Graduated today, can’t believe it!: In Feb this... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Graduated today, can’t believe it!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate
74 Replies

In Feb this year I was overweight and at risk of going back onto meds for my diabetes.

I started on a diet (healthy eating) and exercise programme of Zumba, swimming and walking. I lost 2 stone and felt great, but I got a rotator cuff injury that ruled out swimming. I decided to go for C25K instead. I have never been a runner and I have neuropathy in my feet, which means they are numb/painful and it impacts my balance.

So I invested in good trainers and 11 weeks later (2 week holiday break) I am another 10lbs down, my blood sugars are so good that I am no longer diabetic if I was tested (Doctor chuffed to bits)AND I ran for 4.5 k in 30 min today. I am 63 years old and feel fabulous

Planning to meet my secondary goal of completing a park run before Christmas with my pal who completed C25k last year and inspired me to do it

It’s a great programme

Not sure how to get my graduate badge?

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Runningdumpling profile image
Runningdumpling
Graduate
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74 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

You got so much to celebrate.

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

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Buddy34

Thanks Buddy34, you and all the guys on here have been so supportive

Thanks so much

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

Congratulations. 🎉👏🏼🎉 You have a lot to celebrate! There should be a pinned post for December graduates - leave a comment on there & you’ll have a badge before you can blink. 😄

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Granspeed

Thanks Granspeed, ivdd Ed requested my badge

Jacca profile image
JaccaGraduate

Huge congratulations runningdumpling 🤩🤩🎉🎉🎓🎓

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Jacca

Thanks Java, I remember week 1 thinking it simply wasn’t possible for me to run for 30 min, just goes to show it’s possible. If I can do it, anyone can

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Runningdumpling

Jacca....autocorrect drives me bonkers

Jacca profile image
JaccaGraduate in reply to Runningdumpling

🤣🤣🤣 you’ve done amazing. I bet you’ve been grinning like a mad person all day!!

Very inspiring. Well done!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to

Thanks very much

Runcat77 profile image
Runcat77

Brilliant! Well done 🙌

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Runcat77

Thanks so much

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

Massive congratulations on health and graduation. The best Christmas present you could have. 🏃‍♀️😁👍👏

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs

Thanks Grannytobe

Feeling good as the song goes! Thanks for support

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Wow congratulations you are a lot faster than we were when we graduated and the same age I am so happy to read about your great achievement

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Thanks WillowandSola, sounds like you have done brilliantly. I have only been using my iPhone to track my distance, so I might be way off... not that fussed, just wanted to run for 30 min

Great support

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate in reply to Runningdumpling

iphone is fine it won’t be too far off it’s just such a great thing to be able to do we started in April then had a couple weeks off in may and started again 5 june and since then have both lost three and a half inches off our waists without shifting much weight but it’s great to feel fitter and blood pressure and cholesterol down

I am aiming for 6k by end of year

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Huge congratulations and well done you! This...is just the beginning!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

This guide to post C25k running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You may find looking in on the December Consolidation Club helpful. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.

RunningMigster profile image
RunningMigsterGraduate

🥂🍾🥂

Huge congratulations on your fantastic achievement. I'm both immensely pleased for you and massively impressed by how far you've come.

You truly are an inspiration and a shining example of what a difference a great attitude makes.

Go you!!!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to RunningMigster

Thanks RunningMigster for your lovely message snd kind words

Just chuffed I’ve done it, now to consolidate and not stop over Christmas

You are also doing really well

jsh2803 profile image
jsh2803Graduate

Congratulations: I too completed the programme today, and am 1.5 stones lighter and feel much better for it and am over 60 as well. Have Park run in diary for 28th, which will be different, did the programme on a treadmill!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to jsh2803

Hi jsh2803, thanks for lovely message

Congratulations to you too, nice to know I’m not the only over 60 taking this on and finishing too

Great weight loss as well, I know how much better I feel being lighter and fitter

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Congratulations on completing C25K, well done, now go and celebrate, what a great Christmas present to yourself, you will enjoy the festive season even more so now. 😊 🏃🏾 🎓

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Thanks AlMorr, I will allow myself some festive food knowing I can run it off .... Park run here I come, thsnks for your message much spprecisyed

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Runningdumpling

I am going to a parkrun tomorrow, I'll be running in a reindeer Christmas jumper with a red/white Santa hat

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to AlMorr

Cool, put photo on your page

I’m planning to go on 21st..

iain-strachan profile image
iain-strachanGraduate

Huge congratulations - all your hard work really paid off, and I can empathise because my story is very similar. I'm 61, and in February my blood sugar was just into the diabetic range (HbA1c = 7%), and I was 17 stone 9 lbs. My doctor said I could either go on metformin, or attempt to reverse it with diet and exercise. I opted for the latter and started C25K in May and finished 11 weeks later (had a 2 week gap in middle of week 9 due to a dodgy knee which had to heal, during which time I got gait analysis done and proper supportive trainers.

