Consolidation runs - how many?

[RunNewForestRun]

Curious to know how long C25k grads did consolidation runs for, until making a decision to follow a different plan or switch up their runs.

Today will be consolidation run 11 for me. Currently running 3 x 5km a week (current time is 37 mins for 5km). I have managed a 6km a few times and 8km a couple of weeks ago.

But I can feel boredom setting in, compounded by the darker (and now wetter) mornings and I really don’t want to lose my mojo because I do love running. I used to jump out of bed to go for a run, now it feels more like something I have to do to get it out of the way (although I enjoy it when I’ve done it). But it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier.

I’m trying to vary routes but given I live in quite a small village there’s only so much variance one can do! Prefer solo running still at the moment.

Perhaps it’s the lack of structure/progress that I enjoyed in C25k.....

[Blackberrypie Graduate10]

I did about 3 weeks of consolidation before I started the magic plan - it coincided with the group starting on here and I felt ready by then. The Nike Run Club might be worth a try - they have some good guided runs including intervals and a collaboration with headspace.

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

What about giving the 10k plan a go . Its what most of us used to get there. Good luck 👍

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

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You're more than ready to try something different 🙂 start to look at a way to experiment with lots of different ways of running. As Buddy34 says, the magic plan is a good lead on and it's ace. Go longer and slower too if that's something you'd like. If you've done 8k then try it a few more times then go for 10k as 2km more isn't much. Doing your own thing is how I like to go. You've got a great base to work from. Mix it up a bit and see how you go 😃

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

The test is really in the legs... if that 5k is comfortable to do, you’re ready!

[a_in_gsr Graduate10]

I'd definitely say you're ready to start something new!! Personally when I graduated I liked the 1x easy middle distance, 1x shorter run with some spadework (or hills or something tricky), and 1x longer slower run.

[Catwise Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Definitely time to try something new.

Try juju’s Magic Plan, even if you don’t really want to do 10k. You can stop at any point in the plan, you don’t have to get to 10k. I had no interest in doing 10k when I started that plan but I had realized I needed more structure in my running, otherwise I found myself quitting early frequently (like 15-20 minute runs) and then feeling disappointed with myself. Just knowing what distance I’m shooting for each run really keeps me going.

Juju’s Plan is basically short, medium, long, and I still follow that structure and I like it a lot. My short run is 3-4K with speed intervals, medium is 5k and just a nice easy run, and long is whatever step I’m on from Juju’s plan (well I finally hit 10k 2 days ago so I think I’ll stick with that).

My short run I also listen to music, I’ve set up a Running play list of songs that really bring me joy.

My medium run I often do one of the Nike Run Club guided runs, those are really good, with music or podcast.

My long runs are always podcast. I spent a lot of time looking for one that would really hold my attention and I’ve finally found one I like, but there are hundreds, prob thousands, to choose from!

I also use the Zombies Run running game/app, it’s a story about the zombie apocalypse and it’s really engaging! It’s a series of short 1 minute dialogue clips that play interspersed with whatever else you’re listening to (music/podcast) and it’s an ongoing story, so i really want to find out what happens next!

[RunNewForestRun 60minGraduate]

Thank you all, some great suggestions here. I did do the ‘Next Long Run’ (42 mins) NRC podcast at lunchtime...I ran 6km in the end. Liked the podcast, but a bit put off as it was a bit cheesey