Realised as I ambled along today that I am perfectly happy to think of running for 30 minutes three times a week for as long as I can do it.
I know lots of people have go-faster, go-further (etc) goals but I'm just so happy to be able to run at all! Especially as I never dreamt even this was possible for me.
😊
Hey I get where you are coming from and I like the idea of no-goal running too. I am much further back in use programme but to be able to run for 30 mins for 3 times a week is something I will be really happy to achieve. My work life is so goal/target orientated,so to be free to do my own thing when I want to,appeals!
At the moment I can't even begin to imagine I will be able to run for 20 mins without stopping but from hearing people's comments on here,makes me realise it will be possible.
This programme is great,I never thought I would ever take up running as it always looked like such hard work when I have seen others doing it,but this programme allows you to go steady and it kind of gets to you,if you see what I mean! Mad or what? 😊
It does get to you, that makes complete sense! I'm the same with targets and constant pressure at work so it's lovely to have a bit of life that can just tootle along.
If you are happy running like that then there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Current guidelines suggest 75 mins a week of strenuous activity, like running, or twice as much gentle activity such as walking. That means you are easily making your health target and are enjoying yourself into the bargain. It's hard to find a reason to criticise that!
Keep it up - and happy running!
Ugi
That was my view of this at the beginning. Even if you need more exercise, you could add something like cycling into the mix in the place of those extra kms. But I'm not so sure any more. When one day I crack that 30 min mark, I think the running addiction might have really set in. Who knows?
The main problem with perfectly no-goal running is that you're settling for a lower "fall back run" duration. If your running programme gets interrupted, you're looking at 25min, then 20 min, etc, as the first month goes. Bump up slightly to 35 minute runs, and then 30 min is your first "minimum", instead of being a maximum.
It wouldn't work strictly like that, of course. If you keep doing 30 minute runs, you'll go faster and faster. Really your "minimum" would start out as just a slower 30 minute run.
Nice problem to have to figure out, though, isn't it?
Ha yes! I've actually not long come back from a five week injury break but managed the first one at 25 minutes and then straight back up to 30 mins which I'm pleased about (and a bit surprised!).
I guess my work life is so target driven that it's good for me to have something of my own where I can simply enjoy it and stick two-fingers up to goals/targets etc!
I know that lots of people thrive on setting themselves ambitious running targets and I'm glad that's great for them. Right now with running that's not me, it seems and I'm chuffed about it tbh!
Err...correct me if I wrong but isn't running for 30mins three times a week, a goal in itself? I guess its all about your starting point, but maintaining that and just enjoying being out there running is an admirable thing!
Ps Did I mention thats my goal too?!
Me too. It's what I like best - ambling along, taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside and just feeling generally glad to be alive and able to run!
Exactly that! 😊
I'm the same. I have no real desire to do any more, maybe a park run if there was one nearby. I try to run for 30 minutes three times a week. Sometimes it's 40. I feel much fitter and find I can manage walking up hills better now. I'm 60 so maybe this is my lot?
Sounds brilliant to me!
That's what I love about this program it can take us wherever we want to go, the main thing is not back to the couch. If your out there 3 times a week for 30 min then you have definitely left that couch behind, got to be a winner I think.
Definitely!
It gets right under your skin in a way no other exercise I've tried has done - very very glad I made the decision to give it a go way back on a dark Monday in early March!
The me that went out that night after dark wearing black would be shocked and amazed by the me that plods along in broad daylight now, not giving a stuff what anyone thinks!!
Just getting off the subject of running goals - for the moment. It is actually quite important to consolidate your running achievements for a while - and to not pursue further advances. Once upon a time - your body had a status quo of not exercising/running at all -- it's status quo now is not quite running for 30 minutes 3 times per week - you have of course already achieved that as a "goal" but your body has not quite yet accepted that as what is expected of it as the new status quo ! 
Consolidate - consolidate - after completing C25k -- it's good for you!!
It's interesting how everyone is so different isn't it? During the C25K I had a lot of anxiety about being massively slow - got over that (being anxious, not massively slow!!).
When I graduated and had conquered the 30 minute barrier I just wanted to be able to run for long enough to run all the way round a Race For Life - which I did but then my hip said enough was enough. Probably too much too soon. Cue 5 week break. Now just over the moon that it's not all over when I'd just got started!
A friend of mine started from nothing, joined a running club, did loads of different distances culminating in the London Marathon. I really envied her at the time but afterwards she said she hates all the PBs, all the competition (with herself included) and just wants to run for the fun of it, because she can.
It really is horses for courses isn't it?
I'm with you - happy to chug along. At least we are doing it x
Absolutely right. I love that smug feeling as I shuffle past people sitting on benches with a fag in their gob (happened today)! (I am an ex smoker as well)
More power to u !x shuffling rocks!x
Break from running/ New running goals!
Only 6 runs left! Goals, boredom & advice
Reached my goal and some!!!!
Getting nearer to the graduation goal!!😊🏆
10K is this a reasonable goal?
