How to approach going past 5k

Hi, I am 55 and on week 8 of C25k. I plan to get a little faster and then run a 5K race after I graduate. I've found the programme inspiring and want to go for 10k. Any advice on approach?

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

It all depends on what sort of person you are. Some like structure, others prefer to take things as they come. I found myself in the latter camp when it came to increasing my distance. For me, I continued with 2x 5k runs and just increased one run per week by a sensible amount (the recommendation is by no more than 10% of your weekly total) got me up to 10k fairly quickly without having to worry about conforming to what I saw as the tyranny of training plans.

There are plenty of training plans on line and I think Juju runs a 5-10k plan on this very forum. I am sure someone can point you to that.

Straight after graduation it is probably best to consolidate at 5k/30 minutes for a few weeks before you move on, that way you can discover the joys of running rather than the constant chasing of new pbs, which will come in time anyway. There are the C25k+ podcasts to play with during this period, which will improve stamina and speed.

[PippiRuns]

I recommend joining a running club! Aside from starting C25K it has been the best decision I've made in all of this. It just makes it so much easier to get out of the door three times a week - people are waiting for you and you learn to plan around it. And it is so much fun! Runners are the best and friendliest crowd, just like this forum. I'm sure most clubs have teams that train for the 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon distances.