Roll up, roll up....we’ve been counting and the elves have been polishing in anticipation...all our new graduates deserve something to wear with pride so here is where you can collect your virtual badge for all to see... IannodaTruffe and myself have the pleasure of pinning on your badges this month...
Many congratulations for completing the 9 week Couch to 5K training programme! You can now run for 30 minutes continuously - you are a superstar!!!
★ Please comment below to request your Graduate badge!
We on the Admin Team feel enormously proud of you, and privileged to award you your richly deserved badge. We will try not to leave you waiting too long as we know how great it feels when your badge arrives - but please bear with us! We will give you your badge as soon as possible.
★ We hope you will continue posting here in the Couch to 5K community, sharing your experience with the new runners working through the programme, and updating us with your progress as you consolidate your 30 minute runs.
★ Speaking of consolidation, why not join Hidden and his April CONSOLIDATION CLUB just for new graduates like you! Doors are always open - pop in and say hi!! healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
★ Be sure to check out our 'WHAT NEXT?' post, for loads of other great ideas about how to build upon your amazing achievement healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
★ And now that you are a runner, why not try our twelve week consolidation and strength training plan to help reduce the possibility of injury - and maximise your running ability!! healthunlocked.com/strength...
Happy running!
Your Admin Team xx
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★ Please note that this is a virtual badge which can be seen next to your name on your posts and comments on the Couch to 5K community, but NOT on your profile page. The badge is visible if you are logged into the Couch to 5K community via a web browser, but unfortunately not in the HealthUnlocked app.
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Yay!!! Well done Helena-S , we’re impressed with you too!! It’s a lovely sunny but very cold day here in Yorkshire, I hope it is where you are too...perfect graduating conditions!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I did it!!! 🥳🥳It was a snail's pace so nowhere near 5K. Have enjoyed reading everyone's comments and the motivation that you've all given me. Thanks to everyone and good luck to you on your running journey. Happy Easter 🐣
Yay!!! Snails pace is perfect Oldfloss would be very proud of you!!! Distance doesn’t matter at this stage..or any stage really, what matters is that you enjoy your new found ability...consolidate your running now and who knows how far or fast you might go?! Congratulations 🥳
Congratulations Annthepan , we’re looking forward to watching your running journey blossom into something special too...your shiny new badge is firmly in place 😁 x
I’ve done it! I’ve completed C25K and I’m feeling on top of the world!!! 🌟💫✨
Hello and a Happy Easter to you 😊 I completed the challenge this morning and would love to receive my badge when you have a moment. Thank you so much 💓
Happy Easter to you too Oxwichbay and what a happy Easter it is for you?!! All that hard work has paid off and you have a nice shiny badge next to your name to prove it...congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Omg Bev the duck is soooooo cool and definitely the essence of easter running, he it she just needs a nice pair of trainers 🤓, enjoy those badge postings, my last two months were crazy-hectic-busy 🤪
Thank you Hidden ...I absolutely love ducklings 🐥❤️ And I love the graduate badge job too, it was crazy hectic during the first lockdown we had sooooooo many new graduates I was never away!! I love being on the forum, feel like I haven’t been around enough lately so I’ll make up for it now...what a great feeling graduation is? I love sharing other people’s joy!! x
Whoop whoop!!! Congratulations LastBlaster ..that’s an amazing achievement right there & your badge is very well deserved...we’re all super proud of you 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Well done Goals1 ...just checked out your graduation post...click on the link above for ‘what’s next’ and the consolidation club...your badge suits you by the way 😜
Really happy to have completed my C25K, not posted before but regularly look at the posts. It took 3 weeks longer as I repeated runs to make sure I was ready to move on to the next step. Very happy to have achieved my goals. Thanks to this great group.
