Graduated!!!

[roadrunner_86]

I can't really believe I'm writing this! Week 9 Run 3 is in the bag.

Haha now I've stolen the thunder of the marathon runners this morning on a more serious note, I'd like to say that I have the utmost respect for all that took part in the marathon today - especially what with the warm conditions compared to the last few months (it's like the first day of summer today), it must have been very challenging. It was hard to believe that a lot of them hadn't even broken a sweat when they stopped to speak for the TV or crossed the finish line.

It actually made really good motivational viewing for my run today. For the last few years I've watched it and told myself I'd never be able to run it but I think if I keep this going, then in a couple of years I might be in a reasonable position to consider entering for something like that.

Anyway, it's hard to believe it's been just over 9 weeks, running in all kinds of weather and even several different countries. I made a comment on my first blog about how good the programme is and I still stand by that. Without those gradual steps and being told when to start / stop (I think even the music gives you a reasonable idea of what pace you should be running at too), it would have been much more difficult for me to get started with this.

But it's not just the programme that's so great, these support forums are excellent too. It's really great to see everyone encouraging everyone else and just about every running question has insightful answers and I've learnt a lot from reading people's posts. Massive thank you goes out to all of you for your support (both direct and indirect)!

Now, how do I go about getting my green badge?

[kirble Graduate]

Wow, well done roadrunner. I've still got 5 weeks to go and hope eventually to be writing a similar thing myself. What is the green badge? Is that like swimming and can it be sewn on our shorts?!

It will be interesting to find out how many people go onto running marathons etc following this programme. How about C25K member runs across the country as this would show how successful it has been.

I totally agree, this site is brilliant. There is always somebody out there to answer any question which is so encouraging if someone is running on their own. I'm sure 'our lad' is fed up of me harping on about what week I'm on, how my run felt or which part of me is aching today. But I know I amongst like-minded and aching people on C25K site.

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to kirble]

Lol almost! I was referring to the green 'GRADUATE' badge by people's names on this forum.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Congratulations, job well done. Just send a message to Admin they will sort your well earned badge out for you. Happy running for the future.

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thanks! I've just done that, hopefully it will be with me shortly...

[Actuim Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating it's a wonderful feeling isn't it?

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to Actuim]

Definitely! feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it now

[TJFlute]

Well done! and what a great day to graduate on

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to TJFlute]

Thanks!

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Many congratulations upon graduating - on London's Marathon day too! Yes, your enthusiasm is great, so why not look forward to a marathon for you, sometime soon. Lots of luck for your post-grad ambition! Cheers, Linda x

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to LMS2110]

Thanks Linda, It's probably a long way off yet though! One step at a time...

[PamJK Graduate]

Many congratulations Roadrunner. What a fantastic achievement. I look forward to hearing what you do next (apart from getting that oh so smart graduate badge!)

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to PamJK]

Thanks Pam, I'm not sure what's next. At least one week more of 30 minute runs I think, then maybe try a couple of park runs before cracking on with a 10K programme. I imagine there's stuff other people have done that they've mentioned on the forums which they could recommend?

[helenf28]

Well done Roadrunner - fantastic achievement

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to helenf28]

Thanks Helen!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Congratulations - and what a lovely day to graduate on! Good luck for your marathons in the future too!

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Thanks, a long way off yet though I think - 5k is only just under 1/8th of the way to running a full marathon...

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Congratulations on your graduation, particularly on such a great day Looking forward to seeing your lovely green Graduate badge!

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks Annie, yep me too, I've asked admins for it so hopefully I'll have it shortly.

[alcopop Graduate]

Great to see you was motivated by the marathon, congratulations on your graduation what's next? Keep it going.

[roadrunner_86 Graduate in reply to alcopop]

Thanks alcopop, I think I saw you graduated today in another post too - congratulations goes to you as well.

Not sure what's next. I think I'm going to do one more week of 30 minute runs and use that time to find a decent 10k plan to get stuck into, maybe do a couple of parkruns too. Hopefully there will be plenty of advice on the forums of what to try next!