I GRADUATED!!!

[BirdyRose]

This morning I completed my Graduation run...

That was quick!!!!

I honestly couldn't have asked for a better run. This has been my best run to date.

The weather was absolutely STUNNING.

Folkestone is now my new favourite place to run.

Running along the beach with the sun beaming down on me from bright blue skies is the best feeling ever, even on a cold January day.

I ran a total of 4.5k today. Its not quite 5k, but I have to consider that I was running AGAINST the wind for my entire run (it is really windy), up and down steps, and up hills too.

When I started this 9 week running course, I literally just wanted to stop laying around eating crisps and feeling rubbish, and having panic attacks, not sleeping at night and dreading the days getting shorter over winter.

That's all I wanted, was to try to see if something could snap me out of it.

One day, about a week after Doozer Graduated, I got up, and joined Doozer for a run.

When I first did it, I remember thinking how hard it was. 60 seconds running felt like a day and a half. I immediately wondered what the heck I've got myself into. I welcomed the 2 minute walking breaks and sometimes I wasn't even caught up on breath before my next 60 second run started, I plodded along anyway.

I completed that 8 times over half an hour. I was so bloody chuffed with myself. I couldn't believe it. I ran for 60 seconds, 8 times, and didn't die!

It started my day on a high.

I still can't believe I'm now running for 30 minutes straight including a 60 second sprint at the end.

Every other day, I start my day on a high, even on the days when I think I don't want to run, or on the days where the actual run itself feels a bit like a slog, there's no rhyme or reason to it, but one consistency is that every time I finish a run, I feel great. My mind is clear, my thoughts are quiet, calm and articulate, and I feel ready to take on whatever comes my way that day 💪

I still have work to do, I'm meditating, trying to focus on a better way of eating, drinking a TON more water. Keeping up with kickboxing training, painting, drawing, focusing on things that I love.

A few weeks ago I downloaded the same 10k app that Doozer is training on, and the NIKE Run Club app which is paired with HEADSPACE, the guided meditation app that I use.

I have no intentions of giving this up.

Why would I stop something that benefits me in so many ways? That makes NO sense. 😂 😂 😂

Graduating doesn't mean finishing.

This is just the start for me.

Thank you very much for all of your support, it's been bloody lovely having this space to come to. Im sure I'll still be popping in on here from time to time 😂

♥

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

So, so proud of you ! You’re a world champion demon wrestler and my Monday Hero 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jell6 Graduate]

🍾🍾🍾well done, it's a great feeling.

[Blamm0 Graduate]

Congratulations! What an inspiration. Love seeing your photos and hearing your story. I will be plodding along slowly behind you but hope to get there eventually!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations BirdyRose on graduating and completing week 9 run 3 of C25K. Yes you should be very proud of yourself, it's just the start as you say. 😊 To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the January 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 🎓 🏃 😊

[K8nno Graduate]

Well done. I hope you’ll continue to keep us all updated with your achievements

[Nita49 Graduate]

Fantastic job BirdyRose 💪👏🙌

I've loved seeing your pics, and the ones with Doozer, always make me smile 😁.

Keep up the good work and enjoy the rest of your running journey x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

BLEUGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

This guide to post C25k running may be helpful

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Congratulations BirdyRose! You have done so well and been incredibly committed! And guess what? It continues to get better from here. 🙂 Did you know there is a Bridge to 10k forum? Come say hello, when you are ready. For now, keep up those wonderful 30 minute runs. 👏👏👏

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

Congratulations!!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Wow bloody amazing! Well done and keep loving it 🏆🥇

[ktsok Graduate]

Well done Birdy! Glad it was such a glorious day for your graduation run. 👏👏🥳🤩

[mafee Graduate]

I am a bit late to reply - but YAY well done you! I am a bit behind you but have been following your progress - and that of ktsok who is also now a graduate. I still have a way to go but will get there one day ....... I am hoping it is only because I am way older than you that I am taking so long to do it.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations! Can’t believe I didn’t see this at the time! Hope you celebrated well. Enjoy the journey from that new start line.

[Glitterjav Graduate]

Congratulations! So pleased for you. Your posts have been a real encouragement to me! Onwards and upwards! 💪🏻

[Kimterry Graduate]

Many congratulations! May you have many more happy runs!👍🏃🏽‍♀️🏅

[lexi6 Graduate]

Oh Wow! Birdy you’ve graduated Brilliant! I missed this post. Congratulations and keep in touch with us on here please. 🥳 👊🏻

[Fit2Sing Graduate]

Huge congratulations BirdyRose, that's fabulous news & great pace too, I also ran 4.5km in 30mins at graduation. I don't seem to be getting any faster in the subsequent month, so am increasing distance instead & am almost up to 7km. Onwards & upwards, enjoy this new part of the journey & happy running!! 🎉🍾👏👏🏃‍♀️

[BirdyRose in reply to Fit2Sing]

I plan to do the same after a while I want to focus on increasing distance as I'm of the opinion that speed will come over time as you naturally get fitter 👍

[Sophia1712 Graduate]

Go you! congratulations!