Finally completed week 9 run 3! Can't believe I've done it, after a lifetime of being 'unsporty' and not very fit. I was an uncoordinated child and was taught from a young age that if you're not good at sports then don't bother doing it. So exercise has always been a chore. My main motivation in doing couch25k was the mental gains, to do it just for me, and it worked. I haven't lost weight or dramatically changed physically, but I feel stronger, healthier and mentally I feel good.
I still don't 'enjoy' running, I have to put in a lot of effort and I know I don't look like your typical runner. But I love the feeling of achievement afterwards, having beaten my inner critic that's telling me I can't do it...I now answer back with "I am doing it".
The support of this forum has kept me going, thanks for the inspiration and I'm now determined to get to running a full 5k, not just for 30mins
Written by
Helebe
Graduate
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Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.
Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable. Counterintuitively, this pace is more effective at developing your aerobic base than pushing harder.
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...
Well done Helebe. The main thing is that you have gained physical and mental benefits. You've come this far and I've no doubt you'll be able to reach your 5k goal. Keep it up.
Well done Helebe. I am sure that as you consolidate and get fitter you will start to enjoy it. I felt exactly the same as you and now I love it! Good advice to keep it slow and steady.
I am so pleased for you. CONGRATULATIONS!!!OK, you say that you don't look like a runner, but you ARE a runner - you have proved that to the world and to yourself. Your determination and resolve have seen you through, and we are all so pleased that you have reached this point.
5K is a target you could go for, but at graduation, few do run that far. The time you are spending out doing your 30 mins is so much more important than the distance you cover.
Keep running, and hopefully, you will start to find increased enjoyment as fitness levels rise and the Spring sunshine lives all our spirits.
Ah! North or South Island? If South, you have some stunning mountains etc to prepare for running in next Spring!! If North, pop and say 'Hi' to my best man who lives over there now!!
Brilliant! Well done. I'm so pleased for you... Like you, I am not a natural runner and every run is an effort. Like you, for me it is the feeling of achievement. I ran for 20 minutes yesterday and felt fantastic afterwards.Keep up the good work. Xxx
Amazing🙌🙌🙌 I’ve just completed week 9 run 2 this morning, I’d love to say I enjoy it but it really is a lot of effort for me too. But the feeling of joy at the end is worth it. I’m 65 and want to be able to continue to be fit for many years, and I know this is a fantastic way to do it . I love reading the posts and get so much inspiration from them
Congratulations, well done to you 🏆👍. Your story really resonates with me. I completed C25K 3 weeks ago. Like you, I have never been sporty and did this just to get some much needed exercise. However, it became a personal challenge and the sense of achievement gave me a real buzz. I am now working towards 5k. I am not there yet but I am determined to get there .... at some point. Until then I just tell myself that I am officially a 'runner' 😄. Now you can call yourself a runner too!
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Graduation Day!! 👩🎓 
Graduation day 👩🎓 🏃♀️🎊
Graduation day! 👩🏻🎓 🏃♀️ 
Graduation day 👩🏻🎓 
W9R3 - GRADUATION DAY!! 🏃🏼♀️🏆🥇🎓