Yay! Well done LunaRabbit , doesn’t matter how long it’s taken you’ve smashed it now and your well deserved badge is securely in place! Don’t forget to check out the consolidation club ☺️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hi I completed the final run yesterday, so pleased and proud a few days after my 65th Birthday, could I have a graduation badge please? Here’s to a much fitter retirement 🙌
Ooo, well done Notsoquickchick ...the weather can’t seem to make its mind up at the moment!!! You were very determined to become a graduate braving those temperatures and snow showers!! You’re very well deserved badge is now firmly in place for you to show off...congratulations 😁😁
Thank you Mummycav am looking forward to consolidating next. X
I graduated this morning! Never thought I would get there! Now what 🤔 Should I do the consolidation runs 3 times a week for 30 minutes? Any advice welcomed!
Hi Hidden ...congratulations to you!!! Yes, def consolidate your running...look at the pinned posts, I’m sure Hidden will welcome you with open arms and you’ll be able to chat there with other new graduates about all things running...also, this makes for an interesting read too healthunlocked.com/couchto5... IannodaTruffe has a head full of priceless knowledge...enjoy showing off your new badge 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The icing on the cake ElBr92 .....and proof that all your hard work has paid off. Congratulations and very well done, we’re super proud of you and Hidden is waiting with the consolidation club to continue your journey 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you! I really can’t tell you how much the running and the support and advice has changed my life. My brother is doing it now too and feels the same. It’s brilliant!
So happy and proud to say that I have completed my Wk9 R3 today!!! 🥳 I am not fit or healthy but I was determined to complete the program and really feel it has helped me physically and mentally being outdoors doing this. Advice and encouragement from people on here have really helped me persevere and looking forward to carrying on now. A graduation badge would be greatly appreciated please?
Fantastic branders1974 ...beaming as bright as the sun!! Congratulations, you’ll need your sunglasses to look at your badge it’s that shiny...well done you!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Cripes, Moriarty, I've done it! As a shuffling newbie a mere matter of weeks ago to running 30 mins continuously is something I did wonder about completing, but here I am freshly run, freshly bathed and ready to face the next stage... after some consolidation runs!
Fantastic newbie-nick ..those first few runs are daunting aren’t they...but they’re a distant memory now as you move onto the next stage of your running journey & we’re all cheering you on...congratulations Hidden is waiting for you with this months consolidation club 👏🏻👏🏻 Enjoy showing your shiny badge off 😁
Thanks. I one of so many that have either completed C25K, or have started it and not finished for whatever reason, or one of the millions who have started running since lockdown. I am now a fully-fledged member of the band of runners.My legs are happy, my body seems slimmer if not lighter and I have an ever brighter disposition - and for a displaced Scot that is saying something!!
I salute each and every runner and send my most sincere thanks to all those involved in bringing C25K to us, a grateful public.
I completed the graduation run today. While completing C25K was always my aim. I must admit it seemed an almost impossible target when I was doing the 60 sec runs all those weeks ago.
Completed week 9 today, can I request my graduation badge please. A great feeling and this site has been such a support. I am 37 and have never ran in my life so am delighted, On week 9 run 2 I ran 4.9km and was hoping to make 5k today but I was actually slower today, just didn't have it in my legs and took off too fast at the beginning. I've downloaded the 5k to 10k app and it looks very manageable to will see how I go.
