What to do next?

[Abaggs]

Morning! So l am a week or so on from graduating c25k and wondering what to do next. I don't feel ready for the 10k challenge yet. I am really enjoying running and managed 5k in 34 minutes this morning, really chuffed with that. Do l just keep running 5k for a while? Advice please.

[Princess77]

First well done with the 5k in your time, thats great! I have just completed the 30 min 5k today (actually ran 5.7k in 30 mins!) and wasn't aware of the bridge to 10k till just now. Personally I am going to keep going with the 5k, to improve my stamina & pace and I hope with that I'll graduate towards 10k naturally as I get faster doing 5k whilst still trying to run 30 mins. Plus i'm also in this for weight loss (lost a stone so far!) but with 2 stone to lose I don't wanna try too much too soon. good luck whatever you decide to do and good luck in your last week too!

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

What would you like to do?

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Abaggs, have you thought about doing the c25k+ podcasts. They are with Laura and there are three different runs to have a go at ...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Yes, 30 minute runs will help you to carry on building strengh and stamina too.... if you fancy a change you could listen to the free ZombieRuns! App as you do them, I recently had a listen and it's fun and distracting. Perfectly safe though😉x

[alisonx Graduate10]

I would keep doing your 5k, and maybe once a week push a little further and go for 6k. Sometimes its good to have a little challenge and push past your comfort zone. I found pushing my distance just a little once a week started to increase my pace naturally. the most important thing is that you keep enjoying it

[Hidden]

Congratulations, graduate You've done a great thing, and can justifiaby keep that huge grin for just a bit longer!!

Yes, as princess said, that is a great time, 5k in 30 minutes is actually pretty tough, well it is for me.

I agree with Bluebirdrunner that the C25K+ podcasts are great. I would keep doing those until they become less of a challenge, and by that I mean you can start and finish one without feeling like you did on C25K week 1 (as in, why would anyone do this to themselves!!). I've personally found all 3 quite helpful, especially the speed and stamina ones, although you are pretty fast anyway, so you might find the speed one a little underwhelming.

I think you probably could start 10k training, but it might be worth letting your body get used to the 5ks for a bit, and leave it a few weeks before starting 10k in earnest. Although you aren't constrained by the C25K programme any more, so if you fancy trying the odd longer run, I can't see an issue with that. Just remember - slow and steady!

I think with such a positive attitude and turn of speed you'll do just great.

Oh - try a parkrun if you haven't already The pseudo-competative element adds a whole different dynamic

[Abaggs Graduate10]

Thanks everyone, really useful advice. I'll try the podcasts. ☺

[Hidden]

There is also a pinned post prepared by IannodaTruffe that covers all the options. I say keep running 3 times a week and all will become clear