Did you treat yourself after graduating...? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Did you treat yourself after graduating...?

Kelh76 profile image
22 Replies

I'm around week 6/7 and still running in leggings and a baggy tshirt. I still carry my ipod and my keys in my bra. Still using the trainers I had anyway when I decided to start running (they are running trainers, not fashion ones).

I would love a garmin watch thingy and some nice running clothes but I can't warrant spending the money on myself until I feel that I've earned it and it won't be a waste of money - ie until I'm a "real" runner!

Anyone else the same? and what did you treat yourself too - was it worth the wait??

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Kelh76 profile image
Kelh76
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22 Replies
Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

I would love a Garmin too but simply can't afford it on my pension payments - altogether now say ahhhhhhh! :(

I treated myself to a long drink of cold water and a hot shower, then I pushed the boat out and had breakfast!!!!! :) Joking aside I think its well worth treating yourself when you have achieved so much. Good luck for your graduation you are thinking positively.

Anonymous36 profile image
Anonymous36Graduate in reply to Oldgirl

I'm awaiting Garmins falling from the sky... Keep a look out! ;)

Mirella profile image
MirellaGraduate

I didn't treat myself at the end but all the way through! I got a garmin for my birthday which was lovely and have bought running lothes online from sports direct, you can get proper tops for £4 and bottoms from £8. I feel better and more confident running in the proper clothes, your legs just feel more springy, I guess its the compression.

Good luck

BTX4 profile image
BTX4Graduate

A long cold beer :)

I think either a garmin 110 or a new pair of supa dupa trainers would be something to aim for. Both would encourage you to keep getting out running.

Good luck - we look forward to seeing your graduate badge :)

jenniej profile image
jenniejGraduate

I treated myself to a Garmin at end of week6 when Laura told me I was a runner. Strangely didnt feel the need to treat myself at graduation - I just felt great! I still run in old leggings and even more ancient collection of baggy t-shirts. I recommend the Garmin - its great to see your progress over the weeks.

Anonymous36 profile image
Anonymous36Graduate

I bought running clothes during the programme because I didn't own anything I was comfortable running in. I did invest in some rather posh Asics after I graduated but that was only because I was over pronating in my neutral ones and it had caused a knee injury.

I plan to have a Garmin for my birthday in September ;)

Hi, I treated myself to 2 proper running tops - they make such a difference in the breathable fabric and amazing double fabric socks. Can't believe I'm still excited about socks but this programme has changed me in so many ways!! (Also had to buy new clothes generally as it changed my shape and my trousers were just far too big). :)

Mirella profile image
MirellaGraduate in reply to

Running socks are brilliant, Karrimors from Sports direct £3.99 for 2 pair, keep my tootsies happy

sfb350 profile image
sfb350Graduate

I already had my running shoes (from a failed attempt a couple of years ago) and bought bargain running gear from Sports Direct after a couple of weeks. Running socks were a treat too ! "Proper" running gear is a lot more comfortable and stops bits wobbling ;-)

I was lucky and my bosses treated me to a Garmin as they were so amazed I'd stuck it out and run for 5k ! My real graduation treat was a long leisurely run, a scenic 5k followed by a mixture of walking, running and skipping (and dancing) home through the woods. Joining a running club turned out to be a treat too - it took me a while to work up the courage but it was worth it.

Alaiyo profile image
AlaiyoGraduate

It isn't a graduation treat per se, but after 5 or 6 weeks I got some used running clothes from a local thrift shop. (Sports Direct sounds great too, but this is even less expensive.) I just got a another couple shirts and pants so that I don't have to wash them every run, and I am in the middle of week 9 now, so the implicit promise to myself is that I will keep running.

I do plan to run my final run on a different route, hopefully something scenic, as an extra bonus. If I could choose, a Garmin would materialize at the finish line, but I doubt that will happen. But I will probably enjoy a beer and perhaps a hearty meal.

I am toying with the idea of doing something festive with my old walking cane (which I needed to walk only 1.5 yrs ago) and using it as a banner of my progress for graduation.

sfb350 profile image
sfb350Graduate in reply to Alaiyo

I think you need a C25K flag on your old walking cane ! :-)

Alaiyo profile image
AlaiyoGraduate in reply to sfb350

I think you might be right!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I treated myself to some music to accompany my post-graduation runs.

Yes, to another 75 miles (and counting) :)

mrqwest profile image
mrqwestGraduate

Not quite graduated yet (although I did do 5k this morning), but I'd like a Garmin also!

Clothes wise though, I started out wearing old baggy t-shirts and tracksuit bottoms along with my normal casual trainers. The trainers gave me serious shin splints so bought some new runners after W1R1. Such a big improvement!

But the baggy t-shirts generally were heavy weight, ill fitting and not overly breathable so Week 2 saw me on Sports Direct (echoing everyone else, really good value!!!) where I grabbed a few 'technical' running t-shirts at £5 each. Such a bargain, they've been invaluable at keeping my body cool whilst running.

I've just had another splurge on 3 more tee's and a pair of shorts which arrived yesterday (sum total of £23). Just need to pluck up the courage to wear the shorts now :p

Nevertoolate profile image
NevertoolateGraduate

After a very hot first run W1R1 in too many and too heavy clothes I treated myself to some cheap but adequate trainers, a light-weight T shirt and shorts. I bravely wear the shorts only on the early morning runs when nobody's about! In week 2 I bought a really useful little thing to carry my ipod on my wrist.

When I finish all 9 weeks I'd love to have some proper gait-analysed trainers. I can't run to them at the moment (excuse the pun) and my feet/legs seem fine.

AnnaJ profile image
AnnaJGraduate

i have treated myself all the way through and have had to stop since seeing the state of my bank account recently!

i bought shoes and running tights to begin in the first place then very soon treated myself to a water bottle and some HI LOW hydration water flavouring,

i then got tempted with a gorgeous pink running top and proper running socks and the sunny weather (which lasted for 4 minutes!) had me back in the running shop to treat myself to a running cap and some capri tights.

i also NEVER buy women's magazines because i think they are useless and patronising BUT i buy every copy of Womens running magazine as it motivates me and is useful.

i also treat myself to decent fresh coffee, posh tea bags, exotic fruit and fresh herbs and i "justify" everything by telling myself i am worth it, i don't eat takeaways (well not each week like i used to) and i do not buy cigarettes and also running involves "one off" buys unlike gym membership...... having just read that post back to myself- i can now see why i am skint.... oooops!

i have to add that i have not bought one thing (running related) that i have regretted- everything seems to add to my motivation, endurance and performance :-)

AnnaJ profile image
AnnaJGraduate

oh i also just remembered i bought a waterproof running jacket too!!

AnnaJ profile image
AnnaJGraduate

oh yes and 2 new sports bras!!

debbzi profile image
debbziGraduate

AnnaJ, thank you. I was feeling a bit guilty about the extent of my sports-related purchases. It's good to know I'm not alone.

easterunner profile image
easterunner

treated myself all the way through!! - sports direct is full of bargains - and it is deff nicer to run in decent stuff so it seems worth it :-)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I like my cheap Aldi running socks. They're great! £2.99 too. I have cheapo trainers but I have one pair trail and one pair for road running and they've been fine but the trail shoes are well battered after 9 weeks of hitting the muddy trails. I could do with another pair of leggings as only have one pair, so that's my next purchase. I treated myself to a portion of choc pud on graduation.

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