Just one more run to go and I can’t believe I made it this far. Did anyone else feel a bit overwhelmed before their final run?
Before the summer I was practically crippled with my hypermobility, I couldn’t go for walks and I needed the rail to walk downstairs. Thanks to the fabulous physio at our local hospital, regular mini-Pilates sessions at home, the lovely Jo Whiley and all the stories on this forum, I can now run (very slowly lol) for 30 mins!! I never thought I would ever be able to say that, and couldn’t have imagined that I would actually enjoy it! So it’s going to be a big day on Saturday, and I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’m a bit teary right now!
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You’ve done so well, I wonder if you’re apprehensive what comes next when you no longer have the structure of C25k? Luckily there’s plenty follow-on programmes out there and many runners on this forum better qualified than me to advise you. I use the Nike Running Club app. Just keep going - it’s not about distance. It’s about health and joy.
PS. You posted a question earlier about supportive ‘going out’ trainers. Have you looked at Vionic trainers? They’re pricey but I love my black ones and find them very comfortable and a little more stylish than running ones. They do have white options also which I think you could wear with a dress.
I am definitely worried about that! It feels like a big black hole coming up fast. I’m going to pick up on a few ideas I’ve seen here and repeat week 9 with the other trainers, then download the Nike running app. It helps to think beyond Saturday!
Thanks for trainers tip. I have some Vionic shoes but haven’t tried their trainers - I’ll take a look. 👍🏼
great progress, and just 30 minutes from graduation 😁👍
and to answer your question, yes
i did
i had gone through the program without any issues until after week 8 run 1 when I injured myself and then had around 18 days on the injury couch so it was quite emotional getting back to it and finishing the program
my graduation run was a very enjoyable yet emotional run of 30 minutes thinking about the whole journey from a (Then) 63 year old who had never run in his life to a c25k graduate, remembering all the runs and virtual running friends from this forum, and all the stories and help and advice I had received here .
i ran the whole 30 minutes with a huge smile on my face
Oh wow. What a lovely thought. Thank you for this. I think I might be the one running round with a smile now! Really appreciate you sharing this, you have no idea how much. Graduating from this programme means a lot to me, as the start of a fitter, healthier chapter in my life, and also as proof that I can do stuff, that I can actually set myself a scary goal and go out and achieve it. 🌞
I got all the way to the last run in the summer and then didn't complete it - I think I was worried about not having the program there afterwards, so self-fulfilling prophecy I stopped and life got in the way. I am on week 2 of building up again and am missing being able to run for 30 minutes without stressing but I know that is where I am heading to. This time, when I complete the last run, I'm going to take the advice of everyone on the forum and consolidate for a few weeks until I want to do more and then maybe find a new program to follow that varies speeds and routes over going further and further. Good luck on your last run and finding your own pace afterwards - fantastic achievement 😀
Sounds like we have something in common - I’m also a bit of a self-saboteur! There’s a great book called The Mountain is You which made me think about how much we sometimes cling to unhappiness simply because it’s familiar. Stepping beyond that has been a major challenge for me so the C25k programme (which I started purely for the fitness benefits) has become a bit of a vehicle for proving that I can strive for the good stuff, that I can succeed and I can celebrate and enjoy it.
Keep going, and don’t worry if you have to go back a few times - I did when I had covid and after a couple of holidays. Just remind yourself that you are off the couch and doing something brilliant, and that’s all that matters. Good luck!
Totally understandable that you’re teary. You’re proud of what you’ve achieved. That’s an absolutely massive thing and it’s right to recognise the effort you’ve put in to get here and all the success you’ve had along the way. I’m doing a milestone run on the weekend and I’ve been choking up every time I think about it for a couple of weeks now. My husband will be there with a massive box of tissues for the end!
Don’t let the emotion of the occasion catch you out with your pace though-it’s easy to get a bit carried away with the excitement of it being the final c25k one and go too fast. Keep it steady and embrace every minute of it. All the hard work is behind you now. It’s just another run but with a LOT of cheering at the end.
Thank you so much for your support and excellent advice - I will be sure to take it slow and just enjoy reflecting on the last few months. I hope your run goes well and you enjoy it; I’ll be sending you a big high-five! X
I’m so happy for you reading this, what an achievement and you must feel like you have a new lifeline in running. Please post your final run and we will all be cheering you on. Well done and enjoy run 3! 🤗
Thank you soooo much. That is so true (the lifeline) and such a nice message. It’s such a good feeling knowing there’s so many great people who’ve been through the same and are willing me to succeed. 🙏
Well done you, keep going and yes celebrate with tears of joy, it's a huge achievement. I set park run as my next goal, yes I am still slow, but the motivation of others keep me going. I also joined a running group, am 63 and had never run in my life until this year, so well done you.
I could never have imagined joining a running group; I would have been way too intimidated and worried about holding everyone back. But this forum has made me realise there’s lots of runners like me, who aren’t going fast or long, just overjoyed to be out there 3 times a week for 30 mins. Thank you. 🙏
yes!! I was also pretty emotional when I completed my last run. I was so proud of myself for sticking with it and going from struggling to run for 30 seconds to running nonstop for 30 minutes. Enjoy your moment! You have earned it. Congratulations.
Thank you. It’s knowing that others have struggled just as much and more, and have done it and enjoyed it and are enthused about it, that has kept me going. I can do this!
i cried when u completed the couch to 5k....you should be so very very proud of yourself as its you that has done the hard work. Celebrate with something nice when you graduate and I know for a fact you will be beaming with a huge smile which believe me last all day... enjoy every minute and keep running 🏃♀️ 🙂
It’s so strange, isn’t it? When I went into this I never expected it to be an emotional journey but that’s been such a huge part of it for me. I’ll be joining the tears-of-joy club tomorrow and will take your advice and do something nice. Probably a long bath!Thank you. 🙏
Well done to you, hope your last run goes brilliantly. I'm just one run behind you & also wondering what I'm going to do when it's all over. Big achievement, make sure you celebrate!
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Week 9 run 2 done! 😅😅
Week 9 Run 2 - Aaaaargghhh
Week 9, Run 2 = Completed! :)
Week 9, Run 2 - Take 2
Week 9 Run 2 - Couldn’t finish 
