Stronger than you think.....

[Vivwestie]

That's what was going through my mind as I did W9R3. 'Keep going', I kept saying to myself. It was very different to W9R2, which I ran from home to the park and back, and it included some hills and there were times when I thought that my legs were just going to come to a standing stop and refuse to move an inch further. But I kept saying 'you're stronger than you think, keep going', and amazingly... they did!

This morning I did R3 round the local track, which is 400m. I managed 10 and a half laps in the 30 minutes, which meant that I didn't do 5k.

But that's ok. It means that I still have something to aim for. Not just finishing C25K, but aiming to do 5k in 30 mins (or less!), which I guess means concentrating on the speed podcasts.

A big thank you to anyone who's posted on this site, because there will always be someone who is in the same position, has been in the same position as you and from whom you can draw strength and know that you're not doing this on your own.

So to anyone that might be reading this during weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, (dreaded) 5, 6, 7 or 8.... remember... YOU'RE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!

[carolinew Graduate]

Well done!! Bet you can't wait to get your shiny green graduate badge

[runningwild Graduate]

Yes well done and let's see that lovely green badge, loved your 'Madness' blog night by the way!

[CaroleC Graduate]

Ah vivwestie,

Well done, and yes we are all stronger than we think.

It's when our lungs are bursting, our legs are burning with effort, the cramps start either in our calves, thighs, or even worse, belly (!!) that if we dig deep, and deeper again, we find something else, some bloody minded stubbornness that says "No" to stopping, "No" to giving up and definitely "NO" to not finishing the run. I can see you've been there.

Congratulations on your graduation. Excellent effort!!

CaroleC

[BettyJane Graduate]

Well Done, you made it. A lot of people don't seem to manage the 5k by week 9. But like you say it's the next thing to aim for. I can't wait for my next run, but I'm laid up with a cold/bug and don't think I'll be ready for another couple of days.

[Soozz Graduate]

Congratulations, well done. What a feeling, eh? You'll be smiling for days!

[Chewy]

Brilliant job Viv well done and congratulations.

[Vivwestie Graduate]

Thanks, fellow C25k-ers - this is the best group I've ever been in!

[Burstcouch Graduate]

All the best VIVwestie, have loved all your blogs, your doubts, hopes and dreams throughout have been realistic. Well done you.

keep going now.

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to Burstcouch]

Thank you, Burstcouch! How could we stop, eh? Not the end, just the beginning...

[janda Graduate]

well done vvwestie. You made it. Hope you keep running and blogging (some of yours really had me in stitches) for some time. Don't forget to ask for your graduate badge.

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to janda]

Thanks, Janda - I've messaged JR21, so... bated breath...

[gdeann Graduate]

A hearty congratulations Viv!!! Seems like only yesterday you were riding around the countryside on a train, now you upped and graduated!! I am so very proud of you! I won't be at a 5K either, but look how far we have progressed. Well done!!!!

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Heehee, gdean - yes, look how far we've progressed! Amazing isn't it!?

[smhall Graduate]

Congratulations, Vivwestie!! In your post you thanked all of those that supported and encouraged you along the way. Now it is time for us to tell you the same!! "Thank You!" Thank you for the support and motivation that you have given as well! Thank you also for today...for finishing and showing us that it can be done...that we can be runners, too!! YOU ROCK!!

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to smhall]

Thank you, smhall!

[TJFlute]

Congratulations Vivwestie! It's amzing what can be achieved isn't it!? It would be good to meet up and do a run together when I'm back on my feet, as I only live 15 minutes from you!

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to TJFlute]

Thanks, TJFlute - hope your shin splints heal soon - let me know when you're ready to run again and we'll deffo have to meet up and go for a run (Never thought I'd be able to say that! heehee).

[suki_007 Graduate]

Wow - I didn't realise you'd done the big 3! Congratulations and enjoy your new running life!

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to suki_007]

Thanks, Suki.

[Chocotwit Graduate]

Jolly well done you! I can't do 5k in 30 mins yet either, so I'm doing the 5k+ runs which are quite challenging but fun in a masochistic sort of way. Good luck

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to Chocotwit]

Thank you. I've finally managed to download the 5K+ podcasts (after endless random key hits on itunes, my computer and my itouch!), so tomorrow I'll have a go at one those. Used to masochistic challenges and fun, C25K is exactly that!

[Pelephant Graduate]

Well done you and thank you for being so inspiring! all the best with your running.

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to Pelephant]

Thanks, Pelephant. You too.

[laj1987 Graduate]

Congratulations - it's an amazing feeling to graduate! You now know that you have trained your body to run but more importantly than that you have trained your mind to know you can do anything

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to laj1987]

Thanks, Laj1987. So true!

[rubbishrunner Graduate]

Hope you are still basking in the glory! What a fantastic positive attitude you have. Good luck with getting to 5k, I know you will do it! Keep us posted

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to rubbishrunner]

Thanks, rubbishrunner - I shall, although it might be a little while yet!

[canuckgirl Graduate]

Congratulations Vivwestie! Thank you for your blog and your words of encouragement. So true, we are all stronger than we think. Good luck with your post-graduation runs!

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to canuckgirl]

Cheers, Canuckgirl.