I did it! Completed the C25K programme today.

[che130]

Thankfully, the weather was sunny and dry this morning, so I managed to complete week 9 run 3 without getting soaked to the bone. It wasn't easy, but I did it! And now I'm going to sit in my pyjamas and drink tea all day 😁 Thank you to everyone in this group for your support; reading everyone's stories, struggles and successes has helped me get through the programme and I now feel healthier than I had for a long time. Whether I'll keep up the running is yet to be seen, but I'm proud of getting to this point and getting out and moving. Thank you!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations,

[Reidy Graduate]

That's such an achievement! Well done.

[Seafront]

Well done .

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

brilliant achievement well done!! 👏🏼

[red_faced_runner Graduate]

Well done! Drinking tea in my pyjamas is a favourite way to while away a few hours when I get the chance 😉

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Fantastic news! Congratulations! Some mega celebrations are in order 🥳🎉🏃‍♀️🏅👩‍🎓💪

If you’d like a virtual badge, drop Oldfloss a message on this thread…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I think you’ll be the first of the month!

It’s interesting that you’ve talked about whether or not you’ll keep up the running. Is there a particular reason that you think you might stop? We’ve got a regular chat thread for graduates (current one here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... ) which could be a great place to share your journey after finishing the programme and stay accountable.

Well done on a massive achievement ❤️

[che130 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you! I'll definitely drop a message about the graduate badge ☺️I have really struggled to get motivated to run for the last couple of weeks - dark, wet and windy weather running is not for me!

I enjoyed the shorter runs (20mins ish), mostly when the weather was lighter and brighter, and I only have motivation to go at all if I get up in the morning and go, so afternoon and early evening aren't really options.

I'll see how I feel after a couple of days' break - you never know, I might wake up on Monday wanting to get out there again 🏃‍♀️

I feel good about finishing the programme though, and have appreciated all the words of support in here.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to che130]

I love a twenty minute run too-that’s what I’ve been out for this evening. Winter definitely comes with extra challenges and going shorter, going indoors or doing some other exercise instead can be good options when it’s really horrible out. Sometimes those runs where you force yourself out can be the most satisfying to complete. I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it work. Something from twitter that stuck with me was that activity brings motivation with it-you don’t have to feel motivated to start a run but you can just do it anyway. The pure discipline of getting out there regularly can bring back that motivated, enthusiastic feeling. I’m currently in a bit of a slump but this has happened often enough to know the better feelings about running will come back!

Good luck for Monday! Don’t feel under pressure to make it a thirty minute one. Any run you do is a win!