Hey CanIrun21 ...you’ve graduated no matter how far or fast?!! Running for 30 minutes is really the aim of the game at this stage and then, if you want to you can work on distance and time etc....I’m sure , of you want to, you will do 5k in 30 mins but if you don’t then who cares???? It’s something you can work towards after you’ve consolidated your runs...enjoy your new found ability with no pressure for now Hidden is waiting for you with his consolidation club...Well done you 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Please may I have my shiny graduate 'badge'. I completed week 9 run 3 last Wednesday. I'm still surprised that I finally managed it and I'm keen to try and continue running although it definitely doesn't come naturally or easy! Thanks to all those who have posted informative & encouraging posts on this forum; they have really helped and made me feel like I'm not alone in facing the challenges of running. 🏃♀️😊
Thank you so much Roseabi. I'm still surprised that I managed it. Every time I go out I wonder if its for the last time. Today I felt very tired I thought I'd just go for 20 minutes but found myself doing 30 minutes even slower than normal but still 30 minutes. Maybe it is becoming a habit....... I would love that to be the case. Thanks for my graduation badge 💖
Wk 9 run 3 completed this morning. Wouldn’t have believed it possible a couple of months ago. I even decided to push on for 5k and did 5.07 in 39.11. Looking forwards to consolidating my runs now. Congratulations to everyone else and can I have a badge please?😀
The badge awarding department informs me that we have a duplicate badge request in contravention of rule 17b, subsection 9. Our investigation team will do their best to establish the veracity of these dubious looking claims and there should be an action taken within a 72 hour timescale.
over the moon I’ve graduated & my last run was also hopefully the first of many leaving the treadmill behind & running outdoors.Still can’t believe I can run 🎉
Wow!! Well done ckp82 ...having that bit left in the tank to get you up to 5k is great...I bet you get wonderful afterwards?! It’s all about consolidation now, running for 30 mins for the next few weeks just cement all your hard work and then who knows how far you’ll be running?!! Congratulations 🥳👏🏻
Hi! So chuffed that I’ve completed couch to 5k, hard to believe I could barely run for a minute just 9 weeks ago! Surprised myself even more at how much I love it. I’d love a graduate badge if you have time 😊
Always time to put the icing on the cake!! You’ve done some really hard work there BeccaMay its even better when you enjoy the journey, you’ve come such a long way!!! I hope you have a great big beaming smile on your face to go with your new badge 😁😁😁😁 Congratulations 🥳 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hello! Chuffed to say I’ve completed my last run today! 🏃🏻♀️🥳 Not at 5k yet, but I can work on that now I can run for longer than 20 seconds without stopping 😁 xx
Yay! Well done SugarT ...yes, yes you can run for more than 20 seconds, a lot more! I hope your new shiny badge makes your smile that little bit bigger too! Don’t forget it’s consolidation time now so head over here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and join Hidden with other new graduates to talk about all things running....Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉
Whoop whoop...another April graduate with an award winning feeling under their running belt!! It truly is an amazing achievement...shiny badge firmly in place for you Sarahlou43 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ohhhh...Mr Smooth to the rescue!! You’ve done it...yes, he has spurred you on but it’s all your hard work and determination that has got you there...& for that reason, you deserve a nice shiny badge...congratulations and very well done 👏🏻 Don’t forget to have a read here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... for tips and advice...happy running 😄
Thanks to this fantastic programme and following the advice here I graduated 2 weeks ago. Consolidating with 2 30min runs each week. Still at 3.5k but happy with enjoying the running. Hurrah! Not bad for a 65 year old who’d never run before! Have I requested my badge please (if I don’t already have it)?
Hi graduated today 😁 -from not being convinced I could progress from wk 1! The Japanese slow running method really works for me and means I actually enjoy running!!!!
Fantastic RiversideVer , whatever works for you is just the ticket!! Running slowly means you can take in your surroundings ☺️...your badge is securely fastened on! Don’t forget to check out what next here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and the consolidation club too...well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Yay!!! And so you should be very proud of yourself, we’re proud of you too!!! Congratulations! Don’t forget to have a read here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... go and show off your shiny badge x
Wooooooooo!!!! Congratulations Running_like_pheobe ...that’s a great way to start the day! You have a new shiny badge to prove it and reward you for all your hard work!! Have a read here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and don’t forget to check in with this months consolidation club, well done
Certainly vixp ...it’s the law!! All your hard work requires recognition in the form of a nice shiny badge!! Wear it with pride...congratulations fellow runner ....when you get a chance have a read herehealthunlocked.com/couchto5... and also, check in with Hidden and his other new graduates with his consolidation club...happy running 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
So chuffed to have been able to graduate 😁 Could I have a badge, please? 🎖️
Yay!!! Congratulations Hidden ..your badge is firmly secured...well done you!! Don’t forget to check out the ‘what next’ post here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... running
I did W9R3 this morning- in the sunshine with frost on the ground. Felt great. I’d feel very proud to sport a virtual badge Thank you to all the moderators - your comments on people’s posts have been great to read.
