Aren't you all doing well.

[pinkangel16]

Since graduation I've loved going out running, being a runner. I've been quite happy (delighted even) to reach 5k in about 36.5 mins and am working/hoping to get it in 35 mins. And yes, I think wouldn't it be good perhaps to run 10k one day. But that's it, end of, I am more than happy with that and always look forward to a run. Who knows if I'll take the step towards 10k - I might not - but that's fine by me.

Many - well most - of you who graduated at a similar time to me and since then, have gone on to do great things - further distances, longer times, quicker times, half marathons, marathons, training for all sorts of things. I'm amazed at what you do and feel proud for some reason.

So keep up the good work everyone and I'll be happy bringing up the rear.

Running is great isn't it. Right, gonna catch up on today's posts.

xx

[Hidden]

I'm 100% with you on that. I am thrilled every time I do 5K. Toying with the idea of doing a 10K next year but happy with my 3 times a week for now.

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

We might do it together then

Having the time is an issue which is another reason why I'm perfectly happy with what I do.

But I am in awe of what some folk have gone on to do.

[Zev1963 Graduate]

I think being able to complete C25K is great. Being able to continue to run 5K 3 times a week is wonderful. I want to gradually build on that. However, if I find that I am unable to do more than that while still enjoying iy, then staying with 3 x 5k is good too

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to Zev1963]

it is good isn't it - a perfect week is a week where I have done 3 x 5k runs

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

The best days start with a run hey!

[poppypug Graduate]

Fab post Pink, yes I totally get where youre coming from. I am so happy I found this programme and this site. It has changed my life for the better .

Happy Running to you xxx

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I wonder if I'll ever stop being amazed by it - doubt it!

Happy running to you too xx

[misswobble Graduate]

Pinky, I think you'll deffo end up doing a 10 k. It's a really satisfactory distance. A 5 k is grand but you barely hit your stride before it's over. 10 k is a more relaxed affair. Time to warm up, get settled in to your run, have a good gleg at the passing scenery, time to slow down a bit if needs be and then speed up at the end if you have the puff. It just seems so much less rushed. I can't recommend it enough. If you fancy having a go, you can nudge up to 5, 7 9 k and then 10k. Juss like that!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate in reply to misswobble]

This absolutely mirrors my own experience! I enjoy 10k far more than 5k for the same reason and I too just kept pushing on a little bit until I got to the magic 13.1. It sort of just happened...

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I'll bear that in mind when the time comes!

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

For me your post sums up the great thing about the programme in particular and the people who have been through it in general. How we measure success is down to us. There is no absolute measure of 'good', it only matters that we strive to run a little further or a little faster or a little more often or over a different route or that we do it just because we want to. I love reading about everyone's achievements, great or small.

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

I do too. I feel a real sense of friendship here and am genuinely interested in what everyone is up to.

[caj62 Graduate]

I graduated in November 2012, and have done a half marathon and a couple of 10k races, but every time I run, I am amazed that I can do it! The best thing about running is that you can do your own thing. I love my 3 x 5k runs every week x

[pinkangel16 Graduate in reply to caj62]

Wow, you definitely do your thing!

x

[Barbarajs Graduate]

So lovely to read pinkangel. That's what I'm aiming for after I finish this (if I do...hope so)

I just want to be able to enjoy regular runs of 5k. I do walk between 8 and 10k a day with my dog walks so even if the running is twice a week I'll be a happy bunny.

10k is so beyond my brain at the moment and I have so much respect for people who easily do that. My sister did the Great North Run this year...on a twisted ankle. She stood on a water bottle at the start...she was so enamoured with the atmosphere. But she did it. She needs knee surgery for the second time but she is still running.

Have a lovely day

Barbara xx

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Great post pinkangel. Your comments are so true. I graduated over a year ago and have been happy with running 5/6K 3/4 times a week. I have not been able to run at all for quite long periods of time during the year due to minor injury/problems and have had to restart the programme a few times but am now back in a lovely routine and all is going well.

However, a few weeks ago I thought the 5K wasn't enough for me and the 10K races seemed more varied and I want to do one! So, I've bitten the bullet and I'm currently building up to 10K very slowly!

I don't think I'll go beyond 10K but then once upon a time I didn't think I'd be able to run for 60 seconds!

[DownNotUp Graduate]

My fitness book by Sally Gunnell says that 5K 3 times per week is great for general fitness.

[Vixchile Graduate]

That is such a positive comment and you can tell how much you love running and that is important! If you decide to run 10km we will be cheering and supporting you. If you don't we still will be cheering and supporting you wanting to know about your running adventures.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Great post. Your right we all have our own goals and training plans and each and everyone of us has a reason for being out there. I still marvel in the fact that it has become so much of my way of life. I am still in the 5km range but thinking of upping it but like you say through no pressure from anyone but me. I love the forum with the inspirational posts. One of the reasons I set up the quest was to keep me going out there over a year later there are a merry band of us doing all different things. I love this forum.

[runningphobe_no_more Graduate]

Hear Hear! I graduated in June, and since then have once or twice done a whole 5K (it takes me at least 43 minutes). I keep telling myself as long as I do 30 mins three times a week that's OK. But since I treated myself to a GPS watch, I've realised that 30 mins was so nearly 4K I might as well run just a little longer. So for the last two weeks I've been hanging on and doing 4K every time (and a 5K last Saturday - my first since my two week-sick break in September).

So - who knows? Maybe I'll creep up on that there 10K one of these days...

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I agree. I graduated beginning of Oct and am very happy with 30 mins 3 times a week (or I will be when my current family issues sort themselves out one way or the other ...!). Even 30 mins twice a week would keep me happy. I am just so grateful to be able to get out there when there is time, and it makes me feel so much better. Maybe next year if the weather is nice I might do more, but for now I'm just quite content to plod along. I went running with a friend for the first time this morning, and achieved my usual distance and time but had to talk all the way ... that was HARD!!!

[Hidden in reply to useitorloseit]

Ha! I've been searching for an update on your run with your friend. Did she run loops round you? Well done on achieving the usual time/distance despite talking too. Did the talking make you breathless?

I've decided to do my train/canal ralk in reverse tomorrow to put a bit of time pressure on myself ( trains aren't that frequent so if I miss one there'll be a bit of a wait in a village with not much to do). Also I'm hoping that the GPS signal might hold out for more of the run if I start where it's stronger!

I'm a bit crazy aren't I? It's OK though, being crazy is what keeps me sane Maybe I'll even talk to myself (or the ducks) on my ralk tomorrow to see if I get breathless!!!

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ha ha you do indeed sound nutty as a fruitcake!!! Breathless doesn't come close - how Paula could understand what I was saying I don't know, but we were yakking all the way. She sounded perfectly normal! She stayed with my at my pace, which was kind. She went out for a run with her 15 yr old daughter yesterday and said there was no way she could keep up with her, so she felt fine trundling along with little old me! I asked her what she thought of my running action, since she is a pro, and she said the legs were good but my arms were too tense, so I must practice loosening up my upper body a bit. Stressed? Tense? Moi? Surely not!!!

[helingmic]

Pink Angel. I bet your cheeks are pink with pleasure! Well done. Good idea to set yourself further challenge.