I've only gone and done it........: Absolutely... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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I've only gone and done it........

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate
48 Replies

Absolutely over the moon!!! Completed the program this morning and feel amazing because of it.

The support on this forum has been amazing and the app itself is such a good tool to make a runner out of anyone.

Looking forward to carrying out consolidation runs and slowly trying to increase my pace. Can't see me stopping now.

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Saltdog profile image
Saltdog
Graduate
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48 Replies
welsby1967 profile image
welsby1967Graduate

Huge congrats x👏👏

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to welsby1967

Thank you welsby. It's a great feeling.

HeavyFoot profile image
HeavyFootGraduate

An amazing feeling, eh? Well done!!!!’

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to HeavyFoot

Sure is! I'm looking forward to the next steps. I've no desire to go longer but I do quite fancy going faster. That's what I'm going to concentrate on after a bit of consolidating.

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina in reply to Saltdog

Me too... I'm (hopefully) graduating tomorrow! I'm very very slow... so I'll spend the next 6 to 12 months squeezing my 5k into 30 minutes (I'm way off)!

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to primaballerina

I do sometimes think they should have called the program, 'Couch to 30 Minutes'!! Bit of false advertising I reckon. Hahaha. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it though. Good luck with your graduation run tomorrow. In the wise words of every Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider film ever, "You can do it!!"

HeavyFoot profile image
HeavyFootGraduate in reply to Saltdog

If I might make a suggestion: after graduating I too wanted to run faster so started C25K program again sprinting. A piece of cake for 4 weeks when I couldn’t sustain it. I did improve speed but looking back I should have concentrated on more consolidation runs and extending them 5 minutes a week, say. Pace does gradually improve and in a while 30 minutes running becomes no big shakes.

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to HeavyFoot

I did actually consider doing that but wasn't sure if it was the best way of doing it. I think once I do the consolidation runs and get to the 5k distance, I might give a fartlek program a go. I'm open to trying lots of things. That's the beauty of the whole process I suppose. Now that I've finished the structured C25K, the world is at my feet and I can try numerous things to see what fits best.

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so pleased well done 😊😊👏👏

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Buddy34

Over the moon Buddy!! Slightly disappointed that they didn't record a specific podcast for the final run but hey ho, I still did it!

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina in reply to Saltdog

yes - that would have been a good idea!

Franglaise profile image
FranglaiseGraduate

No stopping you now...very well done...should be joining you Friday!

You are running for fun now.

Crack an Easter egg to celebrate.

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Franglaise

Thank you Franglaise. Unfortunately, I'm still offshore at work so unless there's a secret stash of Easter eggs hidden somewhere, I'm afraid I'll have to wait until I get home.

Franglaise profile image
FranglaiseGraduate in reply to Saltdog

Aww sorry...if it is any consolation I dont have one either. Couldnt find a cadburys Easter egg in France...im à big fussy.

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Franglaise

It's fine. They made us a lovely Easter roast dinner offshore so I really can't complain! I felt I earned it today though after 40 minutes on the treadmill!

Franglaise profile image
FranglaiseGraduate in reply to Saltdog

Without a doubt! Bet that tasted soooo great. Do you run outside when you are able to at home?

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Franglaise

I did a few runs outside last time I was home. I think it will be very much weather dependent for me. I live in the far north of Scotland so have no desire to run in the wind/rain. Luckily, I don't mind running on the treadmill. I just switch off and let my mind wander which has its own benefits. I even sometimes practice my fractions while looking at the time (sad I know)!! Anything to pass the time. When I have the opportunity and weather to run outside, I'll definitely be doing so.

Franglaise profile image
FranglaiseGraduate in reply to Saltdog

I dont mind the treadmill either....insisted it moved with us when we came to France. Have to use it now and again so I dont get whinged at for it gathering dust in the barn.

I took a lot of convincing to run outside...and nearly headed back to tready when I saw a snake!

