Graduated!

[Serenity0365]

Just completed week 9 Run 3 in pouring rain, got stung a bit as nettles bit overgrown on the path I used today. Seems like 6 months since I started this programme when in actual fact it was about 10 weeks ago. I've enjoyed the journey, to be honest more than the final run. Looking forward to my first parkrun in a couple of days time. What would members recommend I do next? I think there's something called "consolidation" and how do I get my graduation badge? Looking forward to continuing to take part in this forum and help others because it's such an inspirational forum, Angus 🏃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge congratulations and very well done indeed...Consolidation is the name of the game for at least two weeks... short tuns and new routes maybe and some 30 minute in there, of course.. then take a peek at this pinned post..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow and steady still as you go... C25K has only just started this running process...

Graduation badge..just click on the June Graduation 2019 Graduation Badge link...

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss for your kind words, I will print off and read that article, I took a peek, it looks genuinely interesting and I'm excited to read it

[backintime Graduate]

Well done Angus ! You did it !

Yes do some runs to consolidate your efforts. Then the world is your oyster. IannodaTruffe has put together a nice post on post-c25k possibilities. I think it's in the pinned posts.

You get your badge by writing in the june graduates thread, which is also in the pinned posts.

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to backintime]

Thank you backintime, like I just replied to Oldfloss, I took a peek at the article, it looks genuinely interesting and I'm excited to read it

[Buddy34 Graduate]

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

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you Buddy34, it's been, dare I say it, quite a humbling but at the same time relaxing experience! I do feel different and fitter and so pleased to get out of the gym and into the fresh air

[CharlieChurch]

Fantastic! Well done. It gives those of us still striving to reach the end such confidence that we too can achieve our goal. Well done and congratulations

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to CharlieChurch]

Thank you CharlieChurch, I feel humbled to think that it was not that long ago I ventured out for my first W1 run, not sure what to expect and worried what people would think of me as I walked / jogged. In a way I feel sad for those first steps, like a child learning to walk. I like to think I've come of age! Best wishes to you, this is a wonderful thing you are doing.

[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.

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you IannodaTruffe as always for your wise words, I appreciate your time and commitment on this forum, great to have people like yourself helping us newer people learn the ropes.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Fabulous ! Well done you 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ !

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you ButtercupKid

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Well done! Do stick around, cos we need all the support we can get! 😁

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Thanks MuddledGardener, I'm not going anywhere, metaphorically speaking!

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

Well done. As Oldfloss says, consolidation is just mixing it up. Some short (maybe) faster runs, some slower, longer runs, some 30 min runs or possibly go back and do the odd early run from the program just to see how much easier it is now that it was back then.

Set yourself some goals, e.g. run for 5 mins longer or 500m further or knock 30 secs off the time it took you to cover the distance on your graduation run.

Whatever you do, the thing is to keep building gradually and, most of all, just enjoy it.

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to sTrongFuse]

That sounds like a really good, sensible and interesting idea, mixing things up keeps the interest. I am really looking forward to my first parkrun this weekend and I don't care if it chucks it down!!

[JaoJao]

You are right, the journey is so enjoyable and it's bittersweet when you reach the end! I graduated last week. I have moved onto consolidation now, running 3 times a week for 30 minutes / 5K. I also went to my first park run last Satuday and I loved it! I am going again this Saturday.

Don't stop running, this journey only gets better x

Go to pinned posts and you can find the thread to claim your graduation badge x

[Serenity0365 Graduate in reply to JaoJao]

Thanks JaoJao, earlier in the week I drove to a car park about 10 minutes walk from the start of the parkrun I am going to this Saturday. I then walked briskly to the start, then walked about 10 minutes to the end, then walked briskly back to the car. So I know where I'm going and won't get lost and I will maintain the pre- / post- brisk walks.

I have just noticed, I now have the g word against my name

Enjoy your journey too and I look forward to contributing to this forum lots more over the coming months and years.