Sweetie shop running and a question.

[Thp42]

I have had 1 run since graduating and am out again tomorrow. I had decided to do the 30 min again but had a little 'lack of structure panic'. I was like an overwhelmed child in a sweetie shop!! What to pick? Where to go? How many minutes? Etc etc. you get the gist. I did the 30 mins and decided to look at the 5k+ For my next run. My cadence at the minute is averaging between 160 and 162 and has been since I got my garmin a few weeks ago. Sooooo the question. Should I just work on increasing my time by 3 min per week or would the 5k+ podcasts be better even though (as I understand it, but might be wrong) that would mean slowing down? Would really like to not do myself an injury having got this far.

For any of Ms Michaels ladies. She and I are still doing the rounds of the living room but brufen was involved after day two!!

[gingernut49 Graduate]

Try the Stepping Stones podcast next. That's what I did and, over a year on, I still alternate the three podcasts each week as I just can't run without Laura!

[Thp42 Graduate in reply to gingernut49]

Thx. I have managed to confuse myself nicely lol

[LightDark Graduate]

There are loads of options and different things out there!

I carried on doing week 9 for a week or two, as Gingernut says, the thought of running without Laura was a bit much. Then I did the three 5k+ podcasts for a few weeks, but quickly tired of them! That really felt like a coming of age when I could finally lose Laura's shackles and run free! I mean she'd done a lot for me, but it was time to break free! I also found most of her runs a bit slow (my cadence averages at 165)

I tried a few things, and have downloaded others that I've not tried yet. I wasn't sure if I wanted to increase speed or distance. I found a few training programmes including one called "run for fat loss" on the Runkeeper app that combined both distance and intervals, and I've really got on with that plus Zombies Run, which a few others here like too! I love that I can mix in my own music. The best thing was it gave me a new goal to complete the programme (ostensibly 8 weeks but I don't have time for 3/4 runs a week!), and it mixes things up without me having to plan or plot a programme.

I think some of the other running apps have similar things, if you use one?

Find a new or different route you love, and try running outdoors if your a treadmill person. Try your usual route backward!

Have you joined up to Parkrun? That's super motivating and if you're doing 160 that's a very respectable time.

But for the time being I'd suggest settling in, and revelling in your new found running glory! You've earned it!

[misswobble Graduate in reply to LightDark]

Do the C25k+ podcasts. All of them several times. They do you good!

Then think about bridge to 10 k.

[Thp42 Graduate in reply to LightDark]

Thx missw. 10k seems a long way away but then 5k seemed impossible 9 weeks ago.

[Thp42 Graduate in reply to LightDark]

Thx for your super answer. I will have a look at the running for fat loss as I still have another half a stone to lose. Too scared of Parkrun at the moment but have ran around our local parkrun circuit a few times. Need to find my brave pants and get out into public!!

[LightDark Graduate in reply to Thp42]

I wouldn't take the name too seriously - but take a look at the sessions and see if they appeal! And definitely don't be afraid of a Parkrun!