W9R3 and now my journey really begins ... as a runner and not a trainee runner

[welsby1967]

Well that’s my training over and I’ve graduated from C25K today in the sunshine at one with nature and loving it.

On the 28th January 2019 having set myself a few goals at the top of the year - I started C25K

Initially I was barefoot and in my lounge -luckily it’s a big lounge so I didn’t get dizzy I thought I was Zola Budd, this was me for three weeks until I invested in running shoes and ventured outdoors. Talking of “this is me” I’ve listened to the same album all the way through my training - The greatest showman - it’s perfect for my style and speed.

The key for me has been rituals and routines:

Same album

Same time

Same route

Same day

The advise on this forum has been invaluable, it’s true the plan is designed to work and it does BUT the key is your own mental attitude.

For me having the strict routine was a big part and the second was not giving a damn about anyone else’s distance, speed look or anything as this was my journey only.

So be true to yourself, trust your body it’s an amazing vessel and has done you so far even if you’ve got extra pounds on you, it will repay you in no time, better posture, better breathing, fewer inches, more toned and stronger, and healthier.

Top tips :

Head up shoulders back eyes straight ahead, knees not too high, land in the middle of your foot under your hips breathe steady 1234, arms at the side and take it slow and listen to your body.

You can do it - now go out there and nail it.

For me it’s consolidation to master my technique to work on time and distance and eventually who knows maybe I have a marathon in me.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Happy weekend

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so pleased and if all that works for you, well done 😊😊😊👏👏👏👏👏

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy34 xx

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Fab ! So proud of you - huge congratulations 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ !

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks Buttercupkid appreciated xxx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to welsby1967]

Well done ! All the best with consolidation x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations! Some good tips in there for newbies too. Enjoy that consolidation work, and that journey from that new start line. Marathon? Why not! You can do it. Celebrate well today, you deserve it.

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you UnfitNoMore xxx

[runwithdog Graduate]

well done !!! i knew you would do it.

i also have had the same tunes,same routine and route.

as i have a busy weekend,i decided on a short route today,a little one that i used to try and do a couple of years ago.i used to do it in 18+min and end up done-in,puffed and red face....today i done it in 14 mins no sweat.

good luck on your running journey XX

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to runwithdog]

Wowsers that’s amazing - what a difference and thank you for your support xxx

[MarkyD Graduate]

Congratulations on completing C25K - that is a real achievement. Take the time to consolidate your running before setting additional goals, but no doubt we'll hear about your 5km->10km->HM->M plans in due course!!

Well that’s my training over... nope, it's your 10km training just starting.

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks MarkyD - maybe I should retitle my post 😂

[mummybowles Graduate]

Huge congratulations ! Knew you could do it !! You'll be beaming all day

It's my fifth 30 minute consolidation run this evening and I've decided to join the local leisure centre tonight (gym, swim and classes) to help build on this amazing journey.

Have a great weekend, celebrate and keep posting updates with your progress. We're with you on this xx

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to mummybowles]

Thank you mummybowles

That’s a great idea with the leisure centre - you are going to be like supermummybowles soon. Yes I will keep posting I love the forum and my virtual running buddies too much to leave xx

[Scooper47 Graduate]

Absolutely fabulous 🤗🤗🤗 I also graduated this week and it feels amazing x

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to Scooper47]

Thank you and well done you too - yes it does indeed feel amazing. Enjoy your consolidation runs x

[Scooper47 Graduate in reply to welsby1967]

First real with people run tomorrow x doing a 5k with my daughter and probably thousands of others x as I have always run alone I am a bit nervous x but I am sure I will enjoy it 😜😂

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to Scooper47]

Oh wow - I completely get that I’ve always ran alone but everyone on here says it actually motivates you more and you find a group that runs at your pace and you make real running friends not just virtual ones. Good luck and enjoy x

[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.

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you and in particular thank you for all your words of wisdom on here they’ve been most useful

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to welsby1967]

Thank you.

[Medicinelady Graduate]

Congratulations - it must be such a great feeling to have finished! Good luck for your next steps!

[welsby1967 Graduate in reply to Medicinelady]

Thank you Medicinelady you’re not far behind and yes it’s a great feeling and programme this is just the beginning as life as a runner xx