Decisions, decisions

[trogdelight]

First consolidation run today after c25K and it was a mess: too much thinking, not enough of a clear plan.

I think the trouble is i'd never really believed that I would get through C25K and yet here I am.

I know what sort of runner I'm not bothered about being: one who runs lots of races and competes.

I like the feeling of being fitter and healthier; I enjoy the feeling of running fast with the wind running through my hair, but equally love the happy, slow sustained pace of a jog through nature.

So, with too much thinking, varying pace and odd routes today, I ended up doing some walking, some gentle jogging and some faster running.

I'm still none the wiser about how I want to move my running on. What did other people do?

[Sarakc Graduate10]

Hi!! Well done on graduating!!

I am similar to you in that I’m not interested in entering races etc! I just started running to get fit and improve my general well being!! I also couldn’t believe how far I’d come!

I consolidated for ages just repeating week 9 3 times a week doing 5K quite comfortably and I naturally became faster. ( looking back on Strava)

I started very gradually increasing the distance and then decided to follow Ju ju’s 10 K plan which I completed a couple of months ago and i enjoyed that challenge. I’ve done a few 10K’s now but do find them quite hard as I probably go too fast and I need a good few rest days after! I also try and swim once a week. Just lately I’ve only been running twice a week and I think it’s because I’m not following a plan but I have a new route organised for this Thursday! I think it’s good to vary routes etc. I’ve tried the stepping stones podcasts too which are good!

One evening last week I went out and walked and jogged/ran without recording it on Strava and it felt as if I had reduced the pressure!! I’ll be trying that again!!!!😀

That’s just what I’m doing at the moment! Hope you continue to enjoy your running! 😀🏃‍♀️

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

My advice would be to think longer term. When you consider your running year may have anywhere upto 150 to 250 runs worrying about the minutia of a single bad run becomes very pointless. I would t worry at this stage where you will go or what you will do, just go out and run regularly. You have only just begun and things will change radically with regards to your perception of running, how your body responds to it and how your mind adjusts to it. So just take it in your stride and put the miles down at this stage.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Well. First I just kept up with running 3 x week, slowly working up to 5k. I varied my routes finding new places to run. Gradually I got quicker. Then I got an injury, which took me out for a couple of weeks, making me realise how much I loved my running routine and missed it.

Back to it, running three times a week. Flailed about a while, running but slightly losing motivation, not knowing how to improve / what I wanted to improve. Gremlins told me 10k was out of my reach. Then it clicked - I needed a new challenge, something to work towards, which led to starting ju-ju’s 10k plan. Renewed vigour and excitement, and a few new routes marked out, and I feel the same excitement I had when starting C25K!

I don’t enter races; I’m really not interested in that. For now. That could change. I suppose the key is to try new things to see what excites you.

When I started consolidating, and doing longer runs (I got up to 6km), I would walk now and then. I liked the freedom to do what felt good. But sometimes what feels good is challenging yourself I think. It is a constant learning curve, this running lark, but the key is to find ways to stay engaged, and enjoy. 😁

Sadie x

[c1air3]

I found myself kinda lost after completing the C25K and I'm not fast and although I could do the 30 mins I never quite got to 5k so I thought I needed to be faster and that's when I nearly unravelled as I started to get pains in places I never had before. I took lots of advice from the lovely peeps on here and rested and ready focused.

Tonight I downloaded a 10k trainer and started my journey towards that. I doubt I will get there in the time frame given but I really surprised myself tonight. I am never gonna want to enter races either but do enjoy the challenge of a programme to follow.

I guess sometimes it's good to stop and focus and re think goals.

Good luck with finding yours 😊

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

I’m not a racer either. I’ve set myself some goals instead. Run for long enough to do 5k; get that down to 30 mins; then work my way up to 10k ready for the Great Manchester Run next May.

I hope you find something to keep you motivated. My first aim is just to do 4 weeks of 3x30. Should be possible.

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

You might find that going to 10k comes before a sub 30 5k 👍🏽

[Tbae]

Yes initially try and keep it simple.

Establish 3x30 min runs per week. Or 3x5k at your happy pace.Just consolidate the habit for a few weeks.

The FAQ Posts, indicates around C25k plus a further 3weeks approx.

Try and study what to do next.FAQ Posts and all the links,it is not a quick read, but will give you an overview and good understanding what you may want to do and your options.

Atb, take your time, most important is enjoy this gift you have given yourself and take the pleasure it gives you.🌟👏👏

[Hidden]

I think many struggle in the weeks following graduation. Faster, further, races, clubs.....I think it probably depends on your 'running personality'. Some people are keen to strive others (me) to just keep moving, tootling about and smelling the flowers. It is strange because in other areas of my life I am competitive and a bit Type A.

My advice is, as others have said, just make sure that you keep running 3 times a week to establish the habit. I think you will gradually find out what you want to do next. This phase is about developing discipline in my opinion.

There is a pinned post about this time in your running life, well worth a read