Graduated ...at last yippee !! : Well finally... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Graduated ...at last yippee !!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate
82 Replies

Well finally done it ... can’t quite believe it !

Did I do 5km ? No

Did I enjoy it ? No, not really

Was it easy ? No

Did I get an adrenaline rush ? No

Have I lost weight ? No

But ...I do feel fitter, my body has changed shape and I know it’s good for me.

So.....

Will I keeping running ? Yes, and I’ve just bought some new running shoes, so I’ll have to 😁

Thanks to everyone who had posted here. Reading your posts kept me going when I was struggling. At 53 and never ever enjoyed running, it’s definitely been a big help 💕

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Bunnyrunner profile image
Bunnyrunner
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82 Replies
Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

Well done you, in spite of those “no” answers, you’ve done it! 🎉🎉🎉 Do hope you continue and eventually find a fun way to run for you. 👍👍👍 Oh, and enjoy those new shoes. 🎉

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Granspeed

Thanks... yes even thought half price, I’ll have to use the shoes 😄

Congratulations Bunny! Well done for sticking at it and completing it! Fantastic achievement. 👏🎈🎇

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to

Many thanks... still don’t know how I did it 😂

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Congratulations Bunnyrunner on graduating here on C25K.

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

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Thanks. I think I may have added my name to a list , but can’t actually find the pinned post ? 🤔

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

It's there

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate

I like that after five 'no's, there's a 'but'.

Enjoy the new shoes, you must run after your 💰 money. 😄

Even if you don't run that much, it may help you discover other sports.

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Elisabeth3

Well I always done some sort of exercise, mainly dancing, but I’ve just never gelled with running. You’re right though, I’ll have to use my shoes ! 😄

Runningchamp19 profile image
Runningchamp19Graduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

I’m sure it’s been worth it, for the shoes alone at least!🤣🤣. Well done!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Runningchamp19

😄👍

Myzinnyboy profile image
MyzinnyboyGraduate

Fantastic result! You did it and that’s great. Enjoy your new shoes!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Myzinnyboy

Thanks. Looking forward to what’s next 😄

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate

Well done! I am the same, keep hoping I will be addicted to running etc. but it hasn't happened yet x

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty

At least there’s some of us. Maybe our efforts count more 😄

Thanks.

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

Definitely 😁

Gomama profile image
Gomama in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty

Me too! I completed C25K in March and have continued to run 5K three times a week religiously but I sadly can’t say I enjoy it. It feels like a duty that has to be done and, like Bunnyrunner, I haven’t lost weight and get no “ buzz” from running......just hot, sweaty and relieved when it’s completed for that day.

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Gomama

Oh dear ... if I work out a way of enjoying it, I’ll let you know 😄

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

I also ask, if I don't run, do I enjoy that more???

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Elisabeth3

That’s true... I am quite looking forward to my next run, if just never feels like fun when I’m doing it .

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

To me that is normal. If you feel good after the run, that's already something.

Hopefully joy will come, too.

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate in reply to Gomama

The only joy is feeling fitter and the lovely well deserved shower when I finish. Maybe that is enough of a reward? I was just really hoping to be one of those people who friends talk about....I think she exercises too much, she has a problem, obviously some sort of addiction 😂😂😂

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty

😂 well my husband is an experienced runner and has always encouraged me to run because of all the benefits. He has been very supportive, but I did query him about the supposed weight loss that didn’t actually happen. I’m not overweight, but it would be nice to know that a few extra treats could be taken care of with a couple of runs 😄

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty

I always heard and read about people addicted to running. But I can't recall I have ever met one. Not had the opportunity to talk about one of those who are addicted...

And no-one talks about me like being one.

Feeling fitter, sense of achievement, deserving a treat, that is already something.

Can it be that those who enjoy running are the ones really good at it?

You probably are good, too, just didn't 'click' the enjoying bit in, yet.

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Elisabeth3

Feeling fitter and a sense of achievement.... I agree with that. 😄

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Gomama

If there's no joy during running, try to treat yourself after running. I love that I 'do deserve' let's say a sauna...

Joy, I think, doesn't come immediately.

