I Did It!!!! My final run! 😊

[BR808]

I’ve only gone and bloomin done it! 😂🤣

I’m unashamedly a little bit proud of myself! I honestly never thought I could. Back in week 1, I doubted getting past the next run, and then week 5 hit a little hard. But this programme really does work. And I couldn’t have done it without all the support on this forum, I don’t post that much but reading other people’s journey’s and advice about similar issues along the way has really been a big help to me. So thank you!

I’ve had a few sideways steps and it’s taken me longer than I’d originally planned but I learnt to persevere and take it at my pace to reach my goal!

Running for me has been a mental battle, and I’m proud that I’ve continued through it and never given up. I definitely feel much better after runs. I still need to work on my mental strength and grit, something that is not completely back YET! But I’ll get there.

I was a little impatient at first and over did some of my runs, causing discomfort and some pain! I dialled it all back and re grouped and sometimes took more than two days between runs and that worked for me. And remembering to stay in my lane and run at my pace, and not worry about what I looked like. All that took time, but I’ve learnt things about myself I never expected. It’s been a journey alright!

Anyway it’s done and I’m excited to see where I go from here. I’m a little anxious about not having the structure to follow any more, so may look into what other apps I can used to continue runs and mix things up a bit. I’ve learnt I can’t run the same route all the time, I get bored and need new adventures and sights to see, and updated playlists! So I’m looking forward to exploring other local routes and mixing up pavement with some trails. And ultimately the whole point of this goal which was to get mentally fit, as well as physically fit and my dream to join in a parkrun! So I think after a few careful consolidation runs I will give this a go! I can’t wait!

Thank you all so much, all the admins and everyone that has posted- I love reading them all and keep going everyone! You’ve totally got this!

My last run I ran 5 minutes extra and managed 4.3km in 35 mins. I’m hoping I’ll manage 5k over the next few weeks, slowly slowly. So close.

[Daith]

Woohoo!!! Congratulations and well done 🎉

Happy Graduate Running ❤️

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Daith]

Thank you!! Looking forward to where I go from here, hopefully give parkrun a go!

[Bruch1 Graduate in reply to BR808]

Park Run is great. It doesn't matter if you run or walk it. I do a combination of both depending on the conditions and how I feel on the day. My 5K isn't fast but I always feel so good when I finish. Do register and get your barcode (so you get a finish time) and then you'll be ready to go when you feel ready for it. I get overtaken by prams and dog walkers but what the heck? It's the buzz of getting out there and doing it that matters plus you'll make some friends along the way. We'll done on completing the 25K, do some consolidating and then go for it. You'll soon get the bug!🏃‍♀️🏃

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Bruch1]

Thank you for your encouragement! I’ve registered and ordered a wristband thing!Appearing at a parkrun soon ish?!!! 😂🤣

[RumblingChest Graduate]

Congratulations and well done! I hope it’s not your last run, but the first run of the rest of your life 😀

[BR808 Graduate in reply to RumblingChest]

Yes definitely not my last run! I’m excited to see what pans out. For now I’m happy pottering along, not too ambitious about running further YET, but who knows! But I definitely would like to be part of the parkrun community and go from there.

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏🎉🎶🎊🎈Huge Congratulations from us all !!! Excellent finish! So exciting and you can be very proud at what you have achieved! Here’s a little link to help you get to grips with consolidation!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you! Will take a look now xx 😊

[BahamaMama1 Graduate]

Love this post - well done!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to BahamaMama1]

Thank you ☺️

[CBDB Ambassador]

Awesome!!! Huge congratulations, champion !!!!!

If you leave a message at healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you will receive that well deserved graduate badge next to your name!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Thank you! 😊

[Vragtes Graduate]

Congratulations on what hopefully will NOT be your final run but the start of many pleasurable runs to come.

It does take persistence and may take longer than initially thought but well worth it in the end.

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Vragtes]

Definitely not my final run! But a continuation of successful little milestones and more determination and fun! parkrun is my first goal!

[TimeInNature Graduate]

congratulations! 🥳

[BR808 Graduate in reply to TimeInNature]

Thank you! ☺️

[VS1975 Graduate]

Congrats graduate 😊 Well done you. I’ve downloaded the Nike Run Club app but not used it as yet (recommended on here) I did W9 R3 a few times after to keep Reece spurring me on. Good luck for future runs.

[BR808 Graduate in reply to VS1975]

Will check that out, have heard good things! Yes I think a slow consolidation and a few more repeats of that final run, then a parkrun!

