27th March, 2016 I celebrated my graduation from Couch to 5k with a whoop and a cheer, yesterday I ran a local 5k run to celebrate that I am still running and loving it 
My Couch to 5k journey started in December 2015. Initially I just wanted a way of maintaining my fitness so I could keep up with hubby when we explored the beautiful mountains in Scotland where we lived. When I first looked into the programme I remember asking "How far is 5k?'. You can imagine what I said when he told me that I would have to run from the house, all the way down the road, along the lane by the coast, to the jetty AND back. No way! As I got further into the programme and discovered HealthUnlocked I realised that to graduate I had to run for 30 minutes, three times in a week but I had already set myself the goal of to the jetty and back so was determined that I would get to 5k.
My first few runs I simply ran instead of walked when I took Squiggy, the Springer out in the forest. My usual walking clothes and boots were not ideal though and luckily a friend gave me a spare pair of trainers! As time went on I discovered the joy of lycra - who would have thought it 
and in that first year after graduating I ran 10k and a couple of events. I love the 'buzz' of events and find the focus of a date keeps me motivated but I also enjoy a no pressure gentle jog. I promised myself a new pair of trainers if I managed to keep running for a year and was so pleased with my brand new, colourful trainers (although they didn't stay like that for long of course). Like many others I never imagined how much I would come to LOVE running and how much I would miss it when I was forced to be on the 'couch' because of injury or illness.
Running is so wonderful because it can be adapted to individual likes and needs. So whether you like to...... run fast or slow, in the morning or evening, in shorts or leggings, alone or with company, in bright pink or muted colours, with a dog or baby in a buggy, every day or once a week, in a forest or along roads, with music or not, in the rain or in the sunshine...….run as it suits you do what feels good for you, don't worry about what anyone else is doing, just keep running!
So to all of you who are just starting out, or are dreading the 20 minute run in week 5 or have just graduated I would like to say a big well done and give you a big cheer. I urge you to keep on going, keep on trying and keep on saying well done to yourself - you can do it, you are amazing!
Finally, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the administrators and ambassadors on this forum (and Bridge to 10, Strength and Flex etc). Thank you for all your advice and support, you do a wonderful job and make this a safe and happy place to be. You all helped me achieve my goal of running 5k and to my amazement even further. Thank you also to my virtual buddies, present and past for their encouragement and inspirational stories.
With very best wishes to you all on this forum and your families at this strange and frightening time.
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