What an experience!!

[Runningchamp19]

I’ve done it, and I can’t believe it! I did W9R3 last week and it felt amazing (at almost 64, it was tough, but knowing it was the final run of my C25K made it feel great!). Then I was off to The Shetland Islands for a holiday and while there I saw there was a ParkRun on a nearby island, so, in a moment of madness and as part of the holiday experience, I just decided to do it. So I got the ferry over from Lerwick to Bressay Island and there were about 20 other runners on it, all on their way to the ParkRun. And oh my goodness, I just couldn’t believe my scenario - going on a ferry in the rain, with other ‘runners’ to a beautiful island to do a 5K! Wot, me do a 5k? I was so taken by the friendliness of the local people and the absolutely stunning scenery all around me, I felt high as a kite! I came in third last on 37m 48s, and I was chuffed to bits. Then it was all in to the old school for tea and bacon rolls!! I loved my first 5k and I’m sure no other will ever feel like the Bressay ParkRun, but should I never run again, what a memory, on many different levels! Oh, and that makes me a graduate now (I’ve never graduated from anything in my life). Maybe hitting 64 isn’t so bad 🤪🏃‍♀️!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you Runningchamp19 on completing C25K with week 9 run 3 and graduating at that the most northern parkrun in the UK, well done. 😊 🏃 🎓

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

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Almor. It was indeed a fab run on that beautiful Bressay island. I hope I’ve done my graduation request ok, I wasn’t sure I’d done it right. 🤪

[Debston Graduate]

Brilliant, well done, Runningchamp19! What a wonderful, spur of the moment decision to do the Parkrun and in such a fantastic setting. And congratulations on your graduation too! 🥂 🥉 🎓 🏃

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Debston]

Thanks for your congrats Debston. It’s lovely knowing the support I have from the forum. 🤗

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

But you will run again won't you? When I graduated last August at age 67, I wondered what I should do next. I was very clear that high speed 5ks were not going to be possible! Running long distances slowly seemed to be a better bet, so, after running a few 5ks just to convince myself that I really had cracked it, I went over to Bridge to 10k and followed Ju-Ju's plan (check the pinned posts) and built up to 10k by Christmas. Since then I have followed a three run a week plan, one short, with intervals, one 5k and one longer....and the pace has gradually built up. I like the variety...just helps to make running more enjoyable. If you want to, you can easily achieve that and more as a mere youngster......you have the running world at your feet 😊😊

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Really very good info in your message Beachcomber66., thanks for that. You’ve done really well and you’ve inspired me. So I was out again today and ran 30 mins!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Well done! 🎉🎉🎉

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Thanks MuddledGardener! Hope you’re enjoying your runs too? 🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Runningchamp19]

I was, until this week! 🤣

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Aw, what happened this week?

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Runningchamp19]

Two very difficult runs, almost like going back to week one. 😕

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Oh I remember those runs when it felt like I wasn't making any progress. It's hellish. And although it doesn't fee like it at the time, they do pass and things begin to feel a little bit better. And then, one day you graduate ......

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Runningchamp19]

Thanks for the encouragement! 😊

[Granspeed Graduate]

What a lovely, joyous post! And what a great experience. 👍💕 I feel quite jealous (but so glad for you!) 😊

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Hey Grandspeed, I must say, I felt really lucky to have had that opportunity of running (in the rain) on Bressay. I hope you find a beauty spot in which to run; it gives you a fab buzz and it makes you feel invincible 🤗🏃‍♀️

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to Runningchamp19]

Well, if under 38 minutes put you near the back of the Park Run, they were a zippy lot of runners in your beauty spot as well. Maybe the scenery really does inspire achievement - and speed! I live near the New Forest, so on the lookout for my beauty spot!

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Hey, let's know when you find it, where it is.🌲

[Laurzmum Graduate]

What a lovely post fellow graduate 🎓 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️Well done

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Laurzmum]

Aww thanks Laurzmum!🤗

[Meedeb Graduate]

What a great experience! Well done 🍾🏆

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Meedeb]

Thanks Meedeb😃🏃‍♀️

[Redcat19 Graduate]

You are an inspiration to us all. Congratulations what an achievement.

[Runningchamp19 Graduate in reply to Redcat19]

Me, an inspiration? Never been called that before! But thanks Redcat19, I’ll take it🤣🤗🏃‍♀️