Finally.........

[gypsydepp]

I've re-graduated!

First started this running malarkey feb 2012, graduating in April 2012.

Managed to get up to 9k by June and then started a history of injury and illness far too boring to go over again!

After 4 months of on/off running and gym, met a lovely physio who set me straight ( thanks, Emily ).

So slowly and surely worked my way through the program from week one and........yesterday did week 9 run 3 in the poring rain and abso blimmin lately loved it!

Now I can wear my graduation shirt that I bought last year when they first came out!

I have learnt that I mustn't push myself tto far, too quickly and while applauding everyone on this forum, I must not try to emulate their achievements in time, speed or distance.

So 30 minutes 3 times a week will suffice for the rest of March and then I will gradually increase my time by 5% on one of my runs each week.

If I seem to be getting ahead of myself please tell me off!

I think you're all great by the way but I miss some of the bloggers fom early last year!

Jane x

[k6daisy Graduate]

What a lovely post Jane. Congratulations on finding the strength and willpower to do it all over again and great to hear your health is in good shape once more. 3 times a week for 30 mins sounds just perfect to me! Its so nice to hear how all the graduates progress afterwards and teaches us newbies not to think we can all run a flippin marathon after! Graduation week for me begins Monday..... Then I'm just gonna plod on with 30 mins for a while. That'll do me I think.

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to k6daisy]

Thank you. I think it's important to let your body get used to regular running....all those tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles need to acclimatise, I believe.

Especially when you're 54!

Ultimate aim is to run 5.5 miles on my 55th birthday which is September 8th.

That'll do me! x

[oona Graduate]

Loved reading this blog, Jane! I'm impressed at how you didn't just give up running altogether which would've been the easiest thing to do. I, too, don't push myself too hard as I'm a bit concerned about injury and am more than happy if I do 30 odd minutes 3 times a week as well as other stuff. Best wishes!

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to oona]

Thank you oona. I've just signed up with Curves which is a ladies only fitness centre.

It's a circuit workout that takes 30 minutes too. Great for strengthening. That as well as the running should be plenty!

Good running ( and other stuff ) : )

[oona Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

I love Curves! It gave me the confidence to start c25k. The ladies there are so supportive and encouraging! I'm going to count a Curves 30 min circuit towards the 5x50 challenge that starts on March 31st! Have you heard about it? Have a look at 5x50.co.uk!

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to oona]

I have heard about it but didn't realise you could count a Curves workout.

That's definitely do-able.

And I've got a black Labrador who needs walking every day. Would that count too( if I did 5k with her )?

[oona Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

This is getting spooky, Jane! We also have a black lab! Ours is an old lady now - 13 years - but still up for a 5k walk most days.

I think if you look at the FAQ part of the 5x50 website it says what is considered equivalent of 5k walk, run or cycle. Certainly dog walking would be considered as would walking back and forward to work. I was thinking I'd use my pedometer on days I wasn't doing Curves, 5 k run or cycle and make an effort to walk a bit more. I think the whole idea is just to be more active and if I can raise some money for Comic Relief (or whatever charity you choose) then that all the better. There is no pressure put on you to do anything for charity other than your registration fee but I thought I might as well look for some sponsors. It'll give me added incentive!

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to oona]

Definitely going to do it.

Spooky indeed!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Well done! And thank you - it was really good to read this. I need to keep myself in check and remember that I'm older and less fit than a good number of people on here, and slow and steady is still good after graduation!

I did my first parkrun today, and really enjoyed it, but reading your blog has helped me feel more comfortable with not pushing on for a longer distance yet - and I don't need to do 5k every time I go out, 30 minutes is plenty (or even 20 minutes if I'm going a bit faster).

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Absolutely!

I've been enjoying the banter between you and fingaloo, by the way!

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

It's good to have a laugh now and then!

Where's his parkrun blog though? I know he's done it, cos I peeked at the Brighton and Hove results list!

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Oh I'm sure he'll blog all about it!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Well done, Jane - not just graduating once, but having the guts to do it all again! A great achievement, you are an inspiration

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Thank you, Annie. Been called a few things in my time, but never an inspiration!

[mcc65 Graduate]

Well done on getting back into it and on your 2nd Graduation

I'm on my second run through the programme too because my pace was so far off the 5k that I had ideas about just repeating it at a quicker pace each time but I'm coming to realise that I'm probably built for comfort not speed!! So my new plan is to get to 30 mins this time round at a slightly quicker pace and then just be happy with that and if I feel able to run further or faster then that's what I'll do.

I will get to 5k one day but I think realistically it will probably be at about the 45 - 50 minute mark, but do you know what, when I started this I was so bad that I had to repeat W1 so I'm completely fine with that

[gypsydepp Graduate in reply to mcc65]

Good for you !

The main thing is to enjoy it and try to stay injury free.

I love the "comfort not speed" comment!

[mcc65 Graduate]

Thanks, I'm starting to realise it's all about doing what feels right for you and doing anything is better than the nothing I was doing before I started the programme .

Today is a good example, I should be heading to the gym about now to do a 30 minute mix of walking and running, but hubby has a day off so I've skipped the gym in return for a 90 minute walk around the forest with our dogs - it's still exercise