First run without Michael cheering me on!

[Debston]

And it was OK! I thought I would miss him too much, telling me I was doing well, letting me know how I was doing for time, etc. But I gave it a go and really enjoyed it, still had mapmyrun telling me when I had run each km and it was nice to focus on running rather than worrying about time. At the end of the run, I realised that I had already passed the 30 minutes (just!) and started my cool down walk. Nearly managed 3.5km which is my longest run yet, very happy 😊!

[Jod13]

Well done Debston, you look amazing! and with a smile on her face, she glides over the line lol.... brilliant. I’m not sure where Michael is but I’m glad that you pushed on.... 3.5km is no easy thing- Brilliant effort!

I started back at week one yesterday, finally after being in bed rest for a month and I’m flying through it.... I feel great so here’s to a week where we are all feeling in top of our game!

[Debston Graduate in reply to Jod13]

Heehee, love the idea of gliding effortlessly... One day! Poor you being stuck on bed rest and out of action but well done on your flying start back on Week 1, onwards and upwards!

[backintime Graduate]

well done!!

how is it? I'm worried about losing motivation once I don't have a plan to follow. I'm the same with cooking, I need a recipe!

I haven't used any of the pod casts yet as I didn't discover this forum until recently so I won't miss then, but I will miss that piece of paper that tells me what I have to do

[Debston Graduate in reply to backintime]

Honestly, I was worried too that I would feel a bit lost without my personal trainer voice telling me what to do. I'd actually decided to keep using the Week 9 app after graduation but then at the last minute, I thought I would just give it a go and aim for 30 minutes and see how it felt. And it felt great! Free running! I need to read up on the advice about the 10% rule that I am vaguely aware of... Think the idea is not to immediately injure yourself by overdoing it after graduation! So I am just going to enjoy myself and really ingrain the running habit for the next few weeks.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Absolutely wonderful..these runs for pure joy..just because we can are superb...then with consolidation of different runs..new routes..short and lovely long, see where you get to ,runs ..everything just keeps on evolving!

Well done you...looking really good!

[Debston Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss! It was joyous, apart from the uphill bit which still takes a bit of grim determination! One day I will learn to love it! 🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Debston]

You will..you really will.i smile when I run up hills I used to almost have to walk up....have you looked at the What Next post..some great advice there..?

[johnm12 Graduate]

AH Michael,

He does get inside your head though, so I bet you keep hearing him. Whenever I'm making a mess of things I can hear him "By now you should be getting into a steady rhythm etc etc". Well done with your running

[Debston Graduate in reply to johnm12]

Heehee, yes I do practically know it by heart! Such a lovely voice too. I will always miss him urging me to eat a banana at the end (I hate bananas)!

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Looking good Debston - and you should be happy! Well done x

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

It's funny, so many (myself included) think it's going to be tough without the mentor, but actually it's really freeing!

Keep running, keep smiling! 👍😁

[Debston Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

It's such a revelation! Glad I tried it on my first post grad run or I'd probably still be listening to him in a year's time, thinking he's my lucky charm. Michael Johnson will always have a special place in my heart though, even if I don't need him any more!

[JaoJao]

Yay! Consolidation already! Xx

You know I think you can replay the last run W9R3 as much as you like so you can still have Michael if you like.

[Granspeed Graduate]

Well done. I think it’s nice to realise you can do the free runs; that you’re not dependant on anyone else for your running. 👍🏃🏼‍♀️💨 Then later it can be fun to try some guided runs from other sources to help achieve particular aims. Enjoy your freedom! 🎉