Advice please

[PMcL1966]

Hello. I’ve just finished C25K and have done one 5k. I’m thinking of doing Bridge to 10k. Probably do a few more 5ks first just to build my confidence a bit more. Was wondering though if doing the bridge plan is worth it if I’m not intending to enter any 10k race. It’s just another milestone to achieve. I never thought I’d do 5k never mind thinking of doing 10. Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

Absolutely worth doing. It brings significant benefits in a host of other areas. You can experience the benefit of longer slower runs, mixing up your weekly runs, all types and styles of runs, a great forum and as you develop you'll find 10k is attainable if you wish. I've never entered any race but gone through this programme and beyond and it's everything around the actual distance that it gives you that I love. Regular running and longer running in terms of distance or time has really become a part of me and I hope it will you too. Congratulations on the 5k and there really is a wonderful journey out there for you if it's something you'd like to discover.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Good plan to get established with the 5k first and consolidate that distance, then you could start to think what your future goals could be. There is no rush or pressure to do anything.

[HennieR62 in reply to ju-ju-]

May I ask a daft question: how do you KNOW when (if??) you’re ready for more? I’m in my 5th week of consolidation, doing 1x5k, 2x30 minutes which are around 4.7/4.8 k. I’m planning on doing this also for week 6&7, but will start to think of what goals to set next. Thank you!

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to HennieR62]

I think when the 5k is comfortable and you start twitching for the next step. It sounds to me like you should start to think about whats next. Think about your shorter and longer term running goals. I find that statements help to define this, for example mine is, ' I will be running every day when I am in my 70's' ... thats the long term goal by the way ( I am not quite that old yet). And short term is, ' I will start to do regular 5k's under 30 minutes by the end of this year'. Have a play with what works for you.

[HennieR62 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you, that’s really helpful 😊

[Speedy60 Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

That is exactly my longterm goal: I will still be running when I'm 70, that's 10 year's time. 😊

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Speedy60]

Perfect... I should have said 99, as essentially I want to keep going till the end. I will be 50 soon, we have so many years left to enjoy it

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Congratulations on your 5k. The 10k plan is awesome. I've no plans doing any events but loved working up to 10k. The freedom for lots of new runs is amazing, then in a few months you'll be thinking 10miles🤣 do a bit of consolidation then jump over the bridge and enjoy the journey. Happy running 🤗

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Of course its worth it if you want to. It doesn't matter if you're not entering any races.

If you are quite happy running 5k then I'd say go for it. Good luck 😊

[AlysP Graduate10]

I have just completed the 10k plan- Ju Ju has made it simple but highly effective!! Loved it. Do it!

After c25k I very quickly felt rudderless with no plan or goal so only lasted a couple of weeks before starting the 10k plan. I think by then I had done about 5 or 6 5k’s. The other benefit is how ‘easy’ a 5k now seems - depending on speed obviously- when it definitely wasn’t easy at the end of c25k!! Go for it!!

[Fionamags Graduate10]

I was exactly the same as AlysP . I went on to the Magic Plan after consolidating for a while but because I was pretty slow, my original goal was just to use the plan to safely increase my running time to 60 mins and reach 5k en route. (There is a version to increase running duration week on week and another version to increase distance.) After I reached 60 mins I then switched over to the distance plan and got to 10k that way. I liked having the structure and knowing that somebody who knew what they were doing had worked this out for me

Give it a try when you are ready - lots of fans of the Magic here!

[colinla Graduate10]

Hi, I would say it's definitely worth doing if you enjoyed the C25K. I started on C25K as I'd been into running years earlier and then stopped, so was keen to get back and lockdown gave me the impetus to do so.

I always had it on my mind to do 10K, and as others have said there are good health benefits.

However if you are content with 5K running, and not bothered about longer distances then it also makes sense just to do those and still keep fit 👍👍

[Mumpark Graduate10]

Yes definitely do it.

I had been running 5K for over 9 years with no injury’s when I hurt my Knee I thought I was finished then but missed running so much and thought no I’ve got to give it a try.

That was when I discovered C25K I done it and after reading on this forum how lots of people carry on to do 10K I decided that was what I was going to do so I did I had been doing a 10K once a week for about 3 months when I was given a free place for Vitality 10000 a 10K run from Parkrun and so I entered my first proper run and loved it I have done 1 other proper run since but I still just do my 10K once a week.

When lockdown started I had been having a few niggles in my knee so I did it all again C25K then Bridge2 10K plan. Back to loving running again I have done few virtual runs to keep my spirits up.

I’m 65 so want to go on until I can’t go no more.

[PandaCory Graduate10]

Well done! I would suggest you take your time & enjoy it. I had a very long consolidation period before working towards 10k, but like you, never thought I'd manage it! Still ridiculously chuffed with myself that I can do this amazing thing 😁😁😁🏅. Go slow & you'll get there!