I'm now just over 4 stone lighter, and my HbA1c is 5.3%, so not even in pre-diabetic range.

Since graduation I've used the NHS Couch to 5k+ podcasts (there are three with varying workouts and Laura talking you through them), and then done the Bridge to 10k and just completed my first 10k run on Wednesday in 74 minutes. Also doing Parkrun. I have not yet achieved 5k in 30 minutes, but still improving. (Best time so far 35:00).

I'm not sure if I'll do it tomorrow - my local parkrun (Abingdon) is a bit of a quagmire if it's been raining, as part of it is along the Thames towpath. But Parkrun is a great occasion - very friendly, and wonderful to take part in.

Good luck in your ongoing journey!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate

Iain, what a result, very similar story to mine indeed

Diet and exercise are key

Impressed that you have run 10k, can’t imagine running that far, well done you!

I will definitely look at the podcasts, thanks for the tip and your response to my post.

Great support group

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate

Wow, congratulations and well done. I love the inspiring stories on this forum. They really help to keep me going 🤩

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Speedy60

Thanks very much

This support group has helped a lot to keep me on track

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey5000Graduate

What an amazing achievement - inspirational! You are a force to be reckoned with when you set your mind to something you achieve!! Awesome 👏

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Sparkey5000

Thanks Sparkey5000, I am happy and looking forward to consolidating so it’s easier to keep going and hopefully complete a Parkrun

Downhilldoris profile image
Downhilldoris

Don’t wait, go to a Parkrun you’ll never look back. You won’t be the slowest or the oldest, parkrun is completely inclusive. They always have a tail walker or two to keep you going and encourage, or just to chat to. By the way well done on your weight loss, keep up the good work.

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Downhilldoris

Thanks so much, I’m going to consolidate this week and aim to do parkrun on 21st.....

BoDiddley profile image
BoDiddley

You’re an inspiration to us all. I’m determined to be Fit By 50. I just had my 49th and have also just completed Couch to 5K. I’m going to repeat that for a while then go for the 10K after Christmas. Good luck on your 25K

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to BoDiddley

Thanks BoDiddley, congratulations on completing C25K and best wishes for progressing to 10k, out of my league I think!!

in reply to Runningdumpling

Congratulations you've done fantastic. Well done on the weight loss as well.

🏃‍♀️🥇.,.......🏃‍♂️🥳🤗🎉. The world is your oyster, you can do anything now.

I'm just starting my 9th week so hopefully will finish before Christmas.

Ps. 67, and in the range to become diabetic so hoping the Drs will be pleased.

Next year want to continue to run 3 x week and do a 5k then 10k . Mind over matter 🥴

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to

Thanks so much Uke5. You can do it, once you’ve run for 25 min then 28 you know you can do 30. I have confidence that you will be successful, as you sound like you have a plan and drive

Good luck, let me know how you get on

🏃‍♀️👏

Hazel10 profile image
Hazel10Graduate

What a lovely story to wake up to - huge congratulations, woo hoo!! 🥳🏅

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Hazel10

Thanks Hazel10, much appreciated

Zebadee1 profile image
Zebadee1Graduate

Huge congratulations!

Runawaytrainer profile image
RunawaytrainerGraduate

Thank you for your encouraging story. My parents and brother were/are type 2 so that, and iffy blood pressure, keeps me running. Also on a low sugar diet. I don't carry any extra weight, so this running thing has to work! So far, so good!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Runawaytrainer

Thanks Runawaytrainer, my GP said that type2 diabetes can be influenced by lifestyle and I know that it’s a matter of balance between food and exercise

Well done to you too on your C25K success

Tiger44342 profile image
Tiger44342Graduate

Fantastic achievement well done.👍😀

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Tiger44342

Thanks very much!

