well done 💐🎖💐

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

AAAAHHH! TOO CUTE!!! CONGRATULATIONS MARCIA!!!!

I've been watching out for this post today whilst i'm at work ...shhhh! 😆

A huge well done ...even the swans gave you a fanfare today! (they must've known)

You should be very proud of your achievement and your beautiful family Marcia.

Enjoy the Graduate podium today and go mad - get yourself a multipack of Irn Bru tonight! 🤣 x 💚

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Awe 💕 thanks, love how you looked out for this at work!!! 😁👀

Swans were actually amazing-just crazy their all did it!!!

And can you believe I spent the afternoon in Asda, spent a small fortune and forgot my Irn Bru!!! Gutted 🙄😆

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

Wonderful post, and what a beautiful graduation! Huge congrats ! 👏

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to HillsEverywhere]

It truly was! Thank you hills

[Shakywakey Graduate]

Brilliant. Well done. I’ve enjoyed reading about your progress over the last 9 weeks 😁

Enjoy the podium and welcome to the post C25K running club 👏👏

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Shakywakey]

Thant’s really nice to say that, thank you shaky

[Oldlady57]

Fantastic Marcia!! A sincere well done/run 🎓 👍🏻 What a journey!!! Beautiful family picture. Have fun celebrating 🎓🥇🎉👏👏👏🥂🥂

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Oldlady57]

Thank you so much oldlady!

[Dragonflies Graduate]

Ginormous congratulations!!! 💐🏅🏃‍♀️🌟 Well done and feel super proud of yourself! Hope to catch up with you in a couple of weeks and maybe “meet” again in the post C5K forum.

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Dragonflies]

Thank you!!! Enjoy the last few weeks, they are great! I’ll still post a few in here and stick around!

[Amandana]

What a beautiful surprise from your beautiful family!! Congratulations on graduating!

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Amandana]

Thank you! It was a great surprise!!!

[Hidden]

You are awesome!!! 🤩

Huge congratulations Marcia! I’m over the moon for you!💛

The pic is lovely, you have a truly amazing family!

You’ve got such strength & determination👏👏👏 Doing c25k with a little baba is nothing short of incredible...

You are Supermomma!!!

Enjoy your graduation day & irn bru! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you next! 🙌💪🎉🏃‍♀️👌

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Awe thanks!! Lovely compliments there-makes it feel even more special!

[Pickles1234]

Congratulations!!! I reached the halfway point today which means that you were at this point when I started! Enjoy your success 🎉🎊💃💐

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Pickles1234]

I remember this point well!!! You really feel like your getting somewhere now! And thanks for the congratulations!

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate]

Well done! This is just brilliant! Xx

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to SubterraneanAlien]

Thanks 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge congratulations...very well done. Sorry I missed this.. but I have Grammy duty Tuesdays and Wednesdays ...

Brilliant post..gorgeous photograph..wow..what a family...all gum indeed...and it goes on...😉

Sorry you had trouble with the badge..?

As my small one says...hopefully.."Grammy sorted it!

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for sorting this grammy 😜 think it was my fault as I've only just posted on the pinned graduate post, and the browser is so different from the app, I've been a bit confused!!! All sorted!

[Rooster678]

Bloody fantastic and what a beautiful and supportive family. Love it!!!!

I'm liking that grad badge next to your name - suits you!!!!!

All the best with your onward running journey, keep posting, you're just ahead of me by one run... I'll see you on the podium soon x

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Rooster678]

Thank you rooster! Just catching up after a very early night last night! And just seeing my graduate badge too!!!

Best of luck with yours!!

[Katnap Graduate]

Ooh! Got the Graduate badge to your name already 😸

Fantastic achievement Marcia.

Celebrate it and move on to new and greater challenges.

You're definitely a proper runner now!

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Thanks so much!! You are so right-new and greater challenges are ahead! Good luck with your running too!

[Shmev82 Graduate]

Well done and hats off to your hubby for planning such a wonderful surprise. 🙂💪🏻👍🏻

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Shmev82]

Thank you! Yes very well done-when I left they were in pjs!!! How he got them dressed and to the park that quick deserves 👏 On its own!!

[uncle_wiggy Graduate]

Marcia, loved your posts, loved your smile and loved the pic of you and your lovely family. Well done on your graduation and simply being you! 😉

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Awe how lovely thank you 😊

[SailingGirl]

Yay!!! You did it. Congratulations !!!

[Deals1 Graduate]

Ah well done!! 😀🍾🍾🍾🏃 I was looking out for yr post too.... And just saw it now for some reason. Enjoy your time on the podium!! U deserve it. 👍👍 What a lovely end to yr run, great photo

[Marcia-H Graduate in reply to Deals1]

Thank you!!! Best end ever 🤗

[Ziggyliscious]

Beautiful family ♡ ... very well done on your '9s' 🥰