If you graduated in October, post here

[JR21]

Connect with your fellow October graduates by posting a bit about you & your Couch to 5k journey.

[SBG356 Graduate]

I will start this off as I asked John to supply a list of graduates each month and he has suggested doing it this way so thanks John! Thanks too to all those that backed the idea.

I started this on 25th August after being fired up by the Olympics and graduated on 27th October. I graduated by running 5k for 34.5mins.

My goals now are to achieve the 5k in 30mins; to continue running 3 times a week; to enter a parkrun; to work on the speed and stamina podcasts and to start the B210k programme.

I look forward to seeing all my fellow October gradates post here too!

Sue

[rosn123 Graduate]

I started C25K on 16th August and finished it on 13th October. Still can't do 5k in 30 minutes but that's something to work towards. I try to run outside as much as possible but half way through the programme I joined a gym so can use the treadmill when I need to. Also doing other exercise as need to improve my overall fitness. Since starting this I've lost over half a stone. Now just within the healthy BMI range but would like to lose a bit more.

So glad I found this forum. It really motivates you to keep going and knowing others have gone through the same struggles and made it is a big encouragement.

[gdeann Graduate]

Thank you Sue and JR for starting this!!!!!!

Smhall (Steve) and myself started August August 5, 2012 and graduated October 4, 2012. I will only share my experience so Steve can post his.

I went from never running at all, then not completing some 1 minute sessions to actually running a continuous 30 minutes at grad time, not a 5K distance with my short little legs, but running the 30. I decided when I first started the program I would always move on from run to run regardless of the struggle, as long as I completed each run. This was my own personal goal and It worked for me, I am happy to know I never had to repeat a run and I stayed on the schedule I had set in my mind.

The same month we graduated, we signed up for 2-5K runs! I now know I can run 40 continuous minutes as my first run was just shy of that! It is amazing to stop and look at the progress made in 3 short months! My goal is to try and run an organized 5K once a month but to continue on running 2-3 times a week. We live in the U.S. so runs are not as common in our area as the parkruns in the UK. I am so totally happy I found this program and this site!

This is such a wonderful community of caring people, I consider many of you as my running friends!

I am also very happy I have a wonderful husband who decided to join in and do the program as well. I can't count the times he encouraged me, listened to my whining and wiped the tears as I would be filled with self doubt. I plan to venture into the 5K+ podcast as I continue running. So far I attempted stepping stones and liked it. At this point I am still in disbelief I am running as long as I am and just enjoying the moment!

Thanks to a great hubby, this site and all of you fellow runners, an impossible dream has became a reality! ((( GROUP HUG))) Gayle

[oona Graduate]

Hi there. I started c25k at the end of August and my graduation run consisted of a 30 min run covering 4.5k or thereabouts. I'm now using the 5k+ podcasts to get my time for 5k below 30 mins and intend to work up to 10k using them and B25k. Since starting the programme I've dropped a dress size and lost just under a stone in weight. I'm now well into the healthy bmi range so am really pleased. I run outside all the time and usually take two rest days instead of one between runs to protect my poor old knees! It also suits time wise as I like to go to Curves gym, Zumba, badminton and cycle too.

[Fraz73 Graduate]

Hello my fellow October graduates!!

I started C25K on 21st August after being inspired by London 2012, as well as appalled at my weight. Somehow I came up with the idea of running as it was a cheap option - don't have the purse or the inclination for hefty gym memberships when I know I won't go

Graduated 21st October running 4.8k in 30 minutes although I had clocked up 2 sub 30 minute 5k's in runs 1 & 2 of week 9 (28:31 is my PB) so took it easy on grad day.

It's been a fantastic experience and one which has seen me lose a total of 15 inches in terms of body shape. (Don't weigh myself, the scales are evil, but I know I've lost a lot.)

Since then I've been pretty ill and struggling to find motivation but back on track with B210K which I started yesterday covering 7k in 43 minutes My goal for this year is to run 10K without stopping in something around an hour. Next year my goals are to build speed and stamina and make new PB's at both 5 and 10K; pluck up the courage to join my local running club and enter and train for some 5 and 10k runs while raising money for charity. When all of THAT is in the bag, I'll maybe start thinking about half marathons, although that is a LONG way off!!

[eshaz14 Graduate]

Well here we all are, it's been a great experience running with all of you

I started sometime in August, I didn't write it down then as I didn't expect to complete it, but then the bug got to me. I graduated on 24th October, then entered my first Charity Run as a runner (yep I think I am one of those). I have since been to parkrun once, and now looking to start B210K this week. Would like to be able to run 10K in under an hour, and always looking for new challenges now.

I haven't lost much weight (I do love my food), but I know I now have a waist and ribs and that I CAN RUN, and that I can continue to do so, as I am a fairly fit and healthy "veteran" (that makes me sound soooo old).

