I completed the final run three weeks ago, (late in posting as I was away on hols, then straight back into work) It was fantastic to reach the end and complete a challenge I'd set myself...
Now I'm running under my own steam so to speak without Laura, but I've found the last two runs very very hard work to achieve and struggling to run for thirty minutes, other than perhaps being tired I have no idea why. Has anyone else had this happen to them ?
Belated congrats to you for completing. Time to get that shiny badge!!
I can only imagine that due to your lay off your fitness levels have dropped. They will come back if you continue running.
I think you need to reset your goal post. The last 9 weeks or so have been about reaching a goal and you have done that so it's time to reset. What ya gonna do now then? You could sign up for a 5k race and work on speed, you could sign up for a 10k and work on improving your distance. You could try a Parkrun. How about trail running? It's all about keeping your motivation up up up. Let us know what works for you.
BTW CONGRATULATIONS!
Well done on finishing C25K. Don't forget to ask for your graduate badge - you've earned it. So far as not being able to run for 30 minutes is concerned, I don't know why but I've had the same problem - I graduated 10 days ago and have been out running regularly since. I'm just finding it hard at the moment. I do have a goal - Race for Life next month. I don't know what the answer is as several other people have done really well in their post-graduate running. Maybe it's just our mindset. I'm sure you'll find your solution soon. In the meantime, good luck and best wishes.
I felt the same after graduating and have seen similar posts. I have done some of the C25k+ podcasts as Laura is still there so I would recommend these. I have also done some of the earlier Weeks runs but pushed myself to do them faster so still have the structure. It is difficult to know the reason but you achieved the programme and graduated so well done. Stay with the forum and good luck, we are all in it together.
I have tried the C25K+ and that is what made matters worse for me. Plenty of people have said they are very good. I think I just find it hard to keep to the beat. Cheers.
You have a valid point Fitmo. What I omitted to say was that I do the podcasts on the treadmill and that is easier to regulate. Have managed a 5.1 k and a 5.3k outdoors since graduation. Won't get excited about the time though. I have to run without earphones due to running on narrow country roads so need to hear the traffic. I am sure we will all find our pace - as the podcasts really kept us on track during the programme. Good luck with your 5k. I am doing a run for colour 5k in August and bought a copy of women's running mag today. Must keep going. Best wishes everyone
Thank you for the further info. I might just look into the cost of a gym - there must be somewhere reasonably priced - and try those podcasts in a more controlled environment.
I tried the first Stepping Sotnes podcast this morning and found it was really weird - I can't run to that beat - it was SO slow. I will try the stamina one next run. I am alone in finding the Stepping Stones one strange?
Very odd because I found it too fast and had to change to tiny steps to keep to the beat. Someone did suggest that the Stamina might suit me better but I found that just as bad - maybe it's me but as several people have said these podcasts didn't suit them either I just put it down to a case of individuality. I don't know what to suggest - I certainly don't think you are alone in this. The podcasts, by their very nature, are in the style of 'one size fits all' so I guess some people will find them good and others will find them unsuitable. Somewhere out there is the podcast to suit you. Good luck, Cheers.
Oh yes! This has definitely happened to me. I graduated about 8 weeks ago and I'm still running (without Laura) & while I am enjoying it I can't seem to go longer than 30 mins (I don't even manage that sometimes!) I have signed up for a local 5k run to keep my motivation going but I'm thinking of doing the post c25k podcasts as well.
And big well done on graduating by the way - don't underestimate what an achievement that is 
Thanks for the advice guys, My next run will be tomorrow so I'll see how things go, I'm not working in the morning so won't have the worry of getting back in time etc etc
I guess I was surprised that I was suddenly struggling after managing 30 mins quite well the last few runs, it maybe my choice of music is slightly too high tempo compared to the podcast and I'm subconciously matching my speed to it.. I guess its trial and error at first...
Fitmo I'm doing the Race for Life too, I'm hoping to run the whole 5k by then, Good luck with your run, not long to go now..x
Well done for graduating. Sometimes it's hard to find your own pace when you move away from the structure of the programme. Don't worry too much - at least you are getting out there. Perhaps a new target (speed or distance) or break up the runs with a structured run/walk programme just to keep it fresh?
Good luck - its important to enjoy it as well!
I still alternate the three C25K+ podcasts for my three runs each week. Yes, I found them hard at first but then it took me nine weeks to turn into a runner! Over a year later and I still don't run 5k in 30 minutes, but I'm really not bothered. I'm out there running, which is more than can be said for most in their 60s!
The replies are all so helpful. Spoke to my friend today who has done a lot of running and he did say I'll have days where I run better than others. Also he did add that any weight you put on can impact on your stamina, he likened my post hols weight gain as running holding bags of sugar, if you were told to run carrying it you would tire quicker, so the effect can be the same..., it made sense.
Anyways todays run went better and I finally ran the magic 5k yay just going to work out my time..
W1r1 finally completed! 
The End Of The Start
The end of the beginning
W9R3 Finally! Got there in the end 😊
