W9 R2 almost there....

[CBDB]

I knew this Sat had a window of good weather and I managed to hit this with my penultimate run, or should I say penultimate C25k undergraduate run.

A bit harder today, some twinges in my calves, heavy feet, breathlessness but nothing too serious that could not be remedied with slowing a tad down, relaxing into the run, focussing on my music or changing my gate.

Can’t wait to get a shiny badge 🎓... (aren’t we humans needy 😊)

And then I have my Nike running club app lined up in order for me not to loose my newfound running routines.

For everyone out there, let‘s keep on keeping on.

🏃🏻‍♀️👋🏽🏃🏿‍♀️👣🏃🏾🎶🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️🌳🏃‍♂️🎧🏃‍♀️😊🏃🏼‍♂️👍🏽🏃🏿‍♀️🥵🚶🏼🤗🏃🏽‍♀️💪🚶‍♂️☔️🏃🏽‍♀️

[Hidden]

I love my running...never ever thought I'd say that. It's keeping me sane. And you guys on here are wonderful👏👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️⭐⭐⭐

[CBDB Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I had given up of ever becoming fit again... and I am still not loosing weight (am old and hypothyroid) but I feel so much healthier.

[Hidden in reply to CBDB]

That's the same with me..I'm on 150 mg of thyroxine .. it's so unfair ..I've bought a size 12 Hobbs dress and jacket for my daughters wedding next year..I WILL BE WEARING IT !!!

[Luvlollyboo in reply to CBDB]

Also on 150mcg thyroxine! I’ve heard not to mix it with a coffee drink/caffeine as it messes with it, so I started on decaf at same time I started running :))

[CBDB Ambassador in reply to Luvlollyboo]

Yes, I’m constantly thinking of coming completely off coffee but it feels I need it during the day to keep me going. But have switched to mixing it up with tea, ginger tea, Chicorée coffee, alternative coffee, cocoa, etc.

Are you completely off coffee, since when and how are you feeling during the day and has it benefitted your runs, you think?

[Luvlollyboo in reply to CBDB]

It’s hard to say except I don’t have the stomach/IBS symptoms since I stopped. I thinks it’s ok with thyroxine if you leave around 2 hours gap in between (according to my consultant at Holland & Barret and Dr Google

[Luvlollyboo in reply to Luvlollyboo]

Oh.... and I think I sleep better....

[Devonndumpling in reply to Hidden]

I have just finished my final run (wk 9.3) today. Can't say that I like running yet, but I like having done it, if that makes sense!

[CBDB Ambassador in reply to Devonndumpling]

Yes, I do feel lucky for liking it.

But I think a huge part is actually the music I am listening to while running. I only once ran without it, and it rather made me focus on the negative things: sound of my breathlessness, uneven feet hitting ground, pains and aches, etc.

With the right music, I feel I have the perfect pace, perfect breathing rhythm and it uplifts me every time there is a chorus which is in perfect rhythmic sync to my feet. So it makes me feel more, better, faster, fitter than I actually am. It’s my ‘music running bubble’.

So music works for me, but I know for others it might be podcasts or just listening to nature.

So I hope you find your running ‘bubble of enjoyment’.

And if not, so well done! You keeping going is then even more inspiring! So, well done! I’ll join you with a graduation badge soon!

[Devonndumpling in reply to CBDB]

I will try music next time. I look forward to seeing your graduation post on here!

[JeanneMary Graduate in reply to Devonndumpling]

i'm with you on that, Devondumpling! I mostly find it such a challenge to run, but occasionally I enjoy it - especially when I notice the lovely countryside and the freedom of being out without any pressures. I keep thinking that it will get easier and now that I've graduated, I'm going to mix up my routes, music/podcasts, length of run etc to find my groove. It's great to feel fitter though and that keeps me going.

[Luvlollyboo in reply to Devonndumpling]

Completely get it!

[Tbird55]

Never had a doubt you would see it through. I’ve had the all clear and back on it today. Best wishes for your final qualifier !

[kerryleannexx]

How exciting 😁 well done 😃. What does ‘changing my gate’ mean ? Also the Nike app sounds interesting , I’ll take a look.

[CBDB Ambassador in reply to kerryleannexx]

Gate change for me: I sometimes fall out of the slow running method (running on the balls of my feet) to hitting the ground with my heels first.

The latter has more impact on your body and puts more stress on knees, hips and back. Whereas running on the balls of your feet is more naturally springy and uses the arch of your foot as a shock absorber. But more burden on your calf muscles, especially when your overweight.

That’s my understanding but the slow running method was a real revelation for me.

[kerryleannexx in reply to CBDB]

Same , I realised after they I can still be a runner , I didn’t even know how to slow run 😂 Thanks for the info on gait 😍

[Nilsam Graduate]

Well done for getting out there...one to go ...exciting. Go you. 👣💪😎🎊🎉

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Brilliant post!

I feel excited for you!....

I’m the same!... a needy human who is striving to achieve a badge (and will treasure it) .. there is also a certificate you can download!...

you are further ahead than Me and I can’t wait to get where you are!

A huge well done! This journey is amazing 👏👏👏

[CBDB Ambassador in reply to Tinytears60]

It certainly is!

[Hidden]

This will sound strange.. but it has actually changed me as a person. I'm not as tired..I eat healthier ..dropped a dress size..even though I've only lost 7lb. I stopped the bottle of vino on the Couch watching Corrie. I'm doing it for me...with my daughter..who lives 40 miles away. We are both doing it to do a 10k for a Memory Run because my Mam was heartbreakingly diagnosed with vascular dementia in November. ⭐👟👟🌈

[JeanneMary Graduate]

Yay! Well done for managing the heavy legs etc and keeping going today. You know that you can definitely do it now. Best wishes for your final C25K run

[CBDB Ambassador in reply to JeanneMary]

Thank you and all forum members. The positivity and encouragement of the community here is extraordinary and I am so thankful for that. Online community forums at their best! Well done all of us!