[OldManRunning Graduate in reply to BR808]

That sounds an excellent plan. Although I ran a parkrun the week after I finished only because it was the only date my daughter and I could run together in a 2 month period and we wanted to do one together and although I did run it all the plan was to walk parts of it if I was feeling strained. I then did the consolidation work for a few months as per the excellent advice here 😀👍

[BR808 Graduate in reply to OldManRunning]

Looking forward to it! Love the idea of parkrun x

[Midwife84 Graduate]

Fantastic! Well done you!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Midwife84]

Thank you! ☺️

[OldManRunning Graduate]

Well done you BR808 that's amazing, as is that feeling you get on your acheivement. I'm just coming up to my 1 year runniversary and still feel that sense of achievement and amazement at getting there! Brilliant 🏃🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🥂🎉🎉

[BR808 Graduate in reply to OldManRunning]

The programme is truly amazing! I honestly never thought I would see the day that I could run…well jog 🤦🏻‍♀️ for that long or that far!

Congratulations on your one year Runversary! That’s the next goal I’d be happy with. I want to keep the momentum and keep going, I am a little worried about losing the structure of the programme and going alone, but people have recommended the NRC app and I’m sure with some new routes, playlists and Parkrun I should be ok!

Thank you for the encouragement x

[Cillablue20]

Well done to you for making it to week 9, I started in February and finished week 9 week before last- just took it at my pace. I’ve tried to do this 2 times previously but each time think I did too much too soon and ended up with an injury. This time I just thought it doesn’t matter how many weeks it takes me, so long as I get there. I’ve decided for now I’m sticking to using the app as I like the regular encouragement from Denise Lewis (she’s lovely) and going to do either 20, 25 or 30 minutes depending on how much time I have. Done 30 minutes today and increased my distance to 4.3km so not quite 5k yet but heading in the right direction 👍🏻. Well done again x

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Cillablue20]

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly! And speedy! Like you I took since sometime in April to complete it and a few sideways steps and injury but I learnt my lesson and really wanted to complete it so slowed down, took my time with it! I’m just so chuffed, I honestly never thought I could do it!

Well done on your consolidation runs, yes I like the structure and the app! I will likely do the same and repeat using the app for a bit before exploring other avenues, my aim is to be able to run a whole parkrun! So that’s what I’m aiming for for now!

[Catalpa111 Graduate]

Well done!!! This is exactly how I felt when I graduated in June. Just keep going, consolidate and then just add some distance or some time, and keep it slow. Now doing 5k 3 times a week. Longest so far is 8k, longest time running is one hour. Like you, I would not have thought any of this was possible when I started. You will get to park run distance sooner than you think! 👏👏👏

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Catalpa111]

You are doing amazingly well! Congratulations! And 8k massive achievement.

Yes just need to carefully consolidate and then see where I go from there. I’m in no rush, but am keen to parkrun soon x

[Hidden]

Congratulations - well done! I hope you're more than 'a little bit' proud....you can be massively proud. Now what - ha ha?

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Now it’s time to parkrunnnnnnnnn! Woo boo! Well maybe after a few consolidation runs! 🤣

[Hidden in reply to BR808]

Well that's amazing! I'm on Week 7 and, like you, I never thought I could do such a thing. Luckily for me, there's an athletics track near my front door ...and every Thursday evening, there's an informal running club which I'll be joining when I complete C25K....to help me bridge that gap up to 5K. My daughter-in-law has booked me into a 5k with her round Greenwich Park in London for the end of November, so I can't chicken out! Your post has really inspired and encouraged me - thank you.

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That all sounds like a brilliant plan! I like the sound of the Greenwich park 5k! I live near a running track too, and a ladies group meets up there once a week, and do various other days and runs on diff days. I’ve not been brave enough to join them despite them taking on all levels of runner! Maybe it’s time to put my big girl pants on, they look like they have fun.

Goodluck with the rest of the programme, it’s amazing isn’t it! I just wish I’d discovered it earlier and been in the frame of mind to stick with it! Still better late than never hey!!!

[Hidden in reply to BR808]

I agree on every count!

[00marks Graduate]

Congratulations on completing C25K!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to 00marks]

Thank you very much!☺️ Not gonna lie, little bit chuffed! 🤣🤣

[Lumaca0112 Graduate]

Congratulations BR808! 🥳🎉Very well done for persevering! 👏👏👏It's such a great feeling reaching that goalpost, isn't it? Happy future running 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Lumaca0112]

It amazing honestly never thought I could do it! Week one run one was awful!!! 😂🤣

[Lumaca0112 Graduate in reply to BR808]

Mine was exactly the same back in September - was huffing and puffing after 60 seconds 😬 but a couple of weeks ago I completed the 60-minute magic plan and still can't believe I've got this far. So it proves the programmes really work

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Lumaca0112]

That’s an amazing achievement! Congratulations on completing the magic plan! This is all like another language to me, I need to look into all these new plans and apps!!!

[Lumaca0112 Graduate in reply to BR808]

I did a few months of consolidation before doing Ju-Ju's Timed magic plan (there's also one for distance but I'm not ready to tackle 10k just yet). See Dendev75's reply too

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Bloomin’ well done! Congratulations on completing the programme it’s such a great life achievement. 👏🏻👏🏻

You sound like you’ve learned a lot as you’ve been going like listening to your body and having an extra rest day when needed - it’s so important to do this to avoid injury and you’ll be running 5k in no time.

