Seeing progress.

[Hezzabelle]

Following my recent graduation it seems that I'm finally making visible progress.

I managed 30 min 4k today. I've been continuing running 3 times a week, hopefully building up stamina and speed.

Tonights post work run felt rough on my asthmatic chest so decided early on to just plod away and focus more on running for the 30 mins instead of pushing it.

So you can imagine my joy when I looked at my screen and realised I'd clocked up the 4k without necessarily trying.

Considering I whittled 2 mins off my 5k at the weekend too, taking it down to 36 mins, I really feel like I'm starting to see some major progress now. I can feel my stamina increasing since the program.

3 months ago, I was a total couch potato. My goal when I started was to see the end of it. It seemed so far away.

I really don't mean to blow my own trumpet and I know my efforts pale into insignificance compared to some and the many others putting their all into it. But I love this program and I'm proud of myself for doing it. It's life changing!

[Rockette]

That's great! Can I ask you what your plan was after graduating ? Do you just run for as long as you can & do what ever ? I'm a bit confused as what to do after graduation, . Thanks

[Hezzabelle Graduate in reply to Rockette]

Thanks.

All through, my plan was basically to do week 9 forever. I was just amazed to run for 30 mins and not collapse.

I graduated covering roughly 3.5k. So changed my aim to cover 5k in 30 mins.

Twice a week now I run in the dark and keep it to 30 mins trying to better my distance. For the third and daylight run I thought I'd do a 5k and try to better my time. Just to change it about a little bit.

Obviously it's starting to pay off. I definitly do feel fitter in myself and LOVE the mental benefits I gain too.

I'm happy as I am at the moment. Come new year, spring and warmer temperatures, I might step it up a bit and try further. There is a 10k I want to do later in the year. But for now my main goal is to maintain and hopefully build on fitness through the dark winter months.

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Well done You seem to have sussed out life after graduation I am at same stage as Rockette so asking same questions so any advice about plans welcome

[Rockette]

Sounds like a good plan . Your doing great . I'm going to do what your doing it seems to be getting good results . Thanks for your reply .

[annasee Graduate]

Well done Hezzabelle! I'm finding life after graduation very satisfying. I'm not trying to beat any records - just avoid injury, run every second day, and enjoy it. Sometimes I just do 30 mins if the day is busy, other times I'll do 40 or 50 mins. Stopped plotting my progress on the google pedometer thingie, as I know how far is 5 and 6 & 7k on my normal route. Just really enjoying the fact that I can run 5k and not feel exhausted at the end, and after a couple of minutes feel completely recovered. Also enjoying (I think) that all my trousers keep sliding down so i have to wear belts with them, which I didn't before.

[Hezzabelle Graduate in reply to annasee]

Thank you and well done too.

Yours sounds like a really nice relaxed attitude to running to have. Simply for the enjoyment of it, which is basically what we're all doing.

I like to plot my way just so I can see I am making progress as it really spurs me on.

The moment it becomes a chore or too competitive is probably when I need to find another exercise to do. So for me it's about enjoyment first.

But I've noticed the loose pants and changing body shape too, plus the quick recovery times. I love how running has changed me.

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Hi annasee and hezzabelle you both have slightly different approaches but both running for enjoyment and improving which is really good I am seeing benefits too and guess message is everyone needs to find own way for graduation+ and adapt as you go Lots of help on this forum Thanks everyone and keep on running

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Wow hezzabelle you sound like you are doing so well. It's is so good to read someone else's record. It helps you recognise things about yourself. Your times and distances are great. I am working at both these things. One thing I realise about myself is I am not a natural runner and I have to work a little harder. I would love to have quick recovery hopefully that will be coming my way soon.