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate

Congratulations!🎉👏 You have given yourself the best present ever! My husband started running after I did C25K to keep his blood sugar levels down and it works brilliantly. Wishing you many happy runs 🙂

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Slinkymalinki

Hi Slinkymalinki for your message, and congrats to you and your husband, well done on blood sugar levels

👏👏👏👏👏fantastic and very inspirational. I hope you enjoy your first parkrun 😄

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to

Thanks Ashcraig, I am looking forward to it!

in reply to Runningdumpling

I ‘run’ my first one next week. Just started training so will be using the app on the day. Family pressured me into it as they are here for holidays from the Friday night. I’ll be walking a lot but hey ho! 😄

in reply to

.... I hope it’s. Ether weather than this morning. I’m just home from Cu treeing and still to thW our. Lol

Dotty01 profile image
Dotty01

Oh wow!! True inspiration.You smashed it 👊 Congratulations x

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Dotty01

Thanks Dotty01, for your support, I actually enjoyed it...

Lifluf profile image
Lifluf

Congratulations. You must be so proud of yourself. And 4.5k in 30 mins is very impressive. Now you need to stay focussed but, if you've set yourself another goal you're half way there!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Lifluf

Hi Lifluf, I am interested to see what I do in a Parkrun, as I have only measured distance on my iPhone and I’m not sure how accurate it is, so I’ll see but will be pleased if I finish

Lifluf profile image
Lifluf in reply to Runningdumpling

I would recommend the free Strava app now you're a graduate. It shows your route, speed and even breaks it down into sections. I think it's quite accurate.

Tonj profile image
Tonj

Well done to you.

It’s the greatest feeling when you graduate. And how incredible that you’ve kicked your diabetes into touch and your health has improved. You’ve proven it’s never too late. I only started running in February at the age of 56 and last week got my first ever medal. Keep up the good work and good luck with your first park run. 🏃‍♀️👏🏻

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Tonj

Tonj, well done you too, I can’t remember ever winning a medal of any kind, never been athletic. But I have realised how much better I feel physically and mentally when I’m fitter.

Forpetessake profile image
ForpetessakeGraduate

That’s fabulous

Many congratulations x

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Forpetessake

Thanks Forpetessake, appreciate all the fantastic support

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate

Hello to you and very well done. This programme is amazing and frankly life changing. Obviously you will have to change your name to running gazelle or something like that. Theres plenty of advice on what to do post graduation. Some go straight onto extending to 10K. I ( I'm about the same age as you) just consolidated by running 5k a couple of times a week and enjoying being outside and feeling good. I'd recommend doing something like this as you will probably surprise yourself by getting faster without really trying. I also started to gradually run a bit further. Anyhow that's all part of the running journey for us all. In the meantime..... CONGRATULATIONS

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to johnm12

Thanks johnm12, if only I could be a running gazelle! Ha ha, I like it

Not as much of a dumpling now I must admit

I love being outside in fresh air and nature and also exploring where I live s bit

It is amazing how you can progress if you follow the programme

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly

Thanks so much for your support

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

Absolutely fantastic! 😄 What a wonderful inspiration you are! 😄

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Elfe5

Thanks Elfe5, I just wanted to be healthier and so far, so good!

Getfitok profile image
GetfitokGraduate

That’s brilliant! Well done you 👣👣👣

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Getfitok

Thanks Getfitok

I’m really pleased just have to consolidate so it becomes a habit

Leosmit profile image
LeosmitGraduate

That is absolutely fantastic! Reading that makes feel so happy even though I don’t know you! 😂 you taken charge of a few issues and shown them who’s boss! Well done!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Leosmit

Dear Leosmit

Thank you so much for your message, what a lovely thing to say... I am overwhelmed by all of the comments and support on the app

Even mire determined to keep going👍😃🏃‍♀️

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

wow that is fantastic on so many levels! Amazing congratulations :-)

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Couchpotato2

Thanks very much Couchpotato2, your message and support mean a lot

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply to Runningdumpling

And keep using the forum, the weeks after graduation can be a little strange (they were for me) but everyone is here for you!

Runningdumpling profile image
RunningdumplingGraduate in reply to Couchpotato2

Will do, good advice

Walkingvirgo profile image
WalkingvirgoGraduate

Aw that's fantastic , well done :-)

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