Done. And. Dusted.

[Sidin]

12 weeks ago the most I could run without collapsing into a heap of epic fail was 5 minutes or 500 meters, whichever humiliation came first.

On Thursday I completed my third run in week 9, and completed it with plenty of stamina to spare. And I felt absolutely amazing. All my life I've struggled with exercise, especially with finding a physical activity that I want to do with any regularity.

And now I am beginning to love running. The first few weeks I ran on the treadmill because I was too conscious of running outdoors. Today I am pining for some good weather so I can hit the road as soon as possible.

Since completing the C25K program I've done two more runs, both in dreadful wet, cold weather. In the first one I managed to complete 5K over a 30 min run and a 5 min. warm down walk. In the second one today, in absolutely horrid weather, I ran 4k in 33 minutes.

But right now I am reasonably sure of being able to run a 5K between 38 and 34 minutes. But I will know better, and hopefully improve, as I keep running over the next few weeks.

This has been a life changing experience for me. Absolutely stunning and somewhat emotional. At several points running for 30 minutes has seemed daunting. In fact there was a time when running for 8 minutes in one go seemed physically impossible. The first time I did an 8 minute run I broke out into celebrations on a treadmill.

I am now an expert at punching the air while balancing myself on a moving treadmill. I've also lost weight. Some 10 kilos or so. I feel healthier, look thinner, fit into my clothes better... and have much better stamina.

I am endlessly grateful to this program, the podcast, Laura and her music, and everyone on this community to helped with your own stories and experiences.

If you're still struggling with the program, or thinking of starting... let me reassure you that the effort is worth it. If you're like me, this is the best thing you'll ever do for your body.

Keep the faith. Run, baby, run!

[juicydee Graduate]

YESSS!!!! Well done - isn't it great!!! (hate your time though )

And how brilliant to be able to pass on your enthusiasm - noobs, take note!!

[Sidin Graduate in reply to juicydee]

How does one sign up to be an evangelist for the podcast!

I am trying NOT to get all obsessive about the timing for now. I am trying...

But I fail.

[Bxster Graduate]

oh yeay! Congratulations

[Sidin Graduate in reply to Bxster]

Indeed!

[blueboots Graduate]

Great post. Congratulations

[Alaiyo Graduate]

Fantastic post, and super kudos to you for changing your life. You deserve all the treadmill fist-pumps you can manage!!

[Sidin Graduate in reply to Alaiyo]

Thank you Alaiyo. The challenge now, I suppose, is motivating myself without a podcast...

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to Sidin]

Isn't there a bridge to 10K program? If you are interested, that is. Otherwise, you could probably make your own pretty easy. 5 minutes mellow music, 30 fast music (possibly with a "way to go, you are such a star!" every 10 minutes or so), 5 min more of the mellow stuff.

[bizzyb Graduate]

Great post, too late you are an obsessive now, doesn't it feel good???

[Sidin Graduate in reply to bizzyb]

It.

Feels.

AWESOME!!!!!!!

[Minuette Graduate]

Wonderful Great post well done!

[Hidden]

Great job, well done.

(you used my daughters favourite saying "epic fail" so that made me laugh)

All the very best for your future runs, sounds like you are doing really well.

[Sidin Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You would do well to incorporate 'epic fail' into your vocabulary. It is the future.

[OldNed Graduate]

Well done you; it does change your life. It's the best motivational programme I've ever encountered by a considerable margin. Deserves wider public recognition and an award. We should start a campaign!

[mair99 Graduate]

Congrats! A big well done to you. There's nothing wrong with obsessing about your time... It will probably keep you motivated!

[Tapira Graduate]

Very many congratulations you are a star! Keep up the good work

[sarahji]

Great post, thank you! You're right it's a great program & this community is so friendly and helpful...how can anyone fail?

[maddykins Graduate]

Congratulations . love the epic fail bit when i say something is epic or epic fail my 14 yr old daughter tells me off for embarressing her for being such a cool mum in front of her friends. ... so i make sure i do it on purpose whenever friends come round to see her. keep up the running