I graduated yesterday…

[Createtolive]

Graduated yesterday after a year of doing and not doing C25k. My final run was 4.65k which I tracked on the Strava app.

I started C25k over a year ago, and was so shy of being seen I only ran at night in the most out of the way places… and then took up smoking! …after a 28 year break! I dropped out of the running, but soon managed to quit smoking again.

I decided to try C25k again and this time made it to the end. My knees hurt at one point and I thought I’d have to stop running.

I went for some new running shoes in a running shop and they advised me to keep running, to do the stretches religiously and my body would adjust. It did. I only run on grass though, to help my knees.

Graduating C25k means all the more to me because I nearly lost my foot in an accident 6 years ago and my leg was saved with metal pins and skin grafts. Thank you NHS! All that treatment only paid for with national insurance!!!

I intend to keep up the running 3 times a week, and maybe I’ll even get a bit quicker. We’ll see and no worries if not!

I certainly feel like my stamina has improved. My heart feels stronger and my confidence has grown. It’s good for my mental health. I’m prone to depression but recently I’ve been feeling fine, touch wood!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many congratulations on your graduation, fellow runner.

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

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...

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Createtolive Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Congratulations! Seems like quite the year… well done beating the demon weed again!

I ran a lot on grass for my knees and now they have strengthened nicely I am free!

I love the last parts of your post… the numbers we cannot see on a screen are the biggest ones… mental health, heart condition, fitness (though some screens can measure this) confidence level and stamina are much more valuable in both length and quality of life. No minutes per mile figure can compare to any of those!

Celebrate well and enjoy all your future running adventures.

[Createtolive Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Hey thank you!

[LanciaA Graduate]

That is great news, sounds like you have been through a tough time.Good to hear that this has made such a difference for you as well.

Best of luck going forward.

[Createtolive Graduate in reply to LanciaA]

Like you I was turned off running at school and it’s taken me decades to change my mind. Best wishes for your journey in running!!

[Solor Graduate]

You’ve done really well, overcoming so much to complete c25k. The accident with your foot would be a good enough reason for many to not even try. Congratulations. Hope running continues to bring its rewards.

[Createtolive Graduate]

Thank you so much. Such a lovely river that you run beside - great photo. Wishing you strength tackling the reservoir run!

[00marks Graduate]

Congratulations on completing C25K!

[Createtolive Graduate]

Thank you!