graduated but only running once a week-does this still count?

[ParkRunner1]

I’ve just run week 9 run three and graduated which I’m super proud of but due to work and school drop off/pick up commitments I’ve only been managing one run a week since week seven hence it’s taken months to finally graduate. I can’t help feeling like I haven’t quite achieved what I set out to do as I’m not running three times a week and still don’t feel like I have the stamina to do that, even if commitments allowed.

I’m going to keep running and hopefully work commitments will ease allowing more opportunities to go for a run so I can increase my stamina but just wondered if anyone else was having similar issues and feeling the same?

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 It certainly does! Congratulations on getting the job done! On the badges post there is a wee bit of advice for you going forward! Go and celebrate your victory. There’s no other feeling quite like it!!! Xx

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks so much Annieapple for all your help and support along the way 🥰 xx

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to ParkRunner1]

🍏 We are in it together here! Xx

[Roseth Graduate]

I am amazed at anyone who can manage work, children and running. I struggle to find the time even though I'm retired. Well done you!

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to Roseth]

Thanks so much for the encouragement Roseth 👍

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Every run counts. Take the opportunities you can.

The fact that there are barriers in your life, but you are still getting out there at all, you should be so proud of yourself.

You are not failing. You are perservering when many others would have thrown the towel in.

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks WhatsApp, I like this alternative way of looking at things, I’ll try to approach it in this way in future 👍

[CosmicWelsh Graduate]

To make time for yourself when life is busy is really hard so congratulations on finding that time once a week to do something for you. Well done you!

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to CosmicWelsh]

Thanks CosmicWelsh 😉

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It really does... you are a runner and you run. your pace, your way!

Think how many workouts too you are getting in your daily life routines... they are all keeping that body going. Stamina and core strength are what keeps us going... so... as and when take a look at your daily routines, which if those you could tweak to make a bit more impactful.

healthunlocked.com/strength...

I have not got much time for any runs of any distance right now...but I get the short ones in... as and when I can... yesterday morning... a Seven minute run... yes, seven minutes... and as the coach on the Guided run said... Coach Bennett, Seven minutes... 420 seconds, full of something good.

And he was right... it set me up for the day... Covid and Flu jabs... I was ready for them !

Right now you are doing what you can... and when things ease, whcih they surely will, you will do more. Well done to you!

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss for your wise words, you always have just the right advice to pick me up, and I love Coach Bennett’s advice too.

I will definitely try and have a look at my daily routines and see what can be tweaked 👍

Glad to hear that your getting in some short runs when you can and finding them just as rewarding xx

[RunByTheSea64 Graduate]

Well done for getting it done and graduating! I have great admiration for anyone fitting in their running around kids, school, work etc. You've smashed it! 🎉🙂👍

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to RunByTheSea64]

Thanks for your lovely kind words RunByTheSea64 xx

[drl212 Graduate]

Well done! Congratulations for finishing in the face of so many commitments.

Keep persisting and celebrate. Things will change for you, I'm sure...

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to drl212]

Thanks drl212 I certainly will 👍

[moopo]

I thought I couldn't get 3 runs a week when I started. I'm on week 3, well week 4 tomorrow but it took me many attempts to get here. I hope when I get fitter it'll get easier but if graduates like ParkRunner1 aren't finding time I'm not so confident.

Still I'm in it for me and either find time or will not. I can't just make more of it. I don't think I find excuses not to run but let's see how weeks 4, 5, 6 et al go.

Running for me isn't to "do" C25k but to keep my fitness up from now on.

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to moopo]

Hi Moopo, please don’t let my situation put you off, everyone’s circumstances are very different and I’m sure as you progress through the program and see the progress you’ve made this will help to spur you on, it certainly has kept me going over the last 7 months! Good luck and well done on starting the program in the first place 👍

[Newbie59 Graduate in reply to moopo]

Hi moopo,

That is so true. You are in it for you, nobody else. It really doesn't matter how long it takes, 9 weeks or 9 months, as long as you are progressing and getting fitter, one day you will run for 30 minutes!

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Hi PR1,

I don't have all the time commitments that you have, but now at the age of 70 I find I need a lot more recovery time between runs. Also on a weekend I go out for a long, sometimes challenging, walk with a group, and that needs a couple of days recovery.

I am currently on Week 8 and only managing one run a week, to avoid aching hips, but that is still making progress and I will get there in the end 🙂

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

Hi Newbie59 thanks for your message. Well done on your progress so far, you’ll definitely get there! keeping going one run at a time. I like the idea of the long walks and will have to try and take a leaf out of your book 👍

[Newbie59 Graduate in reply to ParkRunner1]

Hi PR1, I am determined to keep up the running but I only run when I really feel like doing it. In between I think any activity at all helps, sometimes it might be a couple of minutes dancing to a song in the kitchen, a half an hour of tai chi practice, doing a few squats and stretches, and a good brisk walk now and then.

The great thing is that you have graduated, you can run for 30 minutes, and one run a week is absolutely fine! Just keep on doing it, you won't lose your fitness, and when you do have time you can maybe fit in one or two more runs a week, even just a cheeky little 10 minutes. Good Luck 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[ParkRunner1 Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

Hi Newbie59, I love this post and your enthusiasm is really inspiring I will keep going with the current schedule and try and fit a couple of alternative cheeky 10 minutes in here and there. Keep up the good work too 👍💕 xx