I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

[Shazzapat]

Week 9 run 3 yesterday and I cannot believe I got here! I started back in January and had to abandon running at week 7 under physio's orders. Started again in August and decided to take 2 or 3 days between runs rather than aim for 3 runs a week - I also stretched before and after every run and it seemed to make a difference. No shin pain and my knee has been fine. Anyway yesterday I got on that treadmill and managed to do the 5k distance for the first time - this however includes the 5 min warm up and warm down so I know I need to up my pace but I am so pleased. I still remember struggling to run for 60 seconds on week 1 and saying that it seemed impossible. I've never been able to run for any length of time. Even at school I was a sprint person, cross country was so not my thing! I have asthma so my breathing was always and issue but I followed Laura's ti[s and conquered it. Thank you Laura and everyone here for your help and support. Now how do I get graduate status and my badge??

[Vivwestie Graduate]

You'd bloody better after everything you've done. You win first prize for tenacity and perseverance. Just as an aside - has your asthma improved at all since you started?

[AuntieAli Graduate]

well done you!! well done for sticking with it and being bloomin determined to finish, no matter how long it took. conquered indeed!

[swanscot Graduate]

Congratulations, Shazzapat. Well done on returning to the programme after your initial setback. I hope you continue to remain injury-free with your stretching routine.

[MrHanssen]

Any advice for a newbie due to start once my cold has gone? Well done !!

[chusan51 Graduate in reply to MrHanssen]

Just follow the podcasts and go at the pace you feel is right for you. I remember being a bit intimidated by the speed and running style of others I saw in the park but I soon learned to focus on my running and not theirs. It's all about you and the guys who wrote this program know what they are doing so put your trust in them and try to enjoy it.

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

Well done you! Isn't it a great feeling? It's always so good to hear someone graduating and so happy about running. Good for you, I hope you celebrated in style? Brilliant!

[katrunkles Graduate]

Congratulations!!!