Gomama profile image
Gomama in reply to Elisabeth3

A lovely suggestion Elisabeth3.

Let’s hope the “ joy” kicks in eventually!😂

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Elisabeth3

Yes a treat us always good to look forward to. I had a bottle of Proseco ready for when I graduated !

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

Sometimes the promise of the treat gives you enough determination to do something. Or the promise of the result. Anything really to make you feel good.

Juhe profile image
Juhe

Well done! Fingers crossed you'll start to enjoy it now you can 'free-style' a bit! I was thinking about this this morning. People have plans and programmes for running to get them to certain distances and they are invaluable to avoid injury and motivate people but I find I'm not one of those people (although C25K was an exception!). Never have been. I could never have a revision plan for exams - there was no point me sitting revising physics if my brain wasn't in that mood no matter what the plan said. Better to do what I was in the mood for at the time. For those less appealling subjects, revise them whenever I had the slightest inkling it may be the day for it. Same goes for me and running. If the plan says run 5K and I want to run 8, why not? If the plan says do 9k and I really only want to do 5, do 5. I know where I want to get to and I will, but without pressures of 'you must run this'. You just have to be rralistic with yourself and know what you can do safely.

So, what I'm saying us now you're there, running for 30mins, jig it up a bit. Challenge yourself how you want to - intervals? Hills? Further? Faster? I would always advocate using C25K programme but now you've done it, enjoy the freedom and freestyle it!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Juhe

It must be the creative, rebellious person inside us that wants to do it our way. I will bear in mind comments about injury. Not experienced anything yet.... but I know I need to consider that. I would actually like to go back to a shorter run.... and then keep going if I feel like it or speed it up sometimes...watch this space.

Thanks for your reply.

Juhe profile image
Juhe in reply to Bunnyrunner

Yay! Go and enjoy!!!!

Netty2 profile image
Netty2

Well done your post made me giggle that's how I'm feeling in wk 6 no no no congratulations and try to enjoy your new shoes 😧 and be proud of what you've achieved 🏆

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Netty2

Thanks. Week six can be a tough one, but once you get through it, somehow it makes the following weeks easier or should I say , bearable 😄

Sammy-Lou profile image
Sammy-Lou

Hi bunny runner well done you! I’m 53 nearly and had never run - walk miles with dogs , use my cross trainer and am active in my job but 2 stone heavier than I should be. My weight hasn’t changed but body Shape has! Anyway muscle weighs more than fat so I’m sure something is happening to all our fat cells!! I’m on day 2 wk 8 and am really enjoying it and have entered a 5k for graduation week! You’ve done amazing things stick with it!!!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Sammy-Lou

Congratulations to you too. I’m not sure I could do a 5km race as they all seem to be in the morning. That’s a definite No for me 😄 but I will stick to it.

Bluemoon1958 profile image
Bluemoon1958Graduate

Well done great achievement 🏃🏻‍♂️

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Bluemoon1958

Thank you 😄

Bobbypizza profile image
BobbypizzaGraduate

Well done! My body shape entirely changed as well and now I m pushing to 10k slowly. It s a tough journey but well worth it.

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Bobbypizza

Thanks. All the support really helps 😄

Redheadandforty profile image
RedheadandfortyGraduate

Well done for persevering I graduated a few weeks ago and have continued to do 3 x30+ mins running a week still not reached 5k yesterday’s run I managed 4K

Keep at it 🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Redheadandforty

When I read posts like this it really makes me smile. The determination of everyone to keep going despite not reaching the 5km is great. They should really call it Couch to 30mins !

I’ll get there ... in time 😄

BarbieW profile image
BarbieWGraduate

Very well done Bunny. Consolidate for a few weeks while you think how to go on from here.

But most of all, enjoy your new shoes!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to BarbieW

Thanks. What would you advise for consolidating ?

BarbieW profile image
BarbieWGraduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

I personally kept trying to run for 30 minutes 3 times every week - distance unimportant at this stage, just the time.

I did though need the support of the C25K programme so I worked my way through week 9 again and again trying out all the trainers so as not to get bored.

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to BarbieW

Who did you like the best ? I think it’s a good idea to keep the brain occupied.... might give that a go !

