New goal?

[BLEWI]

Thanks to Ju Ju I ran the London 10K which I loved every minute off...

But now what?

Do I aim for the half Marathon? 10miles? Do another 10k race (time was 1:00:29 oh those stupid 29 seconds!!!)

What have other people done next?

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Whatever you fancy..different runs..different routes.. getting a running pattern going.. try for speed if you fancy it or distance..virtual runs for charity or a HM..I am in training for my first HM..currently..but have experimented with lots of things. Loving finding different routes and getting as much off road as possible.

There is so much to choose from 😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

As Oldfloss says, it really is up to you. If you have just bridged to 10k then it might be worth consolidating that first but there is nothing to stop you gradually extending that long run if you feel drawn to the long runs! I spent a while working at my 10k but couldn't resist the 'lure of longer' - so progressed to 10 miles first and then on to a HM the following spring. Some choose to focus more on speed but greater endurance will help those shorter runs too. One thing I have learned is that running is very much a journey of ups and downs 😮 - and mine has not always been straightforward! Like others, I have had my time on the injury couch which meant I had to completely rethink my hopes and dreams for this year BUT I am still out there running and hoping to run the Great South Run in Portsmouth for the second time this October. Good luck in deciding - and whatever you decide...have fun along the way!🙂

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

Some of us do not run competitively, preferring to run for fun and pleasure.

For me, heading cross country in beautiful new territory, is more life affirming than any run on crowded city streets could ever be.

I would say do what you want to do. There are no rules.

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I don’t think that those who run races do it to compete, more to have a focus and goal. There are plenty of different and wonderful ways to enjoy our running and the beauty is that we are all different 😎

[BLEWI Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

I love just running and being present in the moment of what’s around. Given up with headphones and get a weird satisfaction from hearing my own heavy breathing (and the birds singing etc)!!

But I know I couldn’t have got this far without a training plan to follow and a goal to keep me motivated.

My worst runs are the ones when I just go out and “see what happens” and haven’t quite decided if I’m doing hills, speed, gentle etc.

I need someone to tell me what to do and then I’ll just happily follow... admittedly I’ll spend many non running hours thinking about it but I love the actual run being planned and not having to think!

Think I’ll continue as I’m doing for a bit (x2 5ks and 1 long run) for a couple of weeks. Join the marathon group you mentioned and see from there!!

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to BLEWI]

That’s a great plan and look forward to seeing you there!!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

I agree - my favourite runs are solo and on the trails and bridleways but I have also enjoyed ythe handful of events that I have done and they do certainly give a focus to your running goals.

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

And don't forget the bling JJ 🤗

[BLEWI Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh yes the bling!!! My first medal is looking a little lonely... (now that I’ve finally taken it off having shown it to EVERYONE I know!!)

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I like small races and have never done a big un. I hate the thought of pens, waiting ages for lavs, zillions of people but I love to race. My marathon had 28 folks in it 😁. I like the trail too. We can have it all 😃

[Razouski]

Well done.

I totally agree with IannodaTruffe, running for fun without specific goals is great.

It’s strange with running that when you reach a milestone people are then asking what next, regardless if they are runners or non-runners.

Just do what you want to do.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

This is fantastic, huge well done and great time too..... come and join us over on Marathon for some tips and ideas for you next steps....

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

There's loads to consider! More races, distance, speed, hills, clubs, new routes, running alone/with company, running tourism, virtual racing, run/explore/get lost, run for charity, run for others, run to the shops.......

Or you could just run for pure pleasure and enjoy the freedom and forget about "what's next".

Me. I've done all the above and am still discovering. But joy is the most important.

[misswobble Graduate10]

It’s your call. No need to hurry into making decisions. Plenty of time for making plans and daydreaming about what next

Congratulations on your race 😃. Well done 🙂👍💪🏃‍♀️🏅

Ten mile would be good. It bridges the gap between 10k and half marathon quite nicely As long as you do the training for the distance you will be ok