From genuinely thinking I might have to stop just 30 seconds into the programme to doing this is frankly mind (and body) boggling. Josh Clark is a bona fide genius.
About the distance. In a bid to put my focus solely on the minutes, I hadn’t recorded any previous runs. My goal on graduating was only to be as far from the couch as possible, then take it from there. I had no idea I’d overshoot by half a kilometre.
Returning to Amsterdam’s beloved Vondelpark; the scene of the crime of my first puff-filled effort just 9 weeks and 27 runs ago, I found myself with an added sub-ambition.
A landmark both literal and metaphorical.
At the halfway bell of my two previous 30 minute efforts I was finding myself agonisingly close to the famous park gates. I knew that if I picked up the pace a little I’d literally be able to touch that golden gothic V before turning for home. And I did just that with some time to spare.
I knew I’d burned energy on this but it was a symbolic moment on this journey I’ll never forget.
The change of direction brought a surprising headwind that must have helped push me to this mid point achievement. I found myself needing to slow up a fair bit and conserve energy. Thankfully The Chemical Brothers came through with a more ambient chilled number at just the right time. Now my focus had shifted again to nothing more than getting to the end regardless of distance covered.
But at five minutes to go my previous experiences kicked in. Thoughts of how grueling five minutes was in week four and how I’d come through that told me I could raise the pace.
Then, with one final minute of C25K left, I know from how close I’m getting to my starting point at the Groot Melkhuis that this is a chance to run my furthest yet. I kept pushing harder and honestly thought Denise’s voice would never come back in to say it was all over.
It wasn’t pretty, folks. But I love the fact that you just keep on bravely walking and catching your breath and reflecting on what you’ve just done rather than collapsing in a tearful sweaty heap.
The split times looked like they were attached to a yo-yo and I have pushed the outer limits of my determination to get to today. Plus the real test starts now as I try to make this a regular part of my daily life for years, not weeks.
I’ve so much to learn as a runner.
But at least I am one.
So, I graduated! 
So Close I Can Taste It
My 'Couch to 5k' diary (wk9 d1)
Ive just graduated
What now to reach that 5K goal?
