W9R3 done! Like finishing a good book (thrilled, and sad to see it go)! Never imagined I could do this.

[spadgy]

I set out at about 5.50am today, and I made it to the end of W9R3! I'm so amazed. I struggled and had to really push myself from W1 on, and never imagined I'd get past the half-way mark - let alone complete C25K. One of the biggest take aways for me has been realising how much you can change, progress and learn in a relatively short time (body and mindset!). I never imagined I'd ever be able to run for 30 mins; especially in 9 weeks!

I had to get over some decades of convincing myself fitness and exercise was a club for other people. That was the hardest part, in some ways. And the mental battles through some runs - might have found the middle weks the hardest there.

But I got there, and... shhh... don't tell anyone... I think I quite enjoy running! My secret's safe here, yeah? So much for the 'pah, why would ever run?' version of me!

And I actually made it to 5K today! Wow! I so didn't trust the tracking app when I saw I'd hit 5K that I checked the route with some thread on a map - Scouts style route tracking! Just over 5K! Worked hard but definitely found it more pleasurable than torturous. Back to roads for W9 after trying trails with beastly uphills for W7-8 (too soon for my ability!) - I think all those steep climbs off road maybe helped make W9 a little less demanding.

Why like a book? Because for all that I've got from this journey, there was a sadness in it being over. 'Anti climax' is too strong, but something like that. This simultaneous feeling of delight and amazement and excitement, mixed with that feeling of something I loved suddenly vanishing. Still I'm excited to consolidate my runs and get back to those trails!

[Roxdog Graduate]

Everything you've written in your post resonates with me. A club for other people! Now you are a runner, without having to be part of a club, just doing it for yourself because of your developing love of running!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Nice one !

Congratulations on your graduation 👍😬👏👏👏

Don't forget to get your graduation badge here

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[PlymBorn]

Well done ! 🥇👏👏🥇

Fantastic achievement on graduation 🎓

A really great post and see a lot of familiar sentiments and feeling in what you write.

You are now a runner 🏃🏻‍♂️ ... and a 5k to boot today 🚀 ... cracking ! Enjoy your day knowing you’ve don’t it 💪👏

[Blackberrypie Graduate]

Congratulations! Now come over to consolidation club and continue the journey

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[nowster Graduate]

Congratulations! 🏆🏅🍾

Hopefully me too by the end of next week.

And now the real adventure begins...

[Hidden]

Such an inspirational read 😁

I'm only on week 3 and every week completed is a revelation.

You remind of what's possible

[Overweightandunfit Graduate]

Well Done, whilst it us strange when it ends really it is just the beginning - you have so much more ahead of you.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Interesting post from you spadgy, to get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked August C25K graduation home page and tell the administrators that you have ran W9R3 of C25K and graduated 🎓 🏃🏾 👍

[f1madman Graduate]

Congratulations! Dont worry there are plenty more chapters to choose from....

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

That's great running all round. Many congratulations on your graduation 🍷👍😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

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

Keep running, keep smiling.