It feels a bit strange when you finish doesn’t it? What’s next? Just enjoy your consolidation runs of 30 minute runs 3 times a week on your different routes 👍🏻 then try your local Parkrun, it’s so supportive and fun you’ll love it.

From there you might want to increase your distance and one plan that worked great for me is Ju-Ju’s magic plan (I did the timed version) - you should be able to search for it on this forum - I stuck it to my fridge and worked my way through the 8 week plan and it worked great.

Good luck and hope to see some future posts 😊

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Thank you so much for your encouragement & advice! I am truly so amazed I’ve done it!

Yes a few decent consolidation runs and then I really want to give parkrun a go! That’s the goal for now! Beyond that I haven’t thought too much about yet, but I’m happy for now keeping this as part of a new routine, I’m definitely feeling the benefits from it.

I will look at ju ju’s magic plan and who knows where I go from here!!! Will def post any future progress!

Thank you xx

[Violetcream Graduate]

Well done! A great achievement 👏 I've just finished my first post-grad week. I kept Reece for the first one, used Samsung Health app for second (two many stats!) and for 3rd just ran twice round the park which took me 33 minutes. Still learning what works for and motivates me. Going to try Park Run on 12th August. Enjoy the journey!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Violetcream]

I think that’s it, I’ll be trying a few things like you to motivate myself and keep me going. At least I’ve learnt what I need to keep going and what some of my downfalls are and listen to my body a bit more. And mostly be kind to myself - I’m a big self critic so it’s been a learning curve trying to hush that and lighten up a bit and have fun with it. Enjoy parkrun- I’ve registered now and will hopefully make one soon! X

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Absolutely brilliant news! Massive congratulations to you. Loved reading that run report 🏃‍♀️💪👩‍🎓🏅🎉

Hope you’ve been celebrating?! I can see you’ve requested your virtual badge. Mummycav will sort you out!

Why not come and say hi on our latest Graduates’ Club thread to chat about your Next Steps!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Congratulations again!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you! Yes I’ll head over and keep you posted!

[AmItooOld]

Huge congratulations. Your post is inspiration for me and allow yourself to feel proud.

[BR808 Graduate in reply to AmItooOld]

Thank you! You totally have got this! Just stick with it, be kind to yourself and take your time. Xx

[sigasiga Graduate]

Well done! Such a good feeling when you finish that last run 😊. You obviously worked out ways to do it that suited you, which is brilliant. You will also find a running pattern that suits you going forward - enjoy!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to sigasiga]

Thank you! Yes lots learnt along the way about myself! Some good some bad! 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 but looking forward to what’s next.

[Folkylass Graduate]

A massive Well done to you on your great achievement……you did it. You should be so proud of yourself ….we are!👏👏👏👏👍. Now don’t forget to get you virtual graduates badge👩‍🎓🥳🥳x

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Folkylass]

Thank you! ☺️

[Annabee18]

I know that feeling! Congratulations

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Annabee18]

Thank you 😊 xx

[RosesAreRed777 Graduate]

Well done. Feels great doesn’t it! Great achievement 🏃🏼‍♀️

[BR808 Graduate in reply to RosesAreRed777]

It sure does! It’s been a journey of all sorts!

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

Made up for you 🎉👍💪👌🏃🏻‍♂️

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife]

Thank you! Xx

[Lavender1962 Graduate]

Congratulations!👏👏🎉🎉

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Lavender1962]

Thank you! ☺️

[Runafterbabies]

Amazing work. Congratulations on completing it. I am inspired by your post.

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Runafterbabies]

You’ve totally got this! Trust the programme! X

[Laralou2 Graduate]

You should be immensely proud of yourself!! A huge well done!!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to Laralou2]

Thank you! Xx

[August122 Graduate]

Huge Congratulations! It is so encouraging to read posts that say how ‘the plan really does work’ Similarly I didn’t think I would get past W1, now on W4 and am still questioning whether I can achieve this weeks runs! Your post shouts out that I can do it too!! Well done to you, be very proud of yourself and happy running!

[BR808 Graduate in reply to August122]

Thank you so much. You really can do it, take it slow, be kind to yourself if you need extra days or repeat runs. I had a few sideways steps but never backwards ones! Pushed too hard at one point and injured myself and had many one to ones with myself and negative headspace. Just embrace the good days, and don’t worry about the runs that maybe didn’t go quite to plan. Tomorrow’s another day and all that! Some runs are good, some not so! It’s all fine! I repeated a few runs here and then when psychologically I felt I wasn’t ready for the next run- likelyhood looking back I would have done it, but my head said no!! But it’s ok, you really can finish this programme and run solidly for 30 mins! It’s the foundations you need to then take it wherever you want! I have never in my life run EVER! And I really doubted I ever could early on in the programme. But I have! Just take all the advice from the lovely people on here and admin. I think it’s also down to them and reading posts that got me through, and that sense of community and support. Slowly slowly does it. You got this!!