In need of a plan to keep going

[jessieb887]

I graduated a few weeks back but now I seem to be loosing interest and motivation. My virtual running buddy has knocked it on the head too so I don't have her to motivate me to go. I can run 5k in about 34 mins give or take a minute. But how can I get back on track. I took my youngest for a long walk this morning around 4/5 miles 90% uphill pushing a pram so that was a good workout. But it's just not a run? Help

[misswobble Graduate10]

I keep seeing a mum’s pushchair keep fit group in our park. Looks good fun if you have anything like that near you. Parkrun is fab, and you can run with the buggy You can get running buggies But I dare say they’re expensive My niece was gifted one, which was dead lucky Your little un seems delighted to be out and about with mummy Bless those little rosey cheeks 🙂

If you can't run alone could you join a local run group The council may have jog groups. have a look on the internet I think they’re all called Jog(insert the name of your county). Eg ours is JogDerbyshire

Have you tried running on your own? It’s fine 😃.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. I think theres a pinned post on here somewhere for C25K what next? Parkruns are great too. Good luck

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Hey Jessie... time to go to 10k? Ju-ju- has the plan and you have what it takes to do it!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Ah Jessie, I felt the same as many do after C25k is complete. I was still running, but it seemed a bit aimless for a while. Running without a programme to follow was strange. But I did give myself a talking to and embraced the fact that actually I was free to do what I want! And after accepting that freedom, I was having fun again with various no pressure runs and have continued to do so ever since. 😁

I'd recommend just getting out 3 times a week without any specific agenda and the feeling will come back. There's a lot of apps where you can do guided runs and/or build a new running programme of your own choosing. There is also JuJu's 10k plan. So lots of things you can do. And the best bit........ you get to choose what you like the most. Keep on going and keep it fun! 🤗❤️

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Aw! Your little lad looks so gorgeous! How can so much gorgeousness be fitted into such a tiny face!?

I also lost motivation after graduation l and understand that it is not at all uncommon with the lack of the runs and weeks to tick off aiming at a particular goal. I remember writing a post at a similar point and was really grateful to many forum folk with their encouraging ideas. You are now in charge!

There does seem to be so much to consider. Perhaps why did you start running? And what do you want from it? For me I had become bored with the exercise routine I had been doing on and off for years and so I started to run for a change. I definitely wanted to maintain my health and even increase my fitness as the years continued to roll by. And running is so convenient, just step out the front door! I have read some of your previous posts so am marvelling at how you managed to fit in the runs with is it three lovely lads!! Amazing!

Varying your runs will help. Run where you have never run before. You can forget targets if you want to and just enjoy yourself. Have you tried a parkrun? I can recommend that either pushing one of your sons in their buggy or just running on your own.

One of my main motivations was that I had spent a lot of money on my running shoes which I only bought in week 6, so I couldn't possibly not give them more outings. I do hope you find something that works well for you. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😊⭐️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Don’t give up Jessie. ☹️

Definitely try parkrun if you haven’t already (buggies and dogs welcome) and how about signing up for ju_ju_’s 10k plan? There’s one starting next week and there’s a post on here about it. It’s very flexible I believe. I’m hopping on to help me get over the 10k finish line!

Running is fun, but a structure is definitely helpful. What a shame if you let yours go to waste. By the way, great 5k time, and you certainly don’t want to waste that! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

PS And now I may have caught the running bug!!!! I have liked introducing intervals and am on the way, I hope, to 10k. there always seems to be something new to try, I probably spend too much time reading other forum members' posts - so inspiring and full of ideas! I particularly enjoy the joy of running around my lovely surroundings enjoying the fresh air and the scenery.

[AnnieW55]

Here’s the “what next” link from the c25kforum, pinned posts, FAQ post.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Lovely picture!

Might not have been a run but you were out there enjoying yourselves.

[Flyingred Graduate10]

Well done Jessie on your progress. Looking back, after graduation I had a wobbly few weeks. I 'consolidated' by doing three 5k runs per week and was a bit disheartened that I couldn't keep up my starting pace for the whole distance. I started on Ju-Ju's '10 is the magic number' plan and that gave me the structure I needed.

I'd say that the most important thing is to find a way to keep up your habit of running three times each week. Getting off the couch and out there running is a win in itself so once you're out running make sure you enjoy it, by choosing the location, time, day, weather, music, distance, pace, rewards, etc to suit you. Good luck.

[Equi-geek Graduate10]

Just to add to all the super advice above the Nike+ Headspace runs - which I know Fabulous uses - are wonderful for just enjoying the moment. And keep posting on here and reading about what everyone else is up to - always helps me out of a funk 😁👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

Oh yes Jessie, I do love a Headspace run!! 😁😁That always leads to a lovely run and a great feeling afterwards. 👌🏽❤️

[triumphbabe]

Parkrun is great but you could also try a virtual challenge with Race at your Pace for November. you choose the distance you want to run, register and off you go!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

We're all your virtual running buddies. Keep us posted we want to know what you're next run is like, and what you decide!

Looks wild in your photo. Lovely!

[Tbae]

Loads of choices Jessie, but with your responsibilities not so flexible.

Have a look at “Get Fit in 6mins.” Google it, HIIT, 20/25 minute long video, if for no other reason than appreciating the medical benefits and awareness.

All the best with your choices and opportunities.

🌟👏👏🏃‍♀️

[jessieb887]

Hi all thanks for the advice. I'm very tempted to go and unpack the running gear we're off to the in-laws tomorrow so I've packed it to go running with my mother in law but your all right I just need to keep going. Is JuJus plan good? I did have a look but wasn't sure. I seem to of fallen off the excercise wagon completely my walk yesterday was my first in months and it was a game changer made me realise I've missed being out and about with my bubba boy 😊

[Razouski]

It might be worth doing a couple of 5km runs before starting on the Bridge to 10K programme. Many people love Ju-ju's plan. I liked having the podcasts on C25K so I used the Sam Murphy podcast programme to work towards 10k and loved it. She had much better taste in music than our beloved Laura too.

Hope you get your mojo back soon.

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Hi Jessie, what a lovely photo of you and the “wee one“ amid beautiful scenery.

I am just back to consolidating 30mins after re- completing C25K and know very well that I need to keep it interesting for myself. I have deliberately “plumbed in” variety by altering both my routes and what I listen to. For one run I listen to a radio 4 ‘Desert island discs’ podcast, ( there are a great many to choose from and free). I do another run with favourite music - I have made a couple of playlists specifically to run to). My third run tends to be a more “ free flow” of music or podcast - I often catch part of a program on radio 4 and then catch up with those in podcast form when I am running. Psychologically it gives me the feeling of “what shall I treat myself to “. 😄 Also, I ask myself what route I fancy every single time I go out, even changing direction of a route or altering part of it helps.

For the future... I hope to do Parkrun, try the C25K+ podcasts and eventually do Bridge to 10k, (or part of it - I feel relaxed & open minded about how far I will enjoy running ) & will do those when I feel ready. I think having a simple “what’s next” plan helps me to keep interested. Good luck, I hope you find your way forward. 😀