Yay!!! That’s a great way to end the week!!! I had a great run yesterday with the sunshine and ground frost too..a strange mix!! Your badge is yours for all to see, enjoy showing it off!! Have a great weekend...don’t forget to check in here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and check in with this months consolidation club where you can share your journey with other new graduates...congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hey DavidW955 ...you’d better believe it, you’ve got a badge now to prove it!!! All your hard work has paid off!! Congratulations 🥳 excellent work! Don’t forget to check in with this months consolidation club where you can talk to other new graduates about all things running...have a great weekend 👏🏻👏🏻
Hi I completed today please could I request my graduates badge. Not a great one today only 2.63 miles, Wednesday was 2.7 so nearly at 5K, I might achieve it if I lived somewhere flat 😆
Hi Sewnso ...congratulations, your badge is securely in place...doesn’t matter on your distance at this stage, what we want is for you to be running comfortably for 30 minutes , you can work on distance, pace etc if you want to when you’ve been consolidating all your hard work for the next few weeks... check in with Hidden here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... where you can talk about all things running. Remember, even though today’s run didn’t feel all that great, you still did it and you can bag the mileage and stamina...put it behind you, you’ve graduated now so the running world is your oyster!! Have a great weekend 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
A new shiny badge is all yours Lollywally ...congratulations. Check out the consolidation club here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and also healthunlocked.com/couchto5... this makes for a good read...have a great weekend ....well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Woo hoo Football_mum , excellent work!! You now have a badge to show off for all your hard work, well done you!! Don’t forget to check in with this months consolidation club and this makes for interesting reading when you have time healthunlocked.com/couchto5... running, keep smiling 😉
Your well deserved badge is yours to keep, congratulations 🥳 ....enjoy your new found ability, don’t forget to check in with Hidden and his consolidation club and have a read here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... running 😉
Yay!! Fantastic Jaynenottarzan ...on all counts this is brilliant!! I repeated week 4 soooooo many times, I felt like a hamster on a wheel! Then I found this forum and the wonderful people on here have me the confidence to move on...& that I really would get to the end...and now, almost 4 years later, here I am!! And here you are, a new graduate!! It’s my pleasure to pin on your badge, excellent work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Don’t forget to check in with Hidden and his consolidation club here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... a lovely weekend 🔆
Hello completed Week 9 on Wednesday - so pleased with myself but for some reason really hated that particular run😱Struggled to get into a rhythm and my usual hill early on felt really hard. Please could I have my graduate 👩🎓 badges? Thank you very much
Hmmm, sometimes runs are like that, but you did it & your well deserved badge is firmly in place...bag the mileage and the stamina, (which, if you’re starting runs with a hill I have to say you’ve more than me!!!) and move on....follow the links above for tips and advice and you can join in the conversations about all things running with Hidden & his gang 👏🏻👏🏻 Extra kudos for carrying on when the run felt hard 😉
Thank you so much for my badge. Went out this morning in the sunshine for my first consolidation run and it was much better - I went at my fastest ever pace in the middle, and now feel great and am looking forward to the next one. Thank you so much for the encouragement - it really does make a difference 😀
You are more than welcome Redpenguins ...I’m glad you had a better run today..& what a difference the sunshine makes?!! I was out earlier on and I could feel the sun on my skin, it felt lovely and gave me a little spring in my step! Don’t worry if you have the odd run that leaves you feeling a bit despondent, we all have them I promise, but the key is to always try and take something positive from it & no matter how it goes, you have always run that little bit further 😉
Hi! Just to let you know, I completed the Couch to 5k plan earlier this week. If I could have a badge that woukd be great! Some how it feels like I've really earned it!! 😂 Thank you 😊
Finished my last run today and I'm absolutely amazed that I can run for 30minutes straight! I didnt think it would be possible when I first started, so just wanted to say thank you to this lovely community that kept inspiring me onwards!
