6 Months since graduation.... a long road at times.

[AndyD]

Unbelievable... I graduated 6 months ago to the day... where does the time go???

It's probably taken me those 6 months to sort my brain out re PB's, the correct running gear & shoes and to stick to the habit of running every other day.

Like many others, I struggled during the early weeks but something kept me going (thanks to Slow_Rob as well) and I'm still out there doing my thing... plodding away 3 or 4 times a week, whatever the weather.

I think I have always struggled with pace and felt happier with a longer run, but those longer runs really do pay off with all of your runs.

At first I ran my legs off to do 5k in 45mins, tonight I got a 5k PB of 36mins... still with a few walkies as well!! The weekend was also a success with a new 10k PB and longest run of 13k.

If you are just starting out and finding things hard, please dont give up, running takes perseverance and time, don't expect immediate results.

If I could offer any advice (well mine anyway)... it would be....

- Be safe, don't end up in A&E or on the Injury Couch

- Enjoy your run's.. don't get hung up on PB's

- Get good shoes and running gear (needn't cost a fortune)

- Mix up your runs (short, long, intervals etc)

- Don't expect results overnight

- Listen to your body.. learn the difference between pain and aches

- Try and get a good running style

- Any problems.. ASK... you will always get a reply on this site from someone who's "been there"

- Have fun!!!!

Happy running... here's to the next 6 months....

PS - After doing quite a few 10k's.... there may be a HM in me..... I'll ponder on that one!

[ViaM Graduate]

Fab advice, thank you and happy running!

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Wonderful post and great learning to pass on, thanks! As a newbie graduate I am still finding my feet, pardon the pun, so it's good to know it takes time. Enjoyment has to be the main factor that keeps us going, as well as staying off the IC. Happy running indeed and well done

[Hidden]

blimey is it 6 months already Well done Andy ,you have pretty much got it sussed

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Nice post Andy. It's nice to see I'm not the only one out there who likes it long and slow (sorry folks, not after the watershed yet!). I'm way off my 10k still as I had some time out for being poorly, but reading your posts over the last 6+ months has been entertaining and informative. Thanks, and keep on running and posting

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done - I think that's good progress.

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw what a lovely post Andy, and brilliant advice too !

Blimey, its seems like youve been around a lot longer than 6 months, its like youve always been here !

Happy halfrunaversary ! xxx

[AllieG Graduate]

Ahhh bless you AndyD that's a top post.

Having been chasing ever faster 5k's since I graduated, I think that once a week I'm going to up my distance gradually and not do any watch-watching!

Here's to your next 6 months, and an HM? Ah go on, you know you can....

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Great post!!! Well done on a happy 6 months!!!! Youve made massive progress!!! Glad you're enjoying it!!!

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Great post, thanks for that.

Someone said that we all have a half marathon in us.. hhmm I'm not sure about that! But you sound like you've definately got one lurking inside, just waiting to be unleashed

I love your path - similar to mine I'd say, although I haven't quite managed 10k just yet, but I'm working on it :). Need to get it boxed off before the Bristol 10k on 31 May.

I think the best advice is to stay safe and enjoy - both obvious really.

Take care xx

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Great post Andy. I think the HM is a stellar idea - it's what I'm working towards now... You know you want to