My gushy graduation blog

[ChrisMcB]

Well, today was the day. It has been 9 weeks of hard work, but also surprisingly lots of satisfaction and even some fun!

This morning at 7.20am Laura told me 'that's it' - and it was. It was the end of W9! (Apart from the warm-down walk of course!)

It was a strange run, because my previous run was such a high - I did Park Run for the first time and got a good time. I had planned to run yesterday, but my shins decided otherwise ... they were still a bit angry at me for pushing them so hard on that 5k!

So, this morning's graduation run was much more low key - and a lot slower in pace!

Still, it felt like honey drizzled along a xylophone to hear Laura tell me I'd finished!

In so many ways, I don't feel like a graduate yet ... some of my 28-30 min runs have been great, but some are hellish! I feel like I've only just managed some of them.

But onward and upward ... it's time to work on speed now, and get those pesky 5k done in under the 30 mins. And then maybe I'll start on B210K.

I have to say, and not out of politeness or anything, but this is meant very very sincerely, that I could not have done this without the support of this forum. Your advice, your stories, your encouragement and all the laughs and tears shared have kept me going.

So a big thank you

If I can do this, anyone can! Which just shows what a fantastic programme C25K is. I am all evangelical about it! I want to print posters to put up at my doctor's. I was in yesterday and noticed all the posters saying don't do this, don't eat that, watch how much you drink the other ... Here in C25K is something POSITIVE that has helped me in terms of mood, confidence, weight (getting there at least!), fitness, strength ...

I suppose what I really want to say is I LOVE C25K!!! It's been a blast, and I'm planning to stick around a while 'cos I can't imagine life without it any more

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Well done you must feel fantastic and I agree with you this Forum is brilliant, good luck and again congratulations

[jenniej Graduate]

Well done you! You must feel fantastic. Completing the programme & a parkrun is impressive. Congratulations.

[mummy2runner]

Congratulations!!! what a brilliant achievement. well done you and good luck keeping it up

[Burstcouch Graduate]

Hey another graduate arrives on the podium. Well done to you, its a great sense of achievement.

I only got mine last week too.

[gypsydepp Graduate]

Well done Chris...another graduate!! Shows how brilliant c25k is.

Good luck in your next challenge

[shelleymcb Graduate]

well done! time to ask for your graduate badge

I agree with you about the doctors. mine hadnt even heard of c25k. how bad is that!! with diabetes & obesity becoming part of childhood maybe this would help.

come on NHS advertise & get the country jogging hehe

chris, looking forward to hearing how you get on with b210k X

[BTX4 Graduate]

Honey drizzled along a xylophone....wow that is a great description!!!

Well done on graduating, enjoy getting your badge - you deserve it

Also agree about the merits of the programme. My doctor had not heard of it either. There is so much they could do with it - get a group together, advertise it, hand out leaflets to anyone who has high blood pressure, is overweight, wants more exercise...

Workplaces could advertise it too, most have notice boards...

After all, its free to do. All you need is a decent pair of trainers and some joggers and off you go.

[Misstrolly Graduate]

well done Chris! what a fantastic feeling. I wholeheartedly agree about the support of everyone on this forum, it really is such a boost to blog, read about other's experiences, ask questions etc.

We do need to spread the word about this marvellous programme and all the hard work that went into making it. How about a proper use of the current C25K community on facebook or even NHS C25k running groups around the country? I feel it's such a friendly group on here it would be lovely to meet up properly for a 5k/raceforlife/10k and spread the word! Running is very much in the news at the moment, post London Marathon. I can see an article on befores and after the C25K on somewhere like the health section of the Mail Online. Some positive press for the good work of the NHS can only do good!

[Kate1991 Graduate]

Well done! This is a great post

[NatG]

Well done you, this is fab to read!! Keep it up now you have graduated

[Gems]

Huge congratulations to you! I absolutely love reading such positive posts such as yours, as it really makes me believe that I can get to where you are now if only I believe in myself and the programme. The replies I have had on my posts so far have really encouraged me and I really value it already.

Good luck with your future running goals x

[Greg_M Graduate]

Fantastic, well done sir!

[Tapira Graduate]

Very many congratulations both for your graduation and your parkrun. As I get closer to week 9 I keep wondering about a parkrun in the future and it;s great to hear from those who are doing them. Keep up the good work.

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to Tapira]

Hi Tapira - I almost didn't go to the Park Run, in case it would be really intimidating! I've never been into competitive sport, but Park Run allows you to compete with yourself. I still don't quite understand their percentiles and stats, but it was friendly ans supportive, a great way to meet new likeminded people! I really recommend it!

[scavo Graduate]

ah chris thats a great post.. and fantastic news on your graduation!! well done to you!!

[Gridlet Graduate]

Fantastic! Well done! I agree with you wholeheartedly, it's pretty life changing isn't it? Don't be going anywhere will you? Keep posting to let us know how you are getting on!

[casdix Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating!!!

[TJFlute]

Well done! Can't wait to hear what you get up to next

[juicydee Graduate]

Excellent and well done!! The adventure is just beginning...... and thanks for all YOUR support too! Look forward to hearing more from you

[Rose885 Graduate]

Fantastic Chris well done! Congrats on your first parkrun too, that's great.

[PatButcher Graduate]

YAY!!!! Well done Graduate I loved reading this as it echoed so much of how I felt and still feel about this forum and about C25K generally. I hope you won't be a stranger now you're done? All the best for your b210k. I'm not even anywhere near starting that yet, still too slow and too unfit

[handstand Graduate]

Ditto Chris, this program has taught me so much more than how to run. I feel blessed to have found it and this forum. Congratulations on having completed the program and sharing your journey.

[lucylou77 Graduate]

Congrats on your achievement Chris!!! Such an amazing feeling isn't it!! Keep it up!!

[ChrisMcB Graduate]

Thanks everyone for your lovely words! Am looking forward now to starting W10R1 in the morning