Whoohoo! It's graduation day for me, too!!

[TX-Bluebonnet]

I completed my final 30 minute run this evening and I'm so proud of myself!

In early January I decided I needed to do something about my sedentary lifestyle and terrible eating habits. I was really getting tired of being overweight and out of breath with the mildest exertion. I'd recently purchased a Kindle and was looking for weight loss type apps. I was intrigued by a c25k app I found because I never could run - and hadn't in 35 yrs - but it was something I always wished I could do. I started searching the internet about running programs and eventually stumbled upon the NHS Couch to 5K podcasts. I spent an evening reading numerous blogs and I was really inspired to give it a try, and so began my running journey with W1R1 on January 20.

I didn't realize it at the time but the trail I've been running on is a tiny bit over 5K. I stuck to the same route for the entire program because I liked having the "company" of all the other people out there walking, running, roller blading, biking. I find all those active people to be very motivational.

Around the same time that I started this program I began eating healthier and counting calories. And about half way through I added in other exercises on my rest days. I've lost 17 lbs so far and I'm feeling so much more energetic these days. I'm not done yet, though. I have about another 45 lbs to go. The body hugging running clothes I bought are helping me keep on track with healthy food choices.

I'm one of the very slow runners so my 30 minutes of running isn't anywhere near 5K. My fastest 5K (30 minutes running plus the rest walking) was 47:42 on W9R2. Now that I've gratuated I'm going to start varying my runs to work on increasing my distance first, so I can run 5K without stopping, and then my pace.

I'm looking forward to continuing my running (and fitness and weight loss) journey!!!

Happy running everyone!

[Hidden]

Congratulations! It's people like you that keep me motivated to stick with it so thanks

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much. Definitely stick with it, you're doing great.

[pinkhat Graduate]

Congratulations - your story is an inspiration even to other graduates!

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to pinkhat]

Thanks, pinkhat. I appreciate all the graduates who're still helping us all out.

[Pat184 Graduate]

Well done you, lovely blog , good luck on your journey Pat

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Pat184]

Thank you, Pat. Hope you'll kee us updated with your journey.

[amsjo Graduate]

TX ... Big congratulations ... really proud of you for making it ..It is funny how lots of us start out never having run and suddenly we find it gets under our skin

Keep up the good work and happy running and hope you hit the 5K soon

[amsjo Graduate in reply to amsjo]

... are you in Texas USA? Is it not really hot out there?

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to amsjo]

Thank you, it is funny how this running has gotten under my skin. Still in a bit of shock over it.

I'm in central Texas and it's starting to get hot here. The forecast is saying the next week will be in the upper 70s to lower 80s, and it's not even summer yet. I'm not sure how I'll handle running in the heat.

[Hidden in reply to TX-Bluebonnet]

I'm in the Middle East and running in 80+ degree heat at the minute. Not quite sure how I'll cope in the summer when it's 90 during the night and 110+ during the day. Sure I'll find a way though. Trying not to think too far ahead yet.

[amsjo Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Think I may just stick to wet and windy UK at least I don't over heat

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It was in the lower 80s during my late afternoon run today. I'm hoping I'll adjust to the heat. Or maybe I can find a route with more shade. I don't have the room or money for a treadmill so I'll have to figure something out. Good luck with your ultra-hot running.

[Bluepiano Graduate]

Yey, cool. It is strange how you almost feel like the runner in yo has "grown up" with the people on this forum, we read about each others experiences and trails. You feel a little pride when you see a graduation.

Well done and enjoy the fit new you.

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Bluepiano]

You're right, Bluepiano, it does feel like family around here. Thanks for that.

[mcc65 Graduate]

Well done you, you should feel proud. Good luck with the rest of your running future

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to mcc65]

Thanks! Good luck with running, too.

[Sadiekit Graduate]

That's fantastic! Well done! I'm about a week and a half behind you and will have to start looking at my diet...I feel great but amn't shifting any of the weight. Might have something to do with red wine. Anyway, enough about me. You must be walking on air.

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Sadiekit]

Yep, still walking on air. Will come down to earth tomorrow for my next run. Do take a look at your diet then, it works well with the running.

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Yay, congratulations on your graduation - and your other achievements

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Many thanks, Annimurph.

[Dribblin_spaniel]

Congratulations!

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Dribblin_spaniel]

Thank you!

[Bittybit]

Well done, what an achievement!

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Bittybit]

Thanks, Bittybit. I like your name.

[Bittybit in reply to TX-Bluebonnet]

It was my daughter's interpretation of Elizabeth when she was a toddler!

[petal51 Graduate]

Wow, you are amazing! Very many congratulations! I liked the bit about the 'others' (walkers, runners, bike riders etc), for company. I agree, I enjoy it and it is comforting when I see others out there exercising. Good luck with your continuing journey.

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to petal51]

Very many thanks! Yes, comforting is a good word for it. Good luck on your running journey as well.

[Hidden]

Congratulations Linda! You're a true inspiration - just shows that slow and steady gets you there in the end. Let's hear for the over 50s!!

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yay to us over-fifties! Slow and steady got me here, due in large part to all the encouraging blogs from other shuffle-joggers.

[SBG356 Graduate]

Fantastic Linda, congratulations!! Fast or slow you are still a graduate so very well done!

Now go celebrate!

Sue

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Thanks Sue, In way of celebrating I'm going to buy myself some proper running clothes for the hot days ahead.

[Khrissy Graduate]

Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing the badge

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Khrissy]

Thanks, I'll just admire yours until I get mine.

[alex2009 Graduate]

Congratulation what a fantastic story . Well done with the life change

Catherine

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to alex2009]

Thank you, Catherine. Your story's pretty fantastic, too.

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation, fantastic job, well done. I am also on the get fitter/healthier lose weight journey beofre my 50th this year, and have found this program and the people here so inspiring! Enjoy your success and here's to the future!

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Poppy2010]

We've definitely come to the right place. All the people on here are amazing. With their support we can do it. To the future!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Congratulations Bluebonnet (love that name!) It's lovely to see you crossing the finishing line. And your time is very similar to mine (though your running must be faster, as my first full 5k run was slower than your run/walk!)

Do carry on blogging as a post-grad!

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Thanks so much greenlegs. For whatever reason I had a better than average run that day. It might be a while before I can do that pace again. I do plan on staying. I have to say, I was really glad to see so many graduates still hanging around to offer support and to share their pre and post-grad experiences. Hugs to you all.

[Gemini21 Graduate]

How inspiring and what a lovely story. Well done and good luck with your future ventures

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to Gemini21]

Thank you and good luck to you, too.

[gdeann Graduate]

CONGRATULATIONS Graduate!!!!! You should be very proud of all you've achieved! Gayle

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Thanks, Gayle. Don't think I could have done it without all you lovely people with your inspiring blogs.

[karenjones65 Graduate]

Huge congratulations Bluebonnet, great feeling isn't it?? Keep up the good work

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to karenjones65]

It certainly is a geat feeling. Thanks for the encouragement.

[skf28 Graduate]

fantastically well done, brilliant job! keep up the good work and I look forward to reading your graduation blogs

[TX-Bluebonnet Graduate in reply to skf28]

Hey, sf28, seems we're in line for our badges. Hope you'll keep blogging too now that you've also graduated.