Thanks Michael! I couldn't have done it without you!

[AJG19700818]

Well! I have only gone and done it! I can't believe it! I've just been walking down the street, sobbing like a baby. I feel so emotional.

When I started this, many weeks ago, I had never run. Even when I was at school, I was always the one at the back of the cross country line, persuading my best mate to walk with me and have a natter instead of running. I didn't believe I could do it.

But I have! And it feels amazing.

The app and Michael have helped me to keep going, even when I have had to have a few breaks because of a stupid, lingering cough or because of being away from home. Just getting the trainers back on and starting where I left off has worked for me. Some days have been tougher than others but I am finally there!

I now just need to keep it up. I am nervous about not having the structure of the app. I only have the 40 minutes so won't be able to do the 5kto10k so will need to try to get to the 5k in 30mins over the next few weeks / months. I don't feel that I am TOO far away from that but not there yet.

Thank you so much for this app. It is amazing!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Congratulations! It’s a great feeling 👌🏽

[AJG19700818 in reply to Tasha99]

It certainly is. 😀

[uncle_wiggy Graduate]

Massive congratulatiins to you AJG19700818. From reluctant runner to unbeatable in 9 weeks, fabulous!

For structure you could explore the many training apps available, simply repeat W9 podcast and then add to by small amounts. Either way, let this be the beginning, not the end! 💪👍🏆

[AJG19700818 in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Thank you. Like you have suggested, I'll probably carry on using this app for a couple of weeks. But any advice on a good next steps podcast / app would be great. Thanks again!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to AJG19700818]

You don’t need the app. You’ll get used to running without it very quickly. Sign up to Strava to record your runs and you can also see your friends’ runs too. It’s fab and motivational.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done GRADUATE!!!

A super post which will encourage many Newbies and those on their way! Try some consolidation now..lots of 30 minute runs and some shorter too. Try some different routes if possible and just run because you can!

I called those runs the runs for pure joy. The more runs you do.. the runs start to evolve.

After a couple of weeks.. the C25K+ podcasts are really helpful for moving us on...some new Graduates try them too quicky and do miss the pint of them. They are challenging. and teach us much abut the disciplines in our runs and changes of pace...but they are fun too....

After that take a peek at the pinned post... What's next?

But.. for now... have a great day and then CELEBRATE !! Congratulations...

[AJG19700818 in reply to Oldfloss]

Great advice. Thank you.

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

Congratulations! 🏆

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Congratulations! Fabulous achievement. 👏👏👏👏👏

[Hidden]

Congratulations! Inspiring to hear your story 🤩

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your success. Hope I'm not breaking any rules if I recommend taking a look at the website called the running bug, lots of support whatever level you are running at. You can log runs on there too. Great motivation to keep you going. Well done, and just keep getting out there!

[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.

[AJG19700818 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I've had a quick flick through the article and it really does look very useful. Loads of tips! I'll have a really good read later. Plan for now is to consolidate what I have done. It is still tough and I know I have still got lots to learn but I am determined to keep going. I've come too far to let all that hard work go to waste. Thanks.

[Lallis Graduate]

Congratulations

[Bonsaiboy]

Well done you for overcoming those obstacles. Wonderful! I've just finished the 9 weeks and did my first run last night after the nine weeks. I'm only up to 4k at the moment. I decided last night to run for 32 mins so re-did week 9 run 1 and just carried on for a bit longer into the final walk. I've read that once finished its best to do consolidation runs. I aim to do the 5k in about 38mins I think. I'm lucky that there is a park run opposite my flat each Saturday so am aiming to be in there for xmas! Good luck and let me know you get on. Just keep it up. More is to come.

[AJG19700818 in reply to Bonsaiboy]

Similar to me then. Hoping to sign up for a park run soon too. First post-couch run tomorrow morning. Onwards and upwards. 😊

[Katnap Graduate]

Congrats! 😸👏👏👏🏆

[AJG19700818 in reply to Katnap]

😀😀😀😀