Where do I go from here?

[Katiepops]

Hi all

Super proud of myself for the 10k badge, but at a bit of a loss as to my next goal. I’m wobbly about half marathons, should I consolidate and then build up to a 10 miler like the GSR? Just putting it out there, what do people think?

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

Well done on getting your 10k badge.

You don't have to go on increasing distance, unless that is what you want to do.

Having got to 10k, like getting to 5k, it is worth consolidating that distance before moving on.

I run purely for fun and my favourite runs are in beautiful countryside which gives life affirming experiences in bucket loads.

Just enjoy mixing up your runs and at some point you will move in one direction or another............the world is your running track.

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Love that. The world is my running track. Stealing it!x

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Probably a bit of consolidation at 10k before moving on Katiepops. As I haven’t moved beyond 10k I’ll leave others to give advice. I started the magic plan again to build on my stamina and fitness but the world is your oyster.

[Equi-geek Graduate10]

Hi Katiepops! I was pushing on beyond 10k to do the GSR last year, so I vouch that it is completely doable if you want to sign up. For me, it was far enough as a one-off for the moment. Since then, I joined GoodGym which isn't a 'performance-focussed' running group as it mixes running with volunteer work. The furthest we've run in one evening is 8km (4km to paint a community centre, then 4km back). I kept working on my Parkrun times, but then it can be frustrating because of the time it takes to cross the start. So I started running to and from the run as well, which makes for a 12k Saturday and I find that a very different challenge because I have to pace my run there to coincide with the start. I have booked a 10k run for the Stroke Association in April. Then, a couple of triathlons during this summer. Finally I've signed up for 'Race at your pace' monthly total, rather than a ' run every day' challenge which I've seen can injure even the most experienced runners. I am going to enter a Race at Your Pace every month this year and I can have my 2019 total miles on an annual medal. I've not ruled out the GSR again either, if I lose some more weight! And that's without joining a 'normal' running club!!!! So there is lots to do!

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

impressive Equi-geek sounds a great plan

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

I am more than amazed! I have friends doing the GSR, so I may well give it a whirl! Even if I come last I’ve done it.

[Razouski in reply to Equi-geek]

Goodgym sounds like a great thing to be part of. I might see if they have one in my area. 👍🏽

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Well done on your progress so far KP. 👏👏 There’s no rush to make a decision where to go next with your running. This is a time to run for fun, as far or as short as you fancy. You know you have 10k in the bag, and doesn’t that feel great? 😍

Like Dexy5 , I’m redoing the Magic 10 again now. It’s a good way to try new things, fix bad habits, go a little quicker, try new routes - all with ju-ju- ‘s fabulous structure.

But obviously it’s up to you, but take your time deciding - and have fun! 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[Katiepops Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks. This time last year I couldn’t run for a bus! I never knew it could be so much fun!

[Deals1 Graduate10]

well done KP. You have lots of choices as already mentioned . I agree with them all.

have fun and happy running

[happysouls Graduate10]

I have a particular hill in mind that is my next challenge and I also thought I would add 1km a week to my long run and see how that goes. So I am adding gradually more uphill into each run until I am ready for the big one! I haven’t followed any particular plan since the 5k and really love feeling free to just set off and do whatever I feel like! My route is completely flexible too luckily!

[Coddfish Graduate10]

I ‘bridged to 10k’ in 2017 through a plan that took me from 5k up to 16k (10 miles) so I and other family members could do the GSR in memory of a family member who had died. I am a slow runner so the biggest issue for me was the increasing time involved in completing the weekly long run as the distance mounted up. I don’t think there’s any health reason for going beyond 10k so it’s only worth doing if you really want to do the GSR or a similar event. The GSR is fantastic by the way.

I am currently building back up so I can do the London vitality 10k in May, and I am half wondering whether to sign up for GSR again as I am starting to remember how much I enjoyed some of the longer runs despite the time issue. My first 9k (Regent’s Canal in London) and first 13k (Monsal trail in Derbyshire) both stand out. Haven’t mentioned this to Mr Coddfish yet!

[Katiepops Graduate10]

16k sounds more do-able than 10miles! Just change the units and all will be well. I’m just enjoying being out and about running. Although I can’t wait for the weather to improve and the evenings to get lighter!