Miracles do happen!

[AU510]

Just last year I was telling a colleague that I don't do 'the running' and couldn't understand why people do it.

Now I know, having just completed C25K. Today was W9 R3 and, coming at the tail end of a cold, it was a real challenge. How my calves burned!!!

C25K has helped me find joy in running, belief in myself and a real sense of accomplishment. It has helped me to build confidence. I'm also healthier, mentally and physically.

Wherever you are in the C25K program - thinking about it or in the process of doing the weekly runs - please do stick with it! It really is more of a mental challenge than a physical one, but so very worth it.

In 30 mins I can run 3.5K. The plan is to keep on with the 30 mins for the next week, gradually increasing to 40 - 45 mins by the end of March. The goal is to improve my endurance and eventually get up to 5K.

I wouldn't have believed I would one day be able to run 30 mins non-stop or that I'd find joy, exhilaration even, in doing so.

Thanks Community, thanks to the C25K creator and to everyone who encourages non-runners to get out there and give it a go.

Best wishes to all you fellow runners out there!

[Powerhoopfan Graduate]

Well done, that’s fab

[Flossy1234 Graduate]

Well done. Great message too for others to follow. very encouraging. Good luck as you continue the journey. Enjoy the benefits of running.

[AU510 Graduate in reply to Flossy1234]

Thank you, Flossy1234. Wish you a happy and successful week of running

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing Couch to 5K - a great way to get in to 'the running'! 😉

Also, welcome to the forum!😀 It's a great place to support others who have taken on the same challenge and where you will find many others who have also caught the running bug!

You might want to check out our March Consolidation Club post which is pinned on the homepage. This is for those who have completed the program and are now looking to consolidating their running. Good luck! 🙂

[AU510 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you for the welcome and for the advice, Sandra. I'm grateful to have pointers on how to continue as a runner; to become better, stronger and, maybe even faster 😏

[Comfortnotspeed]

Well deserved congratulations 🥳 🤩🥇🤩🥳

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations AU510 on completing C25K and graduating 🎓 🏃🏾 👍

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

[AU510 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you for the pointer on how to get my graduation badge.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to AU510]

It's there now 👍

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Well done 😊 👏 🎓 🏃

[Roxdog Graduate]

What a wonderful post! I hope you enjoy your post-graduation runs.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Congratulations. Well done you. 👏🥳👏🥳👏🥳🥂🍾

[Roadrunner65 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing C25K - You've proved so much to yourself, and are an inspiration to us en route on this programme

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Congratulations 🏆👍😁🍾🥂🎉

Go get your shiny badge 🏅

[Phdgranny Graduate]

Well done you! Your pace seems about the same as mine. I have just completed W6 and I have always (I’m 63) said running is not for me but I have stuck religiously to this programme and so far, no joint pain and I always feel good when I finish a run. Looking forward to completing the programme but will still post on here to keep me running and enjoying it. It’s great to hear from others just like you. My sons are so proud of me too. They are both endurance athletes (Ironman and endurance cycling) so it is great to hear them say how well I’m doing. Keep running!!

[AU510 Graduate in reply to Phdgranny]

I enjoyed reading your reply. You've made me think of my own Mom who is 72, got herself a fitbit in December and is now doing speed walking, as her physical limitations allow. I'm SO proud of her.

I'm impressed by you and your efforts too. Congratulations on completing W6.

Best wishes to you as you embark on W7

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

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

Keep running, keep smiling.

[AU510 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for the encouragement and the link.

[Reverie1 Graduate]

I feel the same! I am SO not an exercise-y type - yet I've got so much satisfaction (and even enjoyment?!) from running over the last year, when I only really started to try and get a bit more fit for my health. Good on you for completing the C25K bit - and keep going on your own running journey : )