[jlow Graduate]

I started my second attempt at this on 26th August and graduated on 27th October. I haven't made 5k in 30 minutes yet, that's my first goal. My second is to do a park run, I have my bar code laminated! I hope to continue running three times a week over the winter and be able to run the 10k race for life by spring next year. Congratulations to all my other October graduates once again Jxx

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to jlow]

Don't wait to do the park run do it as part of getting your time down.

[Vivwestie Graduate]

I started on 2nd August and did my graduation run on 2nd October. I've never run, although I was 'sporty' at school. So it was with extreme surprise that I took this up in the first place, much less finished and continued to run.

I can't do 5k in 30 mins, but I'm getting closer ;-). Have done a Park run, a Big Fun Run, done some of the speed and stamina podcasts and joined the local running club on their beginner's nights. Having seen the posts above, I think it's time to start the B210K programme since I've signed up for a local 10K race on 2nd December!

The thing that has amazed me most about this is my dogged stubborness and the discovery that I (and, in fact, I believe - everyone) is stronger than they think. It's been, and continues to be, a very interesting journey - both physically and mentally.

[rubbishrunner Graduate]

Hello! I feel a bit of a fraud as I should have graduated well before October! Think I started in May, but took lots of time off between runs and didn't really run on holiday. Have still not got to 5k, when I graduated I was doing about 3.65k in the 30 minutes. I feel like I've got a bit faster but am now struggling to keep going for 30 minutes ... recently have done between 20 and 25 minutes but am now laid low with the lurgy. Next week I will start doing the Speed, Stamina etc and see if this brings me back on track.

But on the plus side, I am so glad I've done it, the support on here has been amazing, and the blogs have been inspirational ... and sometimes inspirationally amusing! Thank you one and all x

[virtualrunner Graduate in reply to rubbishrunner]

dont feel a fraud rubbishrunner - I'm exactly the same - see below - the fact that you are still getting out there is the main thing - good luck with your goals

S x

[rubbishrunner Graduate in reply to virtualrunner]

Thanks, Susan, good to hear about your experiences! It is amazing, and hopefully will get more amazing as we keep going, 5k is in sight (even if it is in the distance at the moment) :), loved the bit about increasing the fitness and decreasing the thighs, a very worthy goal which I share, also have many other areas to decrease!

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

Hi, I started this on August 16th and graduated on October 12th, running every other day (except in a couple of instances). On my graduation run, I ran 5.2K in 36 minutes.

I saw this as more than just exercise. Yes, I wanted to lose a few pounds and develop better all round fitness, but I also wanted to improve my wellbeing, my self confidence, find a well to combat stress and hoped I would find a new hobby at the same time! I certainly did that. I am a total convert to running. I always fancied being able to run but had no idea how to learn! If I'd just gone out there and tried myself I would have failed and never ventured out again! C25K is a fabulous programme where week on week I have amazed myself at what I can achieve and what my body can handle and how quickly it can adapt. I have learnt so much about myself doing this, and the importance of attitude on results. I have also now lost 10 lbs

So my next challenges are to work on my speed and stamina and I really hope to do a sub 30 minute 5k soon! In a few weeks, I may start the B210K podcasts and build on my distance.

[alex2009 Graduate]

Hello All, I started this on the 16th August and graduated on the 16th October going 4.86km. A very happy 30 minute runner from nothing such a good programme never thought it possible. Since I have been doing a range of running some of the NHS podcast for stepping stones & speed, Also B210K week 1.

Have signed up for a Park run , Race for life next year.

Have timed a solo 5K at 44.30 would love to get this down by Christmas time to under 40minutes with help from some interval training.

Have lost a stone and could do with one more so onwards - going to keep on running three times a week and try to get a good 5K under my belt and move onto a 10K!!!

Thank you for all the advice and tips its been great

[Hidden]

Hello everyone,

I started on 8th August mid-way through my Olympics addiction and graduated slightly later than planned on 11th October having been hit by a nasty head cold in week 9.

I have grown to love running, and am still getting out 3 times per week.

I have started doing Park Runs on Saturdays and my 5k time is 29:24 at present. I am doing the B210K programme to try and get my distances up and apart from some extra effort needed on my part to plan and plot longer routes, I'm really enjoying it!

I have my first 5k charity run next week and want to sign up for a 10k in spring and perhaps a half marathon in August or September 2013 to mark my "anniversary" of running.

It's been a great experience so far, and people in this community are fantastic.

[Beads Graduate]

I started on 6th August, found you guys the day I did W4R3 and graduated on 6th October.

I'm still running, not really trying to build on time or speed but just for fun, though I got a bit miffed a couple of weeks ago when all my runs came in just below 5K. I know I can do this now, but still struggle with the first 4 or 5 minutes before I get into my stride.

Goals? I hadn't thought that far ahead really, just enjoying it and making it up as I go along. And hoping that it's not too wet on 'run days'.

