W9R3 completed yipppppeeeeeeeee!!!!

[SmashedPotato]

I am in shock! This evening I ran the third run of week nine and completed C25K. Beforehand I pretended it was not the final run to take the pressure off as I was anxious to complete it today as I missed my Sunday run day. And okay I still need to up my speed - as I walk(ed) about a third of the 5K route with a huge grin on my face I might add - but I did it! Next step is increasing running speed and distance ........

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations SmashedPotato (we already have a Couchpotato) on graduating and completing week 9 run 3 of C25K, well done. 😊

To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the March 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 and graduated 🎓 🏃 😊

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr for the gladulations - I cannot tell you what this means to me. Has been a very tricky week (well couple of years really) with my dear mum who has dementia. Have been staying over at mum's for a few days as mum has been poorly and came home yesterday. The running has had a hugely positive impact on my mental resilience to all that dementia has so far thrown at me and what is likely to come. My lovely hubby Collywobbles set up a Spotify compilation for me to play for my final 30 minute run. I dedicated my run to mum, Colly and me as I watched the sun go down as I followed my route. Unlike swimming, gyming etc I am lucky enough just to be able to faff around for a few minutes putting on my running kit and then I am out in the fields within 30 seconds which is so easy and well I think running is just fantastic!

[Poochpotato]

Congratulations! Now you graduate.

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to Poochpotato]

Thank you Poochpotato for your congradulations. It just goes to show the adage you don't know what you can achieve until you try is soooooo true. I have never run in my life and have hated all sport apart from swimming which I have not done since I was in my 40's because of dodgy shoulders so to be able to call myself a 'runner' is just amazing. Happy running to you too, and love the name and piccy! SP

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so proud 😊😊👏👏👏👏

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you Buddy34 for your congradulations - I am allowing myself a moment of chuffdom before my running shoes become firmly planted on the turf again as I still have a long way to go to get myself to running for 5K ......

[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.

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you IannodaTruffe for your congradulations - I find it truly remarkable to be able to call myself a 'runner'. However, I will need to up my game so I can achieve the 5K and all advice gratefully received so thank you for the link. Happy running and yes it will be a while before the grin wears off me thinks ....

[Aspire24 Graduate]

Well done you, enjoy the moment. Onwards with consolidation, i’ve done one run so far 👍

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to Aspire24]

Thank you for your congradulations Aspire24. I am enjoying the moment though I am still feeling as though this cannot possibly be moi - a graduate? I will enjoy the freedom of a few consolidation runs without Laura me thinks before I download the next app to try and up my pace and great to hear you have made a start consolidating too. Onwards and forwards ...... Happy Running! SP

[Runners Graduate]

👏 well done, go get your badge 😁

[SmashedPotato Graduate in reply to Runners]

Thank you Runners - have put in my request x

[Anon_junk]

Congratulations!! It is time to celebrate now🍾🏅Glad to hear that running has given you mental strength. Keep on running!

[SmashedPotato Graduate]

Thank you Anon-Junk and yes I will definitely keep on running now I have got this far - with the odd skip thrown in me thinks this week! SP

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Magic - go you 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ !

[SmashedPotato Graduate]

Thanks ButtercupKid Happy running! SP

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

Congratulations! This programme is brilliant isn’t it! Enjoy your consolidation runs and the journey to 5k 🥇🏃‍♀️

[SmashedPotato Graduate]

Thanks muchly SeeJillRun. Yes it is brilliant - and so is the forum - have just been for my first consolidation run at Ashridge Estate - a beautiful morning here in Hertfordshire/Buckinghamshire. All the best with your running too SP