Hi, completed yesterday, slow and steady with a sprint at the end. Feeling so much stronger since I started the programme. Will take a look at consolidation programmes, think it helps me to have the structure of regular sessions.
Yay...good job...all your hard work deserves a shiny badge so I’ve pinned one on for you...congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 don’t forget to follow the links above for some advice and tips and you can chat about all things running checking in with the consolidation club
Completed week 9 run 3 on Friday. This was my third attempt so delighted I made it to the end. I am really enjoying it this time so will definitely keep it up 😁
Yay! Well done amaham ...3rd time lucky 👏🏻 I have no doubt that getting there this time will be all the motivation you need to keep at it...don’t forget to follow the links above, you’ll also get some inspiration there that will help along with useful tips and advice...congratulations 🥳
Hoping this is the right place to request a badge. I completed my last run yesterday! Got a way to go before I reach 5k but am thrilled to be able to run for 30 mins after 19 years of not running anywhere!! Thank you for running the forum - it’s really helped!
Fantastic Snickers124! Feel exactly the same, also proud new owner of graduate badge - 5k still a way off for me too but very happy with being able to run for 30 mins!!
Hi, I did W9R3 on Saturday morning, so I'd love a graduate badge. Under 5K, but I'm delighted to be running regularly and looking forward to continuing.
Well I’ve finally achieved it! 😃 Wk9 completed this afternoon. I originally started out at the end of August last year and got to Wk8 R2 and had to stop because of a groin injury, just when I’d recovered enough to start again I caught Covid in January!.. started again from Wk3 on Feb 20th and here I am.. I’m so thrilled !!!Congratulations to all who are completing today ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hey, me and my 9 year old son just completed couch to 5k. I was wondering if there is anywhere I can get him a real medal? I’m so proud of him and I know he’d be so proud to show his friends a medal.
If you look in the pinned posts you will find details of the company that can supply both badges and tee shirts and C25K medals can be obtained on the internet.
Couldn’t get in here quick enough to ask very very politely for a graduation badge - please. What an amazing feeling having completed it after starting on 28th Jan. like many other posters have said “ I wish I had found this sooner. Thanks to the fellow posters , runners and in particular the admin staff with their “sage like” advice. Paul
I hope we are quick enough in awarding you your badge. Look after it.
I think we all wish that we had discovered running when younger.............there is something awry with the school experience that turns youngsters off physical activity, sometimes for life.
Wohoo - finally managed week 9 run 3. Great support from the forum along the way and was eternally grateful for Laura's voice encouraging me on when I wanted to quit! 🏅
Woo hoo!! Well done Leinstergirl13 ...what a great time of year to graduate, when the weather is improving and the sun is shining 😊...and it’s reflecting off that shiny badge of yours!!! 😎 congratulations...& yes, Laura does know when to say the right thing!!! Don’t forget to check out the links above 👏🏻👏🏻
Hello all, finally after just a few weeks longer than 9, I can finally say I’ve done it. I’m looking forward to continuing this new found pleasure. Will probably take on the 12 wk consolidation strengthening program as I’ve had a few injuries along the way and I don’t want any more. It’s great to be here 😃
Hi there , completed CouchTo5K in March, tortoise style, started in November, ice & a fall , got in the way but finally got there. (hadn’t even started running when I fell , spectacularly but early so no audience). Got to 5k since but not managed it within 30mins yet, best time so far is 31.59 . Any advice gratefully received. Also I’m old , 56 , should have probably started this quite a few years ago! I think the app is wonderful I would never have got this far without it. Liam Wareing’s running playlist on Spotify also excellent. I’ve no idea who Liam Wareing is but he has mostly great taste in music. Also thanks to my shoes, they’ve looked after my ankles, miraculously. Graduation speech finished!
