W8 r2 bang on schedule and still not imagining Graduation!

[Raisemeup]

Somehow i'm now doing 28 mins and today will bring me closer to moving up yet another gear towards w9. I run very slowly though as in my 60's, I feel I need to really pace myself. However, I usually manage a cheeky (and fun😉) 20 second sprint at the very end - just checking to see if I have anything left really.

I never assume anything and just keep listening to how my body reacts, when it feels right I then know, yes I can take on the next run and so on. So that's where I am now, W8r2 coming up, but still not imagining Graduation even though, between you and me, I can almost smell it!

[Blossom- Graduate]

Well done! So close, graduating is amazing! I'm 66 and ran 6k this morning! Over the moon, you will be too! Go you!🏃‍♀️💥

[Raisemeup Graduate in reply to Blossom-]

Thank you Blossom, that inspires me! Had you run much in the past? I ran on the track at school and in the gym in the 1980s, but never distance.

I wish you well with you future runs and whatever you are aiming for, if anything.

Best wishes.

[Blossom- Graduate in reply to Raisemeup]

No hadn't run at all! So I really surprised myself that I was able to do c25k, no repeats, no stopping, just run after run! Have been going to the gym and doing yoga so I think I have some strength but didn't have a clue I could run! Loving it! So I'm currently doing time version of the magic plan, on week 6, aim is 60 min run then who knows!

[Jericho2332 Graduate]

Your doing amazingly well, keep it steady and be very proud of what your doing 👍🏻

[Raisemeup Graduate in reply to Jericho2332]

Thank you Jericho, just going out to see what happens.

Good luck to you in all you aim for 👍

[GailXrunning Graduate]

Sounds like you’re doing absolutely great, and I love your philosophy. I’m a couple of runs behind you, same age bracket and (because I’m listening very carefully to my ageing body) am avoiding any last minute speed ups for the moment. ( I did do some of these earlier in programme, so I know it’s a good feeling - so do enjoy 😉 ).

It’s definitely hard to take on board the approaching graduation - but I’m allowing myself that thought. My cheekiness this weekend has been peeking ahead into Rosabie’s forum for the consolidation community. Can’t believe that this could soon be me.

It’s one step at a time... but that way miles are covered.

Enjoy your final c25k runs.

[Raisemeup Graduate in reply to GailXrunning]

Thank you Gail, I sometimes feel I'm the oldest runner where I am (NW Kent). The body is an amazing piece of kit, I've been in it since the 1950's and didn't know it would carry me through this!

Keep going and I'll be pleased for you when you Graduate. 👍

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Well done! 👏👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

It seems like you are exactly where you need to be! Running slowly is the key. The programme still works its magic on your stamina and endurance. Even the brisk walking has a part to play.

I’m 66 and never ran anywhere before starting the programme in May. Graduated in Late July, very possibly the slowest runner on here 🐌 . Could not compete with the speed monsters, so started focussing on time spent running (slowly) instead of distance covered. That, in itself, helped me to speed up a bit over the shorter distances. I still can’t run 5K in 30 minutes, after 40 odd runs post graduation. But - I went for my second 10 mile run on Saturday! 😀

[Raisemeup Graduate]

Oh my Jools, 10 miles in "old money", that's amazing, can't see me doing that!

I'm hoping the slow running will help me build up speed but it's not happening yet and I'm impatient, I also have Jo Wiley in my ear saying ever so nicely "if you feel you can increase speed you might like to do so......"! We shall see.

Best of luck to you and I'm sure a half marathon awaits if that's what you'd like.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Raisemeup]

Thanks, yes a HM is my aim! 😊 But I’m in no rush. It’s a bit too soon. I need to make sure my body’s ready for it. I do my long runs every Saturday - next week I’ll drop back a bit and maybe do 12K. It’s all about endurance.

The slow running WILL help you build up speed, but be patient 😂. After graduating, it’s best just to simply go out running for running’s sake, without focussing on anything. Run for 30 minutes or so 3 times a week. Run somewhere new! Ditch the coaches, run free. You can be thinking about where you want your running to go. There’s no rush! It’s possible to get so caught up in getting faster that you lose the simple joy of getting out there and just ‘going for a run’.

[Buddhagal Graduate]

Congratulations....nearly ready for graduation😁. As everyone else says...take it steady...sounds like you're spot on listening to your body though, well done. Keep going👏👏👏🙋

[Raisemeup Graduate in reply to Buddhagal]

Thank you Buddha, we can but see where the running takes us and the body allows.

Best wishes to you.

[Buddhagal Graduate in reply to Raisemeup]

👍👍🙋