[virtualrunner Graduate]

What a great idea However I'm with @rubbishrunner - is it in the name? as I started back in June and finally graduated 29th October as holidays, repeat runs, bad back and business trips were used as excuses! But the fact that I can run (well jog) for 30 mins - and do so 3 times a week - and often in daylight!!! - is so amazing I still cant quite believe it. I am still not at 5km but - having just come back from a 4km in 35 min run - have decided for me just getting out there is good. Am still a good 1.5 stone overweight - but am loosing the inches and am still hopeful it will start to move sometime!!

So my goals are to get to 5km before the end of the year, keep with the 3 times a week to increase my fitness and lung capacity (have asthma) and decrease the size of my thighs And next year hopeful for race for life and regular park runs.

But echoing what already said - could not have done it without the support from this community - you guys are all great - so also intend to keep commenting and blogging - and maybe we can organise some sort of a reunion at some of the bigger runs

Happy Running all

Susan

xxx

[AnnieW55]

I started this towards the end of August and graduated on 28th October. I can now run my winter course (the only pavemented and lit route i.e. safe in a rural area) without stopping something I have been trying to do on and off for a couple of years. It took the nhs couch25k and this forum to turn me into a runner - without this and all of you it just wouldn't have happened so thank you.

When I first started 'lurking' on this website (not being a natural blogger) I kept looking for information on the couch to 25k - I thought that was the step after couch to 5k! Maybe next year I will be up to 25k!!!

[JHunt2 Graduate]

Hi all congratulations on your graduation. I started couch25K on 10 September 2012 as my colleague at work kept telling me how she was progressing with her running. I was very worried that I would not be able to complete the programme as I had not done any running for about 40 years but thanks to Laura and all your support I graduated on 26 October 2012. The programme is a lot easier than I thought it would be and recommend the programme to anyone who wants to become fitter and loose weight as well. I have lost 10lb since I started and I am really quite chuffed with my self.

[willnevie Graduate]

I started this programme in August and didnt think for one minute that I could ever run for more than thirty seconds. I'm now running 6k in 48 mins. Please please can u have my graduate badge? What an achievement! Thankyou to all my virtual running buddies who have supported me every single step of the way. Xxx

[canuckgirl Graduate]

I started in July, injured myself using old trainers after two weeks so took two weeks off, bought new shoes and restarted at the beginning of August.

I came to this site for support after W6R3 and completed the programme October 6.

At completion, I was running 5K in 31 minutes.

I started because I wanted the exercise both to get fit and for stress relief. I am still running but struggling with heal pain. Determined to get it sorted and keep up the running. Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement!

[IronMatt Graduate]

Late to the party, as it will soon be time to welcome the November graduates, but here goes:

I started the Couch to 5K plan on Friday August 24th and finished it nearly eight weeks later on Wednesday October 17th.

This was not my first attempt -- I had started in earnest back in June, but that attempt was brought to a halt when a kidney stone put me in the hospital for eight days right after I had completed Week 4. (Indeed, we have reason to believe that Week 4 Run 3 is what knocked the little bugger loose, starting all the trouble in the first place!) Given that I was "out of the game for awhile", as Laura likes to put it, I went back to the beginning when I was ready to resume in August, doing the whole programme in order from the start.

Really enjoying my post-C25K experiences, and also enjoying the mutual support and encouragement from everyone on here!

[hannie Graduate]

I started the program in early August and finished on 4 October. I still have not been able to do 5kms in 30 minutes but I have run 8kms in an hour so I think I have been focusing on distance not so much on speed.

I haven't been training as hard since I graduated as i would have liked, a cold and then a rolled ankle stopped me running for 3 weeks, then a holiday and bout of food poisoning got me down. I am doing my first outdoor run this coming Sunday by participating in the Oxford Santa Dash - it's only 2 miles and I expect to complete this in less than half an hour but I am looking forward to attempting outdoor running going forward!!

[5Kb460 Graduate]

Just finished week 9 run 3. Like most everyone else, I wasn't sure I would ever be able to run for 30 minutes, but I can! Week 9 run 1 was an official 5k run for Oktoberfest and I had trained outdoors on flat roads. The course was a little hilly, but my daughter ran with me and we finished it in 38.59! (She can do it in under 24 without me)Thanks to the nhs c25k! I have learned so much over the past few weeks, researching shin splints, proper technique, compression socks and other gear. Now I need to set a new target. Maybe 5k in 30 minutes before 60? Good luck to everyone working through this challenge, whatever your personal goal, look after yourself and don't give up!

[beatricerose Graduate]

I guess I'm not like most as I didn't so much follow c25k, but i did my first run on the 6th of August, and I ran my first 5k race on the 18th of October in 40 mins! I used runkeepers training plan, but having gone from saying I will never ever run, and knowing I could be so much fitter, I can't believe I can run a full 5k now- even if still slowly. Despite shin splints and differing levels of commitment week to week- I've got there (probably from following this forum avidly despite almost never posting)