Rubbish :(

[VikkiHigg]

I did the 5k graduation a week last Sat and only ran once last week to give my legs a break but today I REALLY struggled. Legs feel like I haven't run for months and I'm wondering at what point will I enjoy running while running rather than just afterwards?! Progressed on the C25K but now feel like I've hit a wall and can't enjoy it

[snowlamb Graduate]

Know exactly what you mean.

I did my first post grad run yesterday and found it really hard, if I hadn't been running with a friend I'd have probably quit half way through. I'm trying to take the view that some days are just like that and hope for better next time.

[VikkiHigg Graduate in reply to snowlamb]

It's crap isn't it?? Had such a buzz after the 5k after I'd gone past the wanting to throw up stage and now it's just a slog again

[Hidden]

I've also struggled since graduating, approx 2 months ago, but am slowly getting to where I want to be. Ultimately I stopped aiming for 5k, and started doing distances that I enjoyed more (I stayed at 3.5k for a few weeks, and have now comfortably built up to 4.2k). I think the c25k momentum is something not to be underrated. It's hard to keep that momentum going by yourself. Some people take up bridge to 10k plans. Others do the c25k+ podcasts. Keep trying different things til you find what works for you. And keep reminding yourself however rubbish you feel, you can run now, whereas X weeks ago you could not!

[VikkiHigg Graduate in reply to Hidden]

This is very true!

[Noaky12 Graduate]

You'll find the running love again!

I'm still not in the space of enjoying whilst actually doing it but I enjoy the way I feel afterwards and the positive impacts its having on my health and body shape.

It would appear that s number of people struggle a bit straight after graduation & I think it might be to due with a sudden lack of structure from Laura.

Have you tried any of the post C25K podcasts or any other type of running app?

I mix it up between the stamina, stepping stones and speed podcasts, I also use the Zombies run app and I've now discovered the joy of just running with no audio etc and just listening to the sounds around me.

Try and have a goal in mind for what you want to achieve next whether that's speeding up / slowing down, going further, running with others etc which will help focus your mind a bit.

But most importantly enjoy it

Hope that helps in someway?

[VikkiHigg Graduate in reply to Noaky12]

Thank you - stupid iphone stopped after 4 tracks so I had to finish running to half way with no music... I couldn't hear anything other than my heavy breathing!! I will give your suggestions a go

[Pigivi]

I really start enjoy running 45 minutes into the run ... and stop having fun around 1 1/2 hour - then I go home and love the afterglow!!!

[Pigivi in reply to Pigivi]

and this is one year after graduation...

[Hidden in reply to Pigivi]

I also struggle to 'enjoy' my run until I find my rhythm. I'm not running as far as you, but I did a 4.2k run on Sat. I found after my phone announced the 3k mark I could run a lot easier, and after it said 4k I kind of sprinted, a real feeling of release. But the first part was very slow and dogged. I basically always start really slow til I feel that 'rhythm' kick in.

[VikkiHigg Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I think part of the problem is I don't seem to have a rhythm its just a slog the whole way with me arguing against my brain which is telling me this is stupid you should stop! It did that the whole way through the programme but here I am at almost 5k! Once or twice in the last couple of months since I started I've had a weird floating feeling and felt I could go on forever, but literally once or twice. Not sure how to get that back!

[mfamilias Graduate]

I hear you - I felt similarly after graduating. I put it down to having hit my goal and feeling lost without a new one, but not feeling confident enough to sign up for a 10k programme. So I continued running my 5K route, sometimes stopping at 30 mins, sometimes running the 5K and trying to attain 30 mins or less (not there yet )

The problem for me is that when I aim at nothing, I hit it: so I've followed the advice given to me recently on this great forum, and I'm going to increase my distance by 10% weekly (one run per week) to give myself a target. I've discovered Rock My Run, which gives you good free playlists with a constant beat to run to, which helps you to concentrate on an even pace. You can chose your own number of beats per minute, and pick your style of music too.

[VikkiHigg Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Oooh I'll try that, thank you. I can just do 5k but have to run with a collapsible hiking stick thing because I have a dodgy hip and when I get to the end I hobble so no way I could get to 10k, that's why I'd really like to enjoy the 5 but hey, 2 months ago I thought I was going to die after session one and there's never been one as bad since so I must be improving!

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to VikkiHigg]

That's the spirit! When I feel like I'm wading through porridge and the gremlins get to work telling me I should give up, I think back to those first three minute runs that felt like they lasted forever. It's a breeze now in comparison

[VikkiHigg Graduate]

Also I have razors in my throat and a head ache so thinking I may have a cold brewing which wont have helped! Pretty muddy Saturday so it better get gone!