To get your Graduate Badge leave a message at this month’s Graduation Badge Post, which you can find in the Pinned Posts here healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Can’t believe I managed to complete my last run today and actually got to the 5k mark! Super proud of myself 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 It’s a brilliant plan and if I can do it anyone can!
Hello, I completed my last run yesterday 😊 I'm a way off 5k yet (4km in 30mins) and still haven't fully mastered my breathing but at the very start I couldn't even imagine getting to the end of the program. Would it be possible to have a badge please? Thank you 🙏
Woo hoo!!! Well done BuilderBoysMum ...you certainly can have a well deserved badge...& we need to see a pic of your shoes when you get them...congratulations....We LOVE this forum!!!!
Hi, I am amazed that after several failed attempts over a number of years, I have completed the final run of week 9.
Although I have never posted on the forum, I have found this site to be an amazing resource for advice and encouragement. A heartfelt thank you to all who contribute.
Hey NGJ45 ....you said the F word!!!! No such thing, your attempts last time were practices...and as they say, practice makes perfect and here you are sporting a very shiny graduate badge!!! Congratulations...no more lurking for you now, we want to hear all about what you’re up to!!! Don’t forget to click on the links above and join Hidden and other new graduates where you can all share your experiences, I’m looking forward to reading all about it 🤩🤩🤩 well done you!
Thank you, you are absolutely right! My six year old says ‘Practice makes permanent’ I’m certainly hoping so. Thanks for your support. I shall check out the link
Hi Mummycav, I completed W9R3 yesterday. I'd love a virtual badge to spur me on to the next challenge... I've signed up for a 5K charity run in 4 weeks' time but I know I won't let them down
Took a leisurely 53 weeks to complete the 9 week programme, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Really chuffed to have managed 30 mins, now onto consolidation and, one day, 5K. Can I have a badge please? 👍😀
Whoop whoop! I completed the programme yesterday- I’m over the moon! I didn’t manage 5k within the 30mins but pushed on & did it in 37mins.From an obese 40yearold who couldn’t even distance run at school (I preferred sprint- it was over quicker!) 🙌🏼🏃🏻♀️
I did it! Finished week 9/3 two weeks ago and have been doing 30' runs since. This is a great app - never thought I'd be running again after open heart surgery. Thanks to all the team.
Hi -Mummycav- where do I sign to get my virtual graduation badge please.... completed my W9R3 this morning.. others would be mistaken and think I’d come into a fortune. 😁😁😁
Hi Kingfishers ...that would be non-runners you’re talking about because we all know what it feels like don’t we??!! You now have a shiny new badge for all to see so puff out your chest and show it off!!! Congratulations 🥳 and very well done
Hello. I have just completed R3W9. Never thought I could do it as I've never been a runner but it feels great to acheived this. Well done to all who graduate this month. Now for the next stage🙈😀 Graduate badge would be lovely. Thank you.
Hi I graduated a few weeks ago. Running for 30 mins and more. Managed 3.5k in 30 so did feel like a failure due to the name of the programme but yesterday did 5k in 50 mins. I'm now feeling prouder!
Hi, here I am requesting my Graduation Badge. C25K completed yesterday. Thanks to all on here for sharing their experiences and boosting my will and determination.
Yay! It has been brilliant - made it today and had a little bit left in the tank woohoo!! Thank you all for the absolutely brilliant support. I love this forum so supportive and friendly x please can I claim my graduate badge!
You certainly can Mrswoolley ...all your hard work deserves a shiny badge...this forum is sooooo fab...always supportive...that’s why I’m still running..I love it 😍
Hi all. Finished W9R3 this morning & would very much love to request my Graduation Badge please. I’ve been looking forward to this bit for 9 LONG weeks!! 😄. Many many thanks.
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