I started this not being able to run for 30 seconds.
I can now run for 30 minutes with no break.
I started this as someone who had never really pushed themselves at anything before and didnt know what it was like to keep hitting goals and keep self motivated consistently. I was more of a floater getting by with minimal effort.
The mindset running gives you extends to other areas of your life.
I did this programme during lockdown, to keep sane and get of the house. For that reason running has a very special meaning for me. It is freedom, it is a gift, it is a chance to improve, it is a stress reliever, it is a challenge, it is a chance to spend some time alone and focus on yourself. Basically, I love running.
Today when I was running i zoned out so many times, completely lost in my thoughts and the music, my legs just moving for me and feet hitting the ground again and again. It felt like second nature.
Running has given as much to me emotionally as it has physically.
My mind AND heart are happier for it.
What to say to people starting out?
Well, you can do more than you think you can.
Definitely something I took away from this.
The early weeks can be rough, especially if you started from very little fitness like i did, BUT if you put the work in, you will see results.
You can nearly ALWAYS slow down, listen to the coach's tips, and read the guide. It will save you asking a lot of questions on the forum 😂
On that note, USE THE FORUM!! it completely kept me going and when I started out, it's been invaluable to me!
This seems like a good place to stop my well earned graduation ramble, and to thank this community for helping me achieve this!!!
Special thanks to 59er who has followed my whole journey and has been my virtual cheerleader, your advice and encouragement has meant a lot to me, thank you for taking the time to respond and advise (and anyone else who has done this for me and others!)
This programme is hard. It requires dedication and effort. But if you stick at it, your life will change, for the better.
Peace out from the girl who was always picked last for PE and who never thought she had an athletic bone in her body.
I'm a runner now 😎
Written by
AliceInThePalace
Graduate
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Such a inspiring post from you AliceinThePalace, I am sure you will get a response and a very big congratulations from 59er soon🏃🏾👍🎓
A very big congratulations from me as well on graduating from C25K 🎓 🏃🏾 👍
To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the July healthunlocked C25K home page and tell the administrators that you have ran W9R3 of C25K and graduated 🎓 🏃🏾
Well! Alice In The Palace I couldn't be happier that you've made it through- I knew you would! It's been an absolute joy to cheer you on and 'see' you develop and achieve. I am touched that you gave me a special mention (made me feel quite emotional) and I feel as if you've completed that run for me as I'm still on the IC nursing my injured ankle 🤪
No need for me to tell you to stick at it - I'm sure you will as you have recognised the benefits of running for yourself.
I look forward to reading your future posts. Congratulations! 👏👏
Well done! Such a lovely post that perfectly sums up how wonderful the programme can be, and how good and healthy it is to take on a challenge and stick at it through difficulties..
Many, many congratulations!.. and keep posting about your consolidation runs to inspire the rest of us to keep going too.. I hope you will carry on feeling the joy of running for life..🏃🏻♀️🎓🤸🏾♂️😊
Well done!! You given me the motivation to carry on. I too was always picked last for PE, so have never felt like I could be athletic at all. I'm only in week 1 as repeating what I set out to do in March but didnt follow through. I'm very overweight and get embarrassed huffing and puffing my way around the park!! But I'm determined to persevere. Thanks for the boost.
Please never be embarrassed - you're out there doing something wonderful for your mind and body.
I can't even say I was last to be picked for PE... I used to bunk off school during PE lessons as I couldn't bear it. Early 90s tight gym knickers (bright red FFS!) and ridiculous skirts don't help when you've zero confidence.
Everyone on this forum will be your cheerleaders - here to celebrate every high and commiserate every low... there will be plenty of both! Please keep going - you're in week 1 and in a few short weeks, you won't believe how far you've come.
You've said it all AliceInThePalace. You speak for many of us. My PE report said 'lacks attack but tries hard', I was always second to last to be chosen for any team games (what a cruel set up in school). Doing C25k has improved my confidence more than anything else.
Brilliant and inspiring to read. Well done and like you said anything is possible if you put the work and effort in. So happy for you. Keep on running 😊
What an amazing post, 😀 it sums up your journey and I suspect that of many others perfectly....Congratulations AliceInThePalace enjoy your graduation day you’ve done brilliantly 👏🏻👏🏻🏆🎉🎉
Many congratulations AITP, so happy for you! Like many others, I have been following your journey and remember how reticent and timid and unbelieving in yourself you were at the start of this. To have come so far and to have made so many positive changes in your life is totally amazing, you are one tough lady!
There will be times when even your commitment is tested, I know mine still is over three years on, but running is in your blood now whether you like it or not - you are one of us now and we’re not letting you go!
That’s so brilliant AintheP, congratulations 🤗🎈🍾👏🏻🥳🤸♀️🎉🌈
So pleased you’re loving it so much, those P.E. Lessons ugh! What did they know? you were born to run. 🤗
I knew you would achieve your target - you are amazing , I’m sending you an excited hug because you deserve it. Post your Badge / certificate up in your kitchen , so you get to see it ever morning as you sip on your tea/coffee .
Enjoy your celebrations tonight with bubbles 🍾 of course So here’s to Parkruns next year for all of us that have had our lives changed because we decided to challenge the C25K.
Enjoy your consolidation runs 🏃♀️too - this is where the magic starts !
Thank you that is very kind 😅😄 I will consolidate for 3 weeks and then start working towards a 10k 😬😂 going to stick with 5k right now I would love to do a charity run when everything is back to normal
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Graduation! W9R3
W9R3 today....Graduation 
W9R3 completed!
W9R3 - Graduation :-)
Graduation! W9R3 done!
