What next?

[Berksrover]

Having just completed my first 10k, I am now beginning to think what next?

My prime motivation to join C25K was to get fitter and lose weight, I have done both (in conjunction with eating more healthily) but still room for improvement.

Not sure I ever see myself as a marathon runner or taking part in big events but equally like targets and a structure to what I do, so any advice will be gratefully received

[sallenson Graduate10]

Ultras?

where's your badge??

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

Definitely no ultras lol, application for badge with our esteemed Admin.

Am jealous of the gorgeous scenery that many can see on their runs, maybe I will try to find some better views for my runs

[sallenson Graduate10 in reply to Berksrover]

I think they're making it up. They're canvas backdrops. Real people run around shopping centres having bottles hurled at them...

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I recall asking the same question. Definitely focus on consolidating the distance. I recall doing another couple of 10k's and improving my time for each one iirc 1:08, 1:05 and then 1:03 but after that it was a while before I did another one and I even wondered if I still could. I entered a number of 10k races though which definitely helped and now 5mths on from the first 10k it seems a more manageable distance(like 5k almost).

So yes, consolidate, enter races and go a bit further ie 12-15km which will help the 10 feel easier.

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thanks, consolidating the 10k is definitely part of the plan, still not sure about entering races though, but hey the thought of running 10k at all 3 months ago seemed outlandish, so never say never I guess

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to Berksrover]

I did my first race as a spur to get me to 10k and also as a way of proving it to myself, I did the same after graduating c25k, I ran 5k twice and then did a park run. Further 10k races were just coz I enjoy them and you get bling

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

How did you go about increasing your distance beyond 10K? I found ju-ju- s plan to get to 10K really suited me. I'm wondering if I can simply keep extending the longer run and stick with a 4k and a 5k in between, or whether those shorter distances would need to increase as well?

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

There will be others better qualified than ne5, but staying with the 2 shorter runs and then gradually extending the longer run sounds like a manageable and structured plan to me

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

Enter a 10K race for sure! 😬

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

But there will be other people there..

[Tbae]

It is all positive for you Steve.

You have got good natural pace.

Plenty opportunity for you to improve your 5k & 10 k pace and I think as Mike suggests throw in a few 10K-15k, for interest.

I think there might be a case for remaining chilled and don’t bring any pressure on having to take/arrive at a decision.🤔

Just hang loose and pursue pace and distance and the enjoyment of running all in good equal measure.

Hey ho, this is a novice runner,looking for the answers,changing his mind constantly, but certainly believe by pursuing all simultaneously ( pace and distance and enjoyment) they just compliment each other.

Trouble for me I am only able to focus / pursue one at a time. 🤔

Your doing great Steve.

Sorry for the ramble, but good luck with your running pursuits.💥🏃‍♂️💥

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to Tbae]

As ever, great advice, I have really benefited from the structure of C25K and Ju-jus plan and would like more of the same, but equally am tempted to just do a bit of less pressurised running (only pressure I put on myself), time will tell

[AnnieW55]

How about just bimbling around and looking for new routes and just having fun for a bit? If you need structure at some point have a goal for each run, even just bimbling is a goal (I took time out of my marathon training this morning to do a 6.5k run at 0500 - it was brilliant, cold!😮, sunny and quiet. Saw loads of wildlife that normally runs at the sound of my baby elephant footsteps 😄).

If you fancy a challenge but not an actual event with lots of people Google virtual running. There are a few sites offering challenges, in exchange for some hard earned, and you get a medal at the end, there are some excellent ones on offer. I've done a few and the medals have all been good. The challenges vary, from 5k up and challenges to be done in one go or over a set time. Some sites also give a portion of the fee to charities, mainly the smaller ones. What's not to like?

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to AnnieW55]

Thanks AnnieW55 I will look into that, and I fancy a bimble or 2 in the meantime!

[AnnieW55]

The medals have been good not wood! Just edited my response😊.

I've lived in this village nearly 30 yrs and have recently found a couple of new paths/routes so you never know what you might find.

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to AnnieW55]

That's a shame, was looking forward to some wooden bling😉😁 And I know what you mean, I have lived in the same place for 20 years and only just discovering the local footpaths and bridleways etc. now that I have started running, ran round a lovely local nature reserve and lake for the first time yesterday during my inaugural 10k

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

I like the sound of extending to 12 or 15k to make 10k feel “easier”, as PinkAardvark suggests.

I reserve the right to reject out of hand any such suggestions if I ever reach 10k 🤣🤣

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

C'Mon Jay you need to give that shiny new Garmin something to get its teeth into 😉, but gradually extending from 10k is tempting.....

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Berksrover]

It can cut its teeth laughing at me trying to reach 10k 😬

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Congrats on your first 10K, it's a great distance as it doesn't take up too much time and you can do it anywhere, any time 🤗

I agree with the others who suggest just running around having fun just because you can. But you can mix those runs up a bit - hills, intervals, trails, different routes, with music/without music, with others. You could join a running club, enter races, run to the shops, have a coffee, run back again 🙂

Here's one I haven't done yet but I keep promising myself I should - take a bus/train somewhere and then run home! It sounds fun doesn't it? Really, just let your imagination go and see where it takes you, but there's nothing wrong and everything right about running just for the pure joy of it and taking your time out there. It's a very big, beautiful world 🙂

[HoagyM Graduate10]

Yeah, agree with all those suggestions - bimbling, explore area, use buses, enter for some races.

I'm in a similar situation, have managed three 10k's so far and am very much in the consolidation mindset right now. However I have entered a 10k race (early Sept) and am considering others, as well as perhaps signing up for a HM next year to set a more long term target. And at some point will get around to a parkrun.

[Berksrover Graduate10 in reply to HoagyM]

Lots of useful advice and suggestions, definitely food for thought, thanks everybody 👏👏👍