Pretty chuffed

[Snails_pace_]

After a few trips around the behaviour change cycle I ran 5K last night and graduated. I’m so happy that I have a level of fitness back again and I am really looking forward to increasing the distance. My pace is very slow (I had to run for 38 minutes to reach 5K) but I have always been about the running experience and the distance rather than speed. The app was fantastic, but I am now in a place where, once again, I can take in my surroundings and listen to music whilst running, not thinking about how much time is left to run.

If I can complete this then anyone can, and I really mean that. It’s been a blast. Good luck. Even when it’s tough, keep going. You can do it. We’re here for you. We’re all in it together 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 9 and graduating from C25K, no need to run 5K on graduating but well done for that as well 🏃🏾 👍 🎓

[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.

[Brixcos Graduate]

That is awesome! You are not the slowest snail on the block... I graduated a couple of months ago and have yet to run a full 5k but I'm sure it would take me well over 40 mins, possibly 50 mins 😳😂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Congratulations! You’ve got such a great attitude to pace. It’s lovely to enjoy your surroundings and feel comfortable as you run. I was such a slow learner and didn’t pick that up until well after graduation! It’ll stand you in great stead if you decide to increase your distance.

Just as a little aside, it’s best to stick at maximum 30 minutes for the next three weeks as your body consolidates your achievement. You don’t want an injury just after finishing. Enjoy that graduate badge…well earned! 🥳 🏃‍♀️

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Congratulations, you must be so proud and feel better for having got your fitness levels back up. What is your next steps to improve your distance? I’ve ran 5k at the furthest (just on my consolidation runs). I like the sound of the magic plan (8 week plan) and I suppose if it’s too fast I can always repeat some runs like I did in ct5k - good luck ☺️

[Snails_pace_ in reply to Dendev75]

I ran a half marathon about 10 years ago and trained by running 30 mins a few times in the week, then a longer run at the weekend, building up the distance until I was running 9 miles once a week. I have various landmarks along the way, so that will be my plan, once the busy summer weekends are out of the way. I’m not that keen on apps as they make you concentrate on the minutes left to run, rather than the landmarks and destination, but that’s just me I guess.

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Wow that’s impressive. I don’t think I’ll ever get to a half marathon. I’d be really happy if I could get to 10k. I think I need to invest in a decent running watch to just put the time I want to go and then just go. I’m desperate for new run locations as I’m seriously getting bored of the 3 I currently do. I’ll try doing one longer run each week 👍🏻

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Ha! I remember saying that, I even remember saying I didn't think I'd have time for 10k runs 🤣🤣🤣 boy was I wrong

Start looking at OS maps for your area for local bridleways and footpaths. It can be amazing what's around us that we just never noticed before.

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Ooh the thought of being able to run 10k without stopping - I’ll keep chipping away a it 😊Thanks I will take a look 👀👍🏻

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a 38min 5k! Congratulations! Won't be long before you're back to your weekly long runs too 👍🏻😁