Finally graduated!!! (tho'took me about a zillion times longer than it should!!)

[Chatbleu]

Hi, I finally graduated last Friday, I've managed to fit in one 30min run since then.

While I fully intend to keep it up, at the moment it's really haaaaaard!!!

It's a constant physical and psychological battle for the 30minutes, first with my legs then with my breathing and trying to keep stitch at bay! I don't enjoy it yet!!

People keep telling me it will get easier, and I am proud of myself for getting here!

Does anyone have any more tips for what next? How to progress my stamina?

Or is it a case of keep at it?

Also, how do I get my (virtual) 'graduate' badge? Can't find the link!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so pleased . To continue pick 3 days and stick to them . You say you've had stitches and problems with breathing which would suggest you're needing to slow right down.

To get you're graduate badge scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see graduation badges August 2019 and leave your name . Well done you 😊😊👏👏

[Chatbleu Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you so much, I do feel I've achieved, and thanks for the advice!

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

First, congratulations on graduating! You’ve done it!

Now, for the future, everyone is different but I found that if I kept getting out there it did slowly become easier. And don’t beat yourself up if you skip the odd day, or only manage 20 minutes or 3k or whatever. You are a winner the moment you choose to run.

If there’s a parkrun near you, I’d recommend registering and going along. You’ll meet lots of like-minded people and you’ll discover that lots of us are still finding it hard but getting out there anyway. It’ll help to make running a habit, too.

Lots of luck - and tell us how you’re getting on.

X

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

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

So many people ignore the advice to slow down and continue to struggle..........while those who slow to a pace at which they can still speak clear ungasping sentences as they run, have an epiphany and begin to enjoy their running.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[SlowLoris]

It will get easier but in the meantime you definitely need to slow down a bit.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating from C25K, well done, do what Buddy34 has told you, then you will see the word Graduate next to your username.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Congratulations Chatbleu! Fantastic achievement and despite everything you got there! Next steps - I would suggest you stick with the consolidation runs to start, ie 3 x 30 minute runs a week for 3 weeks (though I think mine might take longer, but we keep plugging away!). All the usual advice - keep it at a conversational pace, stay hydrated. I’m finding the first 10 minutes are the worst, but it gets better as I go. Once you’ve got the consolidation runs sorted, you’ll feel stronger I’m sure and after that there’s loads you can do - longer distance, run faster, do parkrun, join a running club, run with a friend. All sorts! Good luck and keep posting!

[CookieM Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating!

Stick with consolidation runs (max 30 mins). I have only been managing to get out once a week during the summer, due to weather, heat, other things going on etc and so have done a mixture of 30 minute runs and shorter runs - trying out new routes and new running apps to guide my runs. The most important thing I have learnt over the summer is to consciously SLOW DOWN! If I don't think about running slowly (specifically at the beginning), I find it so much harder and then can't finish the run. I was doing a guided run (using the Nike Run Club App) this morning where he kept reminding me to consciously check my speed and slow down - only encouraging fast running in the last minute which, because I had been going slowly, I was able to do.

Stick with it and it will start to get easier!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🎈💐

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Well done Chatbleu ,that's a brilliant acheivement...bet you're still smiling?! My only tip is just to keep running...just because you can

..it doesnt matter how far, how long or how fast but it's like everything else, the more you do it, the better you get therefore upping the chances of enjoying it...we all have the psychological battle at some point, flippin eck, I know I do!!! But something keeps me going 😊