Congratulations! 👏🏻 How did you find the timed plan? I’ve just finished week 5 of the timed plan and was wondering what to aim for after this, I might do a few weeks of getting a 60 minute run in once a week with two shorter runs like week 8 until I feel comfortable and then like you will try the distance version, something good to aim for - good luck with your journey 😊
Initially I found the timed plan great and a good progression from c25k. But as the times got longer I found it harder to estimate where I’d be and so harder to plan my runs. And I’m not a big fan of the there and back again flavour preferring a circuit.
I used the Google maps on my laptop last night to create a run from my house in a circuit for 10k (wasn’t sure if I’d make it that far but could walk home). It was so accurate so I’m impressed and will use it again. 👍🏻
I graduated Couch to 5K at the end of June and done a few weeks of consolidation runs and have become hooked. To give me something to aim for I signed up for the Maspalomas 10K in November where I live in Gran Canaria. I started Ju-Ju's Magic Plan in June by following the distance based runs and last night I successfully completed the plan and my first 10K run! Slower than I would like at 1 hour 15 mins but it's great knowing I should be capable of finishing the 10K run in November.
I will continue doing a mix of run lengths but I'm not sure I want to be running a 10K every week, as I did find it pretty tough. Can anyone point me in the direction of any guides on how to start improving my pace a bit? I'm 62 and only started running for the first time earlier this year so maybe I shouldn't be so impatient!
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to PDIGC
Congratulations ! Well done you! I started running at 65, and now at 72 am a lot pacier than when I began... I will take a look around and gather some info' for you too!
The running pace, and speed and yes, distance come with patience.... they sort of, evolve
I finally got to my 10K yesterday. So pleased with myself. I got the 60 minute run last year but that was only 7K. Then managed 9K towards the end of the year then stuff got in the way of long runs and I didn't progress the last 1K. So a few months ago I started the Magic Plan and now I've done it! As a 66 year old who only started running with C25K in 2020 I thought I can't put off a longer run much longer or it may never happen. So now its ticked off but to be honest at the moment my preferred length is 4-6K so I think I'll stick to that for a bit. Maybe try to go a bit faster!!
Made it to 10K. Admittedly quite a long time after the 60 minute run but got there in the end. Took me 80 minutes. Well deserved coffee and cake at the end 👍
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to BBrun
After at least 10 months of overthinking I finally decided I had to try, and I can't believe I've finally done it!! Sometimes the answer is, I suppose, to 'just do it'
I completed my first ever 10k in 80 minutes! It's been a long gap of nearly 15 between c25k and this but I'm glad I finally got around to it.
I need to work on improving my pace. Currently, I'm following the Nike half marathon training plan on their running app and it's got 2 recovery runs, 2 speed runs and 1 long run every week. I'm not following it according to the calendar week but I am getting more consistent with it.
But I still run very slow even during my speed runs. Recently, to improve my pacing, I began walking during the rest time between intervals because running slowly during the rest period still left me tired during the interval.
Huge well done you ! The answer is... keep on running. The more you run the more you gain. Strength, stamina, distance and yes, speed.
But, ( there's always a but), there is a chance that just running, the same runs, the same routes, in the same way will mean the sort of running that doesn't evolve? That is my experience and clearly, according to Coach Bennett from the NRC guided runs, it is what he calls, consistency of the wrong kind.
So, for what it is worth... shake the routes up, choose them wisely. Vary the distances... short runs...5K ish... Middle distance and.... for me and many, these are the one s that move us forward, long, , see where you get to runs'. These are what I call my Sunday, Funday, Runday, runs. I set out, no idea of distance... and just run until i feel it is time to turn for home. Often out for two hours or more... I usually go to far and end up having to walk some of the way back!
I am not back to that stage yet as I am still building back up to my original running level after a big setback in 2020/2021. I started as the Original Grey Snail, very, very slow; but it all evolved, and since I began in 2015 ( at 65), I did, almost without realising it, or trying, got speedier...first 10K after two years after graduation. 1hr 17, so I think your time is not slow at all!
Stamina work is useful too... and, strategies to help that speed a tad...and there is so much support from the forums too. I will find some links and PM them to you, if you wish?
You are well on the way and with the right kind of consistency, will find it all happens for you.
This is really helpful! And yes, I agree with your insights. Though longer runs can seem intimidating, they've been doing me a lot of good. Especially with my pacing.
I need to work on my breathing, and stamina like you mentioned. It's actually very inspiring to see people like you share your journey! Gives me a lot of hope. Keep up the great work and I hope that you get back to your pre-setback self and even better!
Do send the links my way in your own time. Thank you so much <3
Hi Oldfloss, tonight I managed to comfortably run for 60 minutes 🤗 and I felt like I had a few of you from here with me for part of it as I was playing your advice over in my head while I was running. Thanks for your mantra ‘slow and steady’. X
Yay I completed my first 60 mins run achieving 9k in 61 mins, I am delighted. I am working towards the 10K using Ju Ju's Magic Plan and then feel inspired to start training for a half marathon next year. Seining well wishes to all those on the plan!
Over the past year, since graduating C25K, I've been gradually increasing my distance/time - nothing planned, just as-and-when I felt comfortable.
Recently I've been doing 7.5 km twice a week in about 43 minutes, followed by 9 km at the weekend in about 52 minutes. (Extra distance to reach the shop for a paper!)
Yesterday I had some extra time, the weather was gorgeous and I was feeling really good so I completed the 7.5 km, went on to the 9 km, then carried on to 10.5 km in 60 minutes exactly.
Whoohoo!! 10 km AND 60 minutes - feeling really pleased with myself!
Yay! Completed the 60 minute run on Wednesday and finished off the time based plan with the 20 minute run today. Only managed 8k in 60 mins so planning to consolidate at 60 mins before moving on to the distance based plan. Hope to reach 10k eventually but I'm not in any rush!
I’ve managed to run for 60 mins and (this morning) 10k in the same month, I can’t quite believe it. It was an easy paced slow run chatting to my running buddy with the sun shining and beautiful autumnal colours all around us. Going to consolidate for a while leading up to my 10k run in December. ☺️
We are all here for each other... and, always remember. we get as much encouragement from your posts as you, hopefully do from us. I know when I feel as if I am struggling, I read posts , like yours and they give me, the determination to carry on!
Ah well done! It’s a brilliant achievement - one which I didn’t dream I could ever do but like you say this plan does work - you just have to trust in it like the ct5k plan.
What’s next for you? I’m happy with trying to consolidate and do a 10k one a week or fortnight. Just so I feel comfortable completing a 10k run I’ve entered in December. Have you entered any runs?
I’m interested in the Lake District trail runs too next year, I would love to take part in one of them. So many opportunities ahead now. 🤗👍🏻
I’m going to enter the Brighton 10k in April so, similar to you I’m planning on 10k a fortnight, increasing to 12k or so before April so I know I can go there 10k and have something left at the end.
It’s so exciting isn’t it thinking what can I do next? Brighton 10k will be lovely - that’s a really good idea about increasing the distance so you feel comfortable doing a 10k. Mine is only 5 weeks away now so will just gradually increase but I know I can do it now 👍🏻
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
I ran a 10k today 