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Franglaise

Luckily we don't get many snakes in Scotland! I found it more difficult to run outside the first time certainly. I was very self-conscious passing dog walkers and stuff. This forum helped me get over that though. I reduced the difference in difficulty a bit by working on a variable incline when on the treadmill. Made it harder but more realistic. Really helps maintain pace while outside too I've found. That and specific BPM music (took ages to get enough together!!)

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Congratulations Saltdog on graduating from C25K with run 3 of week 9. You deserve to be 'over the moon '

To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the April 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 and graduated from C25K 🎓 🏃

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Thank you AIMorr! I've already done it and am waiting patiently for my prize! Been wanting that GRADUATE next to my name since I discovered the forum (think it was about 4 weeks in to the program). So glad to have finally gotten there.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Saltdog

O I didn't realise that you graduated on a treadmill off shore , that makes it even better for you, great work.

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Hahaha, the treadmill isn't all bad. I'll be running outside when I get back home again but that will definitely depend on the weather!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Saltdog

Are you on one of the North Sea oil rugs?

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Rigs

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Oh I'd love to be on a rug right now!! But yes, I am on a North Sea installation. Not a rig but a floating one.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Saltdog

You do a fantastic job Saltdog, I have just watched a video of a floating North Sea stallation putting up a wind turbine.

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Thank you! I'm sure there are people in the world who do infinitely more important work than me. Actually, there are people who are on the same installation as me who do more important work! Hahaha. Ideally, my work would involve more time at home with family and friends and less time away. I'm working on it and can only keep my fingers crossed.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Saltdog

👍

emmat7 profile image
emmat7

Congratulations I’m hoping to do week9 next week laying off the chocks til then not easy in this heat either ..

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to emmat7

Thanks Emmat! No chocs for me either since I'm at work.

Pianism profile image
PianismGraduate

So delighted for you! You should be so proud of yourself.

Good plan to do a bit of consolidation. Whilst enjoying those lovely runs, di have a think about what's next for your running goals.

Mine is to run from Starr Gate to Bispham during my week off in June. :)

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Pianism

Thank you Pianism. I think I'm happy to aim for the full 5k for the moment. After that, I'll be working on pace. I would love to aim for a 30 minute 5k. For the last 3 runs of the program, I've taken Jo's advice and 'sprinted' for the last minute. However, my sprint was at 10kph and at the moment that seems almost unattainable to maintain over 30 minutes. Almost as unattainable as 30 minutes consistent running seemed at the start of the program. Still, slow and steady working my way up to it and I'm sure I'll get there. If only I could add about 6 inches to my legs...........

Fantastic! Congratulations Saltdog - you are a star 🌟 !

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to

Thank you Delly.

Moz2407 profile image
Moz2407Graduate

Congratulations!

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Moz2407

Thank you Moz.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

We won't let you stop... got you this far and this is just the beginning! Huge well done you..GRADUATE!x

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you so much Oldfloss. Over the moon to get this far. Not going to stop now.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

This guide to post C25K running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running keep smiling.

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you. Glad to be part of the club! What next is the exciting part to me now. I can't wait to try new things to see what brings the best balance of enjoyment and improvement.

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate

Aha!!!

Well done Salting! That is amazing!

Probably see you in the Bridge To 10k forum 😸

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Katnap

Thank you so much Katnap. I'm not going to rush in to the Bridge to 10k just yet. Going to consolidate for a wee while before I decide what to do. My first thought was to work on pace rather than distance. Only after I've actually ran 5k at my current pace though. Currently, that'll be about 40 minutes. I want to work on that. I also like the idea of going running for 30 minutes. It doesn't seem like too much of a chore. I don't want to sicken myself of running by increasing that to an hour or more. Time will tell though. I'm a runner now so need to find my path but there's no hurry. Right now, I'm just ecstatic to see the word 'Graduate' next to my name!!

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

Magic ! Massive congratulations 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ !

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to ButtercupKid

Thanks Buttercup.

Run_Mummy_Run profile image
Run_Mummy_RunGraduate

Well done, amazing feeling isn’t it!

Saltdog profile image
SaltdogGraduate in reply to Run_Mummy_Run

Sure is amazing. Still buzzing a day later!

Well done xxx

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