The obligatory graduation post

[ButtercupKid]

Well, you all know I did it because I bashed out a quick post this morning, but it’s kind of a done thing to do a meditative post after 9:3 and there just wasn’t time then, so here it is now.

I never thought I could do this. I’d never run more than a minute in my life. I did it for my kids (both almost a foot taller than me now !), to show them that healthy change was possible. That might have been enough to get me through, but it didn’t have to be, because you were there. You’ve been my lifeline all through this, and not just for running. Even on the days when the Black Dog looked like a Rottweiler/Rhino combo, I got out of bed and out running because I knew you were all believing in me and running with me. So thanks again !

What have I learned ? That I can run, or at least jog, for as long as I want, if I work at it. That running is great for all sorts of unexpected things, like skin quality and breathing and lateral thinking. That change is possible and can be fun. That there are many many wonderful kind funny friendly people out there if you look in the right place - oh, I’m back to you again !

What next ? I just can’t get the local 10k hill climb out of my head. I’m going to consolidate and then try to extend my runs. I’m going to keep up the Strength and Flex podcasts. And in between all that, I’m going to do C25k again. Uphill 😄 Finally, at last, I feel I have a reason to get rid of Ethel. Without her on my back I’ll go faster and further. So healthy eating is the next big change. Watch this space, and happy running to you all x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Congrats again ButtercupKid. I can’t wait to see where the next stage takes you.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Me too 😂

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

I am so pleased for you, well done! Absolutely amazing!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

Thanks Cheryl x

[BishyBarnabee Graduate]

Great post! Well done for coping with that circus of demons and showing some brilliant Mind Menagerie Management! Keep it up and please keep us informed about your further adventures.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to BishyBarnabee]

Mind Menagerie - love it ! Perfect description of my internal zoo 😄

[BishyBarnabee Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Hey, Buttercup, guess what? I’ve just got back from my 9:3!!! Done it! Thanks for your inspiration - it really got me out there just now! Better see about grabbing that Graduation badge now - or maybe I should grab a shower first ...👍🏻😉🐞

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Lovely inspiration post from you, I have replied in more detail with your 0.40 post you sent to me with a photo of the AlMorr Loop. 😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr x

[Bershe]

Wow a BIG congratulations to you on this achievement. Well done. X

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Bershe]

Thanks 😊

[damienair Graduate]

Well done to you for your great achievement. Getting to the end of the C25K plan is not easy and takes a lot of commitment. Congratulations on your graduation.

And as we say here in Ireland, “Feck off Ethel.”

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to damienair]

Might try that one myself, but I’d never get the accent 😂

[CRAZYCATME Graduate]

Thats fantastic news! Well done you! I agree...the running people on this forum are all what is good about being a human! Hurrah!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to CRAZYCATME]

Thanks CCM. I love this forum 💕😄

[Granspeed Graduate]

I feel really lucky to have been in the C25K cohort that included you. 👏🏼 I’ve enjoyed your posts - always so positive for others even when you were fighting your own demons. Do keep posting; I’ll be glad to see the back of Ethel - she’s not nearly so much fun. And I’m looking forward to hearing how you conquered those hills. 🎉💕😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Looking forward to having a shot at them. If only my PE teachers could see me now, they’d think they were hallucinating 😂

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

I definitely agree the folk on here are so lovely and supportive, our friendly running family 😊. So pleased for you and happy to read of your future running plans. I look forward to sharing your journey ☺️

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Thanks Jill x

[micey2 Graduate]

You’re amazing 😊😊🎓

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to micey2]

We’re all amazing - or we wouldn’t be here 😄

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

That sounds fantastic and keep posting because I'm sure a lot of us rely on you too.

Don't forget my hill mantra: I love hills, hills are great and when you need a 2 breath one, well SOMETHING hills works well too!!

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

😄😂

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Yeah, I can imagine that works very well 😂

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

I’ve given up on finding flat ground, there is always going to be a hill at some point

[Keeponrunning1 Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation 👏👏 nice to hear that you are going to carry on running, whether up or downhill #keeponrunning. 😊🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[Wimborne]

Just a little bit weepy now.... 😊. what a journey BCK and i am thinking this is just the beginning too....

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

Don’t cry little Wimborne ! Onwards and upwards 😄

[CatMo13 Graduate]

Well done Buttercupkid ! Such a great achievement. You never gave up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🙌

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Thanks CatMo. As I often say, Little Miss Stubborn and I have a lot in common 😄

[ANewMe1 Graduate]

Huge congratulations. Sorry it's a bit late. Loving that Graduate badge 🏃‍♀️

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to ANewMe1]

Thank you 😊

[mafee Graduate]

Hey Well done!! I have not been on here for a while- firstly I was on holiday and now I am injured - but I just noticed you graduated WOWEE - very happy for you x

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to mafee]

Thanks mafee - very happy for me too 😊