W9R3 done! I finished :) but so slow :(

[goya]

I did it, I did it!

Very happy to report that one year and a half after first run ever, I finished!

Well, a bit longer than the advertised 9 weeks... I stopped the programme a couple of times and had to re-start, got stuck on week 5 for a long time, hibernated during winter, and I did each week twice as it's harder to run with fibro!

I finished last Wednesday, but added 2 more runs of week 9 just to be sure it wasn't a fluke! so no I know I can do run for 30minutes! I'm really W9R5

The only bad thing was that after doing the whole programme outdoors I had to start running on the treadmill and I hated it, but was so determined to finish that I continued. Now the bad news was to find out that I run at 6.5kph (4mph) and barely do 3.25km in my 30 minutes. I thought I will be doing at least 4km. Now that I know I'm not even close to 5k... what to do??

[Lallis Graduate]

First of all: CONGRATULATIONS 🍾🥂🏆🎉😀

[goya Graduate in reply to Lallis]

thank you!!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations... 9 weeks, 18 months, same result, you’ve changed your life, you’re stronger, your fitter, your healthier... that’s the victory.

Maybe you’d have been more 4K outside, you’re running uncomfortable as you don’t get on with the treadmill... more kudos for that. Keep running wherever, start extending one run soon and speed will come on the others.

Celebrate long and hard... you did it and we are all very proud of you.

[goya Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

true... it's time to celebrate... and wait for better times to run outdoors!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

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

We cannot all be record breakers but we can all build stamina, strength and fitness which will see us in good stead for future years.

Your graduation is more special because of the struggles you have faced and overcome with incredible tenacity.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[goya Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

many thanks! i must say it would have been tougher without the encouragement and kindness i received in this blog. thxs!

[FenderTelecaster Graduate]

Only ten percent of C25Kers do the full 5km when they graduate apparently, so I wouldn't fret. In fact I'm in much the same boat - I'm on the brink of graduating - and doing about what you're doing. The point is to run for half an hour, rather than run 5km.

My plan is to build up to 5km at ten percent a week, which should take about four weeks, then build up my speed to do it in half an hour, which should take another four weeks. So that's me sorted into the new year!

[Oldlady57]

Congratulations goya!! Fantastic achievement 👏👏👏🥇🎓

[jayval70]

Hi Goya. Congratulations! I understand you feel a bit disappointed with your speed, but hang on, you have fibromyalgia and you can run for 30 minutes. Yes, a whole 30 minutes non stop. How fantastic is that??!! You should be so proud 🏃‍♀️

[AnnieW55]

Celebrate 🍾🍾🍾🎉🎉🎉🏆💫🏅🎇🎆

Loads of good advice and encouragement above. Go on, pat yourself on the back, jump up and down, celebrate you’ve done well!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Brilliant determined achievement goya! Well done you! 🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏

It doesn’t matter one jot how much distance you covered at graduation. Only 10% of graduates achieve 5k in 30 minutes anyway. You can always work on speed at a later date if you wish, or continue as you are. I know I’ll never be quick, but I can trot along happily for nearly an hour now, en route to achieving 10k. I’ll be doing 8k on Thursday.

Most of all, enjoy your time on the podium and then decide where you’d like your running to take you. 😀👍

[Elfe5 Graduate]

What perseverance and determination- a HUGE well done to you. 👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉😃

The distance and speed are completely unimportant. As you continue to consolidate your 30 minutes over the next few weeks & then decide what you want to do after that, you will naturally become faster without even trying. The most important thing is enjoying your running and keep on reaping the benefits. Running at any pace does that for you! 😄

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I wouldn't get hung up on your times or how long it has taken you to finish I think you should be so proud of yourself that you've completed it 😊😊

[Boo43 Graduate]

Who cares how slow you go - you're still lapping everyone on the couch! Well done for finishing! I find i generally cover a 5k slower on the treadmill (nearly 4 mins slower) so don't worry. Slow and steady wins the race xx

[muppedo Graduate]

Well done !