W9R3 Graduation!

[RunningAlex]

I’ve been inspired by many of the posts here during my own journey

I’m a big guy. No...really big! (Was 20st+ but now a little lighter!) I remember coming home after my first run and being angry with this programme “as it’s clearly not aimed at beginners, and it’s ridiculous they expect us to run for ONE MINUTE!”

But I stuck with it. I put my faith in Laura - mostly because she told me too and she seems nice.

I’ve had some tough runs but I never stopped. I had a period around W4-5 where I could only manage one run a week as my knees were killing me and it seems my arthritic genes inherited from my broken mum weren’t going to let me do this.

But then it all clicked. My knees sorted themselves out (my leg muscles are crazy!). I even managed the dreaded W5R3 (because Laura said I could and she seems nice)

Occasionally I swear at Laura. I don’t believe she knows how I’m feeling. But she stuck with me and I stuck with her. She seems nice.

Tonight I graduated. This fat guy now runs 30 minutes without stopping. That’s bonkers and something I never, ever, ever thought I could do. At the weekend (slightly ahead of schedule) I completed a charity 5k and I run 5k consistently around 28:30. It’s amazing!

You’re all amazing. This app is amazing. Stick with it kids, you can do it. Laura says so, and she would know. She seems nice

[BDavies91]

Well done Alex!

You’re an inspiration my man! On the weeks you only did one a week, did you continue the programme but leave 1 week gaps between runs?

I’m a heavier guy for running and I’m really worried about week 4 which I’m just about to start!

Really congratulations man, you are amazing, keep it up!

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to BDavies91]

Yes exactly that. I was struggling to get more than a run every 7-10 days but I simply stuck with the plan and did the next run. Once my legs sorted themselves out I could get more done

A runner friend (proper marathons!) assured me arthritis didn’t need to be a hinderance and I’m sure I’m just lucky - but listen to your body, don’t overdo it, and trust in the plan 😊

[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.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations RunningAlex on graduating and completing C25K, a very inspiring post from you, not too many here including me at 10st 5lbs can run a sub 30 minute 5k.

To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE🎓 next to your username leave a message on the November graduate🎓 post in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked C25K home page and tell the administrators that you have ran W9R3 of C25K 🎓 🏃 😊

[Nita49 Graduate]

Oh what a fantastic post!

Thank you for sharing and inspiring the rest of us, to carry on even on those rubbish days!

Laura will be SO proud you 👏... I'm with Sanjit.... He's nice to and tells me I'm doing just great ☺️🤭👍.

Many congratulations you runner you! 🏃💪🙌

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to Nita49]

Thank you 🙂

[rollyrol Graduate]

What a brilliant post...and blimey, what a cracking time for a 5k! Well done 😊

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to rollyrol]

I keep trying! Thank you!

[BarbieW Graduate]

Well done Alex, hope you feel as good and proud as you should. And yes they all seem nice, don’t they.

I also stuck with Laura throughout c25k, but for my post graduation consolidation runs I had a listen to each of the others, and fell in love with Jo Whiley when she mentioned skipping like a gazelle, an image I never tire of!

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

I must try some of the others! But I feel like Laura is my mate (even if she definitely doesn’t know how I’m feeling!)

[Anren Graduate]

Wow, go you You've inspired me to keep going. My route has this one pig of a hill so I'm doing week 9 over and over till I can run all the way up it.

(Not sure I ever will, I struggle to walk it some days ) Will keep going though!

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to Anren]

Of course you can do it! I’m rooting for you 😊

[SueAK Graduate]

Ah that’s brilliant!! An inspiration! Well done you 🎉.

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to SueAK]

Thanks Sue!

[steviej99 Graduate]

Brilliant well done. Great post and inspiring for all of us

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to steviej99]

Oh thank you! Very kind!

[BeckySharp1]

...and YOU are amazing!! I ran with Laura today for the first time and tried my hardest not to swear at her

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to BeckySharp1]

You MUST swear at her! She loves it 😉

You’ve got this 😊

[Oldishrunner Graduate]

It's a love/hate relationship with Laura but the further into the program it's nearly all love. Well done.

[Rockingade Graduate]

Thank you for such an inspirational post. I’m mid way through wk3 listening to the lovely Laura. Your post made me smile and gave me great encouragement for future runs. Thanks again fella.

[RunningAlex Graduate in reply to Rockingade]

You’re so welcome! Stick with it - it’s so worth it!

[Skiwalker Graduate]

Well done you- great story. Keep at it 🏃🏻‍♂️