🏃‍♀️🎉🏆 Catch up corner Wrap up : Celebrating April 🏆🎉🏃‍♀️

[MissUnderstanding]

Morning one! Welcome to the final catch up corner of April and it’s time to look back on what you’ve achieved this month and celebrate, whether that’s baby steps or giant leaps forward. There’s no need to be shy. You can show off amongst friends who really understand what your progress means to you.

We’re all at different stages so what we’re celebrating will be different for all of us. Maybe you’ve completed your first ever run and you’re mega proud of that. Perhaps you’ve just made the decision to start Couch to 5k and even downloading the app is a win. You might even be one of the runners who has made it all the way to the end and you’ve got a shiny new badge to show off. We celebrate everyone here!

I graduated a couple of years ago now and I’ve got some things to celebrate too. Nike Run Club’s top coach, the lovely Coach Bennett, says to measure success in as many ways as you can. It’s not all about numbers! So here are some of the things I’m really proud of this month….‘

I ran consistently three times a week (that’s a huge win for me!)

I had some really rubbish runs but I still finished them

I got out of the door when I really wasn’t up for it

I stuck to my training plan and I’ve hit 10k for the first time since last year (massive yay!!!)

I (finally!) had one of those runs where everything came together and I felt like I was flying-I can still remember that now!

I did some holiday runs and two parkruns

I’ve been really good at going to the gym to try and keep my knee pain away, and I’ve been able to use some heavier weights

I ran in sunglasses and shorts for the first time this year!

I’m really enjoying my running and I feel like I’m in a good place with it! I’m really excited about next month. That’s the best one of all!

Today’s picture is my favourite run celebration …coffee! It seemed appropriate. This cafe is cyclist friendly. I’m changing their slogan to “you’re one run away from a good mood!”

So what’s gone well for you this month? If it’s been a tough one, this is a great place to have a vent-running is often an up and down journey and we’ve all had those tricky times, can’t wait to hear about your April! 🏆🏆🏆

[Tessie66]

This month has been A FANTASTIC MONTH!!!First time under 30 minutes last week then this week at bowling Park parkrun the toughest local course I've smashed my pb by 20 seconds at 29,38 I'm in shock, run another 10k this week and a speed run on the Nike app. Can I just say I never thought I'd go under 30 minutes the training is definitely working. Good luck everyone with everything xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Tessie66]

Congratulations! You’ve got so much to be proud of and so much still ahead of you! What a fantastic April! May May be good to you!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello. I'm popping I'm to say...wow...what a lot to celebrate, this month for you...me and everyone who has run !I'm sipping coffee right now and thinking...hmm.

I've been able to run most weeks..three times , mostly. I've has a lot of short runs...but a few longer.

I reached 10K again on April 7th in Monsal Trail race and got a prize for first female Vet over 70!

I've kept up with daily exercise routines.

Managed to put a tad more weight on too.

I have been kind to myself , if the runs didn't happen.

I celebrate too , the fact that I have all your wonderful running reports to read and that I am lucky enough to be part of this great running family!

Thanks you, for s great CUC over April!

Oldfloss x

[Tessie66 in reply to Oldfloss]

Absolutely brilliant well done to you 👏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tessie66]

Thank you... this C25K takes us to the most amazing places

[Tessie66 in reply to Oldfloss]

DEFINITELY I wouldn't of thought I'd go under 30 minutes or run 10ks in just over a year

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

You’ve done absolutely brilliantly! I’ve loved following your journey back to 10k, and to win a prize is just the icing on the cake!

Such a wonderful month and done your way with joyful steadiness. Long may that continue!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks you! Yes,, unexpected and very much a t lovely treat Slow and steady still gets me where I want to be x

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Not the perfect month for me, busy clearing my parents house, looking after grandchild and gardening and decorating has taken its toll.

I have injured my shoulder and it’s affected my elbow, been here before so I know it’s exercise’s for me to get my shoulder back into action and no diy or heavy digging!

Having said that I have managed to run still a couple of times a week even though I have felt exhausted they have kept me on an even keel and for that I’m grateful.

Roll on May for better weather and more me time!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Oh no! Sorry about your shoulder. I really hope it’s a quick one to heal and you’re back to full strength in May. Sending masses of good wishes your way. ❤️‍🩹

[69upandrunning Graduate]

This month I did a parkrun in 37 49. this was my 8th run and 5 minutes faster than my 1st.

onwards and upwards. Have fun everyone.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to 69upandrunning]

Congratulations on racking up all those park runs. It must feel super satisfying to see progress like that too! Loads to celebrate! Well done you!!!

[Never-too-old-run Graduate]

Good morning, MissU. Always enjoy your catch-ups. What I want to share is that I've recently discovered Steve Cram's Stepping Stone programme on the Couch 25k app and, after excellent coaching from this true-life Olympic athlete, I feel I'm now well on the way to entering my first park run. Thanks to the professional coaching, I've also ironed out much of my poor running technique. Still stuck on my treadmill though in the safety of the shed 🤣🤣🤣🤣but one of these days, I'll take the plunge!

I highly recommend this three-part programme for any graduate wondering where to go next.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Never-too-old-run]

Thank you, and thank you for that recommendation too! It’s really interesting to see how people are finding the post c25k runs. They’re relatively new. Some, like you, really like them. Glad it’s working so well! Wishing you a very happy May!