A fond farewell to 2018 and bonjour 2019

[Amerynthe]

When I started out on my C25K challenge it was with the aim of surprising my brother and making him proud of my achievement. That didn't work out as he simply doesn't have it in him to say anything positive or encouraging to me! But in the end it didn't matter because I discovered I could be proud of myself. I never thought I would end up enjoying running, and I hadn't anticipated the strength of this community to support and encourage me - and other former couch potatoes like me - as I stumbled my way through week one (three times!) and week two (twice!) until I found the confidence to trust the programme and my own ability. Graduating, and managing a Park Run before Christmas was a wonderful way to go into the festive season and I didn't want to spoil it all, so I have been out pretty much every other day throughout the holiday for a 30-minute run. So thank you to everyone who has helped me with their words of encouragement and their own stories - you are all superstars!

Inspired by Molly1973's post about running 20 miles a month throughout 2019, I thought about my own challenge for next year. I used to live in Paris in my younger, much slimmer (8.5 stone!) and fitter days, but I haven't been back for years, so I've decided to (virtually) run door to door and back again in 2019. From my current home in Southampton to my old home in Paris is 222.2 miles as the crow flies, so the plan is to chart my runs and 'proper' walks (ie going out for a walk, not just the steps I do around the house and the office - they won't count) and get back to where I used to live. If I can get back to what I used to weigh as well, so much the better, but somehow I think that's a challenge too far!

To keep me on track (as if that wasn't enough!) I'm aiming for a 10k in May, so I shall be continuing my training here and on the bridge to 10k forum, so you haven't seen the last of me, by any means!

I wish you all a very happy 2019. Whatever you wish for yourself next year, if you really believe in yourself, you are already halfway there!

[Irish-John Graduate]

You can't change your brother -but you sure changed yourself

Well done on more than you becoming a Runner

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you! x

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Inspiring Amerynthe, you’ve done so well so far and you’ll achieve loads in 2019 too. Congratulations! 🎉🎉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👏👏

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

That sounds like a fun challenge! Enjoy the journey to 10k and the trip!

Sorry I missed your last post... hectic Christmas. Maybe one day your brother will work out how amazing a sister he has, but you have us and we already know. Have a great night and a very happy new year.

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks! I plan to enjoy every single kilometre, even the tough ones!

[Letty111 Graduate]

That’s a lovely idea. Have a great New Year.

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Letty111]

Thanks Letty, you too.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

You have achieved so much - good for you! 😄

Good plan! Having a goal and focus is really helpful. All the best for 2019.😄

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thanks and all the best to you, too

[Jazzyd Graduate]

That’s brilliant well done. Think I need to have something to work towards I have lost my mojo over the holidays xxx

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Jazzyd]

Thanks! I'm sure you'll find your motivation again in 2019!

[Jazzyd Graduate in reply to Amerynthe]

Managed to get out this morning and managed a 20 minute run. It was a tad windy as I ran along the sea from but according to Strava I did my fastest half mile, km and mile so far so not bad at all. 2.7km in total without including warm ups xx

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Jazzyd]

Fantastic! Great start to the year! I hope the wind was at your back, helping you along!

[AndrewH13 Graduate]

Congrats, glad you have overcome negativity and won the battle. Wife and I amazingly on week 8 now, just run in gym for first time (on a cruise ship) that was harder than on usual seafront with a breeze. But we managed it once got treadmill under control and a great feeling.

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to AndrewH13]

Congrats to you and your wife on coming so far along the plan - and for the dedication to carry on while you're on a cruise! I think I'd be running laps around the buffet table, plate in one hand and glass in another, so you're obviously really committed! Enjoy the rest of the cruise!

[BeckySharp1]

Happy New Year Amerynthe. I am loving the goal you have set. You have every right to be amazingly proud of yourself. Sending positive vibes

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to BeckySharp1]

Thanks Becky! Just back from my first run of 2019 - that's 8.5 km closer to Paris (not all running, I must add, lots of it was walking!)

[Sandie1961 Graduate]

Happy New Year Amerynthe! What a great goal to set yourself for 2019 🏃‍♀️👏🙌

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie!

[Tartancat Graduate]

Your brother might find it hard showing his pride in you, but we don't! Well done Amerynthe!

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

Thank you! I am beginning to see that although he can't express it, he does feel it! But knowing I have so much support on this forum is really great and encouraging!

[Sybilw Graduate]

Your brother didn’t step up but you surely did! Like you I started this year and it was the first thing I’ve done for myself in decades! We can be proud of ourselves without needing the approval of others. Your 10k aim is fantastic. I’m not as ambitious / lazier than you but still proud to be out running. Well done everyone who has stepped up to the challenge.

[Amerynthe Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

LOLOL All my life I've been told I'm lazy! I think that's why I bite off more than I can chew at times! We all have different priorities and ambitions, but getting off the couch is 100% more than the millions who stay there, TV remote in hand. I was one of those couch potatoes up until 1 October 2018 and am proud of myself for rising to the C25K challenge!