BarbieW profile image
BarbieWGraduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

I found Jo Wiley excellent - more my kind of person!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to BarbieW

Yes that’s who I listened too .

Yogaandrun profile image
YogaandrunGraduate

Congratulations ! , keep running

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Yogaandrun

Thanks... I will and must 😄

Bluepup1 profile image
Bluepup1Graduate

Well done! Sounds like you’ve had a tough journey bless, but you’ve stuck with it and now graduated 👍🏻👏🏻🥳🎉🤗 x

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Bluepup1

Thanks... I just think I’d prefer to be doing other things 😄 but I wanted to do it , and the desire/ determination to want to do it has overcome the enjoyment . I think I’m very complex 🤣

Jen302 profile image
Jen302Graduate

Well done to you and congratulations for graduating!!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Jen302

Thanks very much 😄

Bluepup1 profile image
Bluepup1Graduate

We’re all different, so what 1 person enjoys...Should be proud of yourself for sticking to s/thing you wanted to do despite not enjoying it so it makes your graduation even more rewarding 🤗 x

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Bluepup1

Thanks . I am quite chuffed. Looking forward to doing it my way , at least 😄

Nannyto2 profile image
Nannyto2Graduate

Hooray, you've done it! enjoy the sense of achievement and your new shoes 🤗

I always enjoy my runs once they're over 😅

Go through feeling i love it and can do it to i hate this and i want to stop!

just keep getting out there in the fresh air, sure we'll get the 'love to run' vibe soon 🤣🤣

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Nannyto2

Thanks. Being outside is a bonus and because I like running when it’s colder, I probably go out more. So that is a positive. 😄

Nannyto2 profile image
Nannyto2Graduate in reply to Bunnyrunner

Me too, early morning cool runs are great!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Nannyto2

😟 no not mornings for me !

cadoganm profile image
cadoganmGraduate

Fantastic ,well done. Keep it up now, I still put Michael on for a bit of inspiration .

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to cadoganm

Thanks. Funny ... I thought Michael was a bit boring so switched to Jo 😂

cadoganm profile image
cadoganmGraduate

Might give Jo a try then for a change ,thanks .

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to cadoganm

😄👍

Stottygirl profile image
StottygirlGraduate

Well done 😊 fabulous

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Stottygirl

Thanks

Cakerunner profile image
CakerunnerGraduate

Haha brilliant!! Many congratulations to you, you've got this now, you're a runner😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏆🥇👏....now go steady in those new shoes.😁

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Cakerunner

Thanks. Yes looking forward to a whole new experience 😄

Couchsurfer profile image
CouchsurferGraduate

Brilliant - as a 53 year old myself, struggling to make the transition to week two (just 'life' getting in the way) I know your achievement is HUGE!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Couchsurfer

I would NEVER would’ve believed I could complete it. My advice, sometimes things do get in the way. It took me a bit longer than 9wks. A holiday and a couple of days when I didn’t feel so good or it was too hot to run. You will do, just get back on track when you can.

Aurora14 profile image
Aurora14Graduate

Congratulations!! Hope you start enjoying it soon!!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Aurora14

Thanks.... so do I 😄

Greenfingergran profile image
Greenfingergran

Well done.

I bet you feel like you won the London Marathon. 👏👏👏🐥👏👏

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Greenfingergran

Thanks ! 😂 I just can’t imagine what that would even feel like .

Newrunner75 profile image
Newrunner75Graduate

I graduated today too! Well done us!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Newrunner75

Well done you 👏👏👏👏

Nannyto2 profile image
Nannyto2Graduate in reply to Newrunner75

Well done, you can't explain the sense of achievement!

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Nannyto2

Thanks .

Bluebirds profile image
BluebirdsGraduate

It’s a great feeling - and as a 61 year old gran I so agree with your thoughts 😄

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to Bluebirds

Well I’ll keep going if you do 😄

notquiteretired profile image
notquiteretiredGraduate

well done congrats on graduating 🏃‍♀️💪😊

Bunnyrunner profile image
BunnyrunnerGraduate in reply to notquiteretired

Thank you 😊

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