I JUST RAN MY FIRST 5K EVER!!

[Purplepianist]

So, I have just completed the course and run a 5K! It took 39 minutes which felt fairly comfortable (although the last 5 minutes were hard).

I never in a million years would have believed that I'd even complete it, let alone ever say that I ran for 39 minutes comfortably! When I first started running with the app, I struggled to run for 30 seconds. Every run was difficult and I battled with calf pain and also shin splints at one point (which required me to have a week off to rest up).

Although I don't like to admit it, I am a quitter. When things get hard, I tend to give up. I battle with my weight and am currently about 6 stone heavier than I'd like to be and as an adult, have always been very unfit. I have a back which causes me pain every so often and general aches. It was only through running with my sister (who forced me out of the house!), the encouragement from my husband (and the look of shock and admiration on his face every time I passed a milestone!) and the inspiration from these posts which kept me going.

I didn't intended to run a 5K today - I thought I would have to work up to it, especially since the longest I'd ever run was the 30 minutes in week 8, but it felt comfortable so I just kept running!

To anyone out there, unsure whether to start, just GO FOR IT! If I can do it, literally ANYONE can!

[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.

[Purplepianist Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. That’s very helpful.

[Purplepianist Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

How do I go about getting a graduate badge please?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Purplepianist]

The usual route to get your badge is to leave a message in the current month's Graduation Badge post which is always in the Pinned Posts, but as I am awarding them this month, I will save you the effort............it looks great!

[Purplepianist Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much!

[Imoca]

Amazing work. Very well done 🌟🏅

[Purplepianist Graduate in reply to Imoca]

Thanks! It’s such an amazing feeling!

[Jericho2332 Graduate]

Well done on achieving your 5k👍🏻 it's a great feeling, enjoy it! Well deserved.

[Oliverunner]

So inspirational- well done xxx

[Dreambird Graduate]

That is a fantastic achievement - many congratulations to you. Keep on running - it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I started C25K in April this year - never having run since school - I graduated at the beginning of July. It’s not always easy to get out there for a run, I struggled with motivation during some weeks but I keep on trying and each time I run I feel a whole lot better in myself. We’ve got this - it’s an amazing programme with wonderful support from this community- let’s keep on running 🏃🏼‍♀️👍😊