Well I completed week 9 about a week ago and have since managed a 5k and a couple of shorter runs , struggling a bit with breathing in the warmer weather. And I’m wondering where to go from here.
I’m not sure if I just wanna stay around 5k and improve my times or to progress to 10k in the future. So I thought I’d see what everyone else is doing
I think a lot of people struggle when suddenly cast free from the programme. It is scary out there alone. Except (of course) you are not alone! IannodaTruffe has written a spiffing pinned post about this with lots of cool ideas. I think that the most important thing is to keep running 3 times a week, to develop a habit and also to enjoy yourself before setting off on the next stage of your journey. I think however, that some people need to strive and achieve (not me).
I hope that you find your path forwards. 
Yeah I run on alternate days so 7 runs out of 2 weeks and I find that’s fine for me. Occasionally due to other circumstances I have had an extra rest day but I’d like to do 30 mins or 5k (which is about 40 mins for me ) each time. This week has been an exception due to the heat and pollen. But now it’s a bit cooler today I am looking forward to tomorrow mornings run again.
I’m not too keen on the idea of Park Runs as I quite enjoy the peace and quiet when I run on my own. And as I’ve had a few health issues over the last 12 months ( dodgy knee,frozen shoulder, labrynthitis, asthma) I’m not going to go too mad. Just really proud of myself for getting THIS far!!!
I’ll see how I feel in a month or so ....😁
Running is definitely 'me time'. I love running slowly through the countryside with my dog and an audio book for company. I find the whole thing very Zen
Yes I would say, there is no rush to decide, just enjoy the fact that you can do this. You should be very proud of yourself (oh and of your lovely daughter)
I am!! She was one of my best achievements
Best way to improve time is to run further. Try Ju-Ju’s bridge to 10k. Oh and the ParkRun 💪🏽
Where do I find ju-jus bridge to 10k? I’ve seen it mentioned but don’t know where to find details
I was part of a big group that graduated 5k in April and I know so many who have really struggled since the structure of the programme has gone . I think onky about 50% ar3 getting out regularly since graduation.
I find the best thing is to be happy to run in your own . Then you can go whenever wherever suits you.
I also find setting mini goals or challenges has helped me. I’ve done 1 virtual challenge where I got a medal and I’ve joined a monthly one for June.
A mixture of group runs and solo means I’m also doing park runs , race for life and 5k city sunrise.
I’m just trying to mix it up , keep it interesting and it seems to be working as I’m religiously getting out 3 times a week. I’m not massively improving and have barely surpassed 5km but I’m building a running habit and that’s ok for now .
Hope you find what works for you. Keep trying new stuff till you do. Also try some strengthening stuff in between the runs. I’ve started this week as it’s supposed to massively help the running.
Good luck in your continuing journey and remember to keep enjoying it 😀
Thanks , yeah it seems weird not having a set plan. I am still going 3 times a week but the “ push” seems to have gone. Well I’m just off now to attempt another 5k as it’s a lot cooler this morning. Has a lousy nights sleep - went to bed early as a busy day ahead and I’d been asleep about an hour when I was woken by 3 or 4 drunks noisily going past. Unfortunately they decided to stay at the end of our road and shout and encourage each other to do stunts, and throw things around,make animal noises and jungle calls, banging around for an hour before finally moving on. I was on the point of ringing the police to send someone to move them in when they went. Then it took me ages to drop off again. Fingers crossed for today.
You're going out there. That's a win straight off. Hope it goes well x
I find that since signing up for monthly challenges and odd virtual runs that I run more regularly. From running 25 miles in May I am aiming for 30 in June. I am also doing a 10k in September and thinking of doing one in August.
I find that helps encourage me
Yeah my daughter signed us up to run 25 miles in May and I did it with room to spare. 👍but I think it might be July before I go for 50 miles a month.
Hi Lou. My aim is to run at 3 x week for 30 mins. Make it an easier run for me and improve my 5k time. I’ve joined Ju-ju’s 10K plan starting middle of June.
Yeah I was looking at joining then. Should have had time to consolidate properly by then
It is strange when you have finished c25k suddenly having no structure. I graduated last october and tried to keep running 3 times a week and started Parkrun which I love. I found for me, having Parkrun to go to every week replaced the structure of the c25k programmes. My only goal at parkrun was to run all the way. ..thus doing the 5k...that in itself was more than the programme as I couldn't do it in 30 minutes. It is very different than running on your own but our parkrun has pacers which I found useful as it helped me not to set off too fast and wear myself out!!
I think we all have different goals...mine at that time was to keep running through the winter. I managed that..and it was a real achievement as I found it hard to get out in the dark, in the cold and in the wet. I then began to think about 10 k...and eventually signed up to Ju-Ju's 10k plan. It took me a while and during this time I thought about entering races ...a 5 miles. . but wasn't brave enough. So I kept on plodding...I kept following Ju Ju. ..and eventually 2 weeks ago I did it!!! I have now just entered my first 10k race because at last I believe I can do it!!
I agree with the comments above about having a goal ..but do believe our goals are very different depending on why we're doing this. I always had a secret goal of under 30 minutes for parkrun. ..and I did it...but realised actually that is a bit too fast for me!! It was never my motivation. ..the jump to 10k was big for me because you need to find more time in the week to run..which I found difficult with other commitments.
But I've achieved my goal...I'm still running...and guess what? I actually now feel that I've got the running bug! I read this forum avidly and talk about running to anyone that will listen!!!
Forgive the long post... find your own way, set your own goals. ..a little step at a time. Most of all..enjoy the running and keep posting on here. Good luck with your running journey. Xx
Thanks. Well I’m retired now so I have no excuse about finding time to run........except I seem to be busier now than ever!
I agree that the parkrun is a great anchor after leaving the C25K. At the moment I am happy to run injury-free three times a week for 30 mins and my goal, probably long term, is do the park run in less than 30 mins.
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