I don't know where I'm going...

[Oldfloss]

A lovely run this morning. Up a little later than normal, my excuse being that the schools are back in and I needed to let the littlies and the larger children, clear my route!

So, headed out into the sunshine; dry, calm, and a balmy 3 degrees. So different than Saturday's tempest. A brisk walk, past the daffodils, winter jasmine, snowdrops, and the elegant narcissus, showing off their creamy frills to the sun.

Speed podcast this morning and as I started my first interval, I decided on a whim, to head around the Crescent, where all the decorations were at Christmas. Lots going on, curtains open, windows letting in the morning freshness, driveways and lawns all washed clean with last night's rain, and a small cherry tree in one garden covered with tiny pink blooms!

Really enjoying the run and able to look around today. Across the main road and up the hill past the wood. Blue sky, wispy clouds, mouse-ear leaves on the hawthorn and birds flittering and fluttering. A good day to be out, and running.

The Speed podcast is interesting, I have repeated this over the last few weeks and noticed that the faster intervals suit me...holding back and going to the slower pace, has become a little tricky. I have as, posted before, done an odd sort of shuffle step, to get the pace right, but today I stayed at the faster pace for the last two intervals.

it was fine; breathing okay, relaxed shoulders and a tight core; ( that sounds so odd).

But, despite the good run, another thing I am beginning to find difficult about Speed is, it feels short; (part of the problem I am asking for help with later). It was over far too soon; I did today, finish in style, Laura, but... because I hadn't turned around at the halfway point in the run, ( duh), I was quite a way out from home. I had gone past the Bridle Path and down the hill, and because the fields are a quagmire again after the rain yesterday, I had to walk back up the hill and then all the way back down to the village. I didn't mind really, as more furniture moving waited back home. So I finished my walk-down and then just ambled back up the hill just enjoying the sunshine and a village in Monday mood.

Now... to get to the main point of the post..( at last), lovely running people... I need help.

I graduated the week before Christmas, so, little more than a beginner really, compared with some of you more expert folk.

Plain fact is, I don't know where to go from here on my running journey.

As some of you know..I did some post-graduation runs just for the sheer pleasure of, no -pressure etc, and since then I have been doing the three Couch to 5K+ podcasts regularly; I like them...but, like letting go of the comfort blanket... I need to move on. The main reason for sticking with the Couch to 5K+ podcasts is because, I really like the supportive structure, and the combination of music and a friendly encouraging voice in the ear.

I have been looking on-line at different things to download, to run to, but wonder if anyone has any suggestions. I know it sounds a tad pathetic, ( sort yourself out, woman), but I do like structure. I can put a playlist together for music etc, no problem... but I like a voice sort of spurring me on? I just feel a bit lost right now. I absolutely love my running and don't want to get into a rut,

I don't have any desire to be speedy, but I would like to increase my distance?

Any suggestions, polite ones only, please.. would be gratefully received

Thanks

[Noaky12 Graduate]

If it's distance then you could add a bit every week until you get the distance you want.

If it's structure could you do the podcasts twice which would give you the structure and added distance?

I like running to my own music now but I still let Laura come out with me every so often. ☺

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Noaky12]

Good idea.. never thought of that..what a dope I am... thanks

[Running-scared Graduate]

Hey Floss, sounds like another beautiful run, lovely post as always.

Now, nobody is more clueless than me about running, however, as you've probably gathered I'm an impatient madam, so have started planning 'what's next' as far out as a 10K run event in October... As part of this borderline obsessive prep, I stumbled across a C210K app which seemed to be very much like our C25K in terms of structure and the encouraging voice. Of course, you'd start halfway through the programme as you're already a 5k graduate, but perhaps something like this would suit you. I'm sure there's lots of 5-10K bridge apps/podcasts available and others will be far better placed to recommend the goodies.

I can't imagine you ever getting into a rut, your lovely posts about running will long continue when you find your next challenge, and the next... And the next!

Well done for your run today, can't wait for your descriptions when we're in full spring/summer bloom

X

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Running-scared]

I can imagine what you feel like. I ran for a while about 12 years ago, not well and not fast. But I covered a lot of area round where I live and since then I've walked everywhere there is to go round here numerous times. Certainly within a radius of about 8 km and in my cycling phase I extended the radius to about 25 k! I don't want to do anything official (5k or 10k or running clubs) so I have to motivate myself, but there doesn't seem anything new to discover. That worries me, if I'm feeling like that already! But I hope it will be different when I get more adventurous and can run further.

I also love the structure Laura provided, you know you can't be doing anything wrong if you stick to it. I'm a bit worried I might push myself too far, or go too fast without her voice in my ear. And then I'll lose motivation. After all it's happened in the past.

On the other hand I quite like running without music - you can hear the birds better and are more attuned to nature.

I quite like the idea of trail-running.

Somebody mentioned "Audiofuel" as music to listen to. There's some with coaching and slower stuff without.

Maybe someone else has other ideas?

You've certainly come a long way since graduating and we all love your posts - so you're going to have to think of something!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Well.. I have had lots of lovely ideas so far... I feel more positive now and am sure after a trawl around and a think this afternoon..I will have a cunning plan!

I like the music and the sound of birds... I don't have things on too loudly, as it is usually quiet, if I get off the main thoroughfare.. no traffic..Just finding a balance!

Trail running..I love the sound of

Been mixed up all week really and think also, I sent you the reply that was intended for running scared! Duh..

Thanks anyway, you will keep you posted

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Running-scared]

Sorry for the late reply.. all in a muddle moving furniture and collapsing in a heap!

Thanks for that link..I am going to spend some time this afternoon, looking it and other links up!

Thanks for all the ideas...I will definitely find something that suits my style.

I think I just felt a bit... what next'ish yesterday and don't want to lose impetus.

But.. the sun is shining today, and even though I am inside, we have moved our bedrooms around, had a good sort out and a charity bag fill! Yeay...!

I should run early tomorrow, but ice and frost forecast, so will NOT be out if that's the case.

Looking forward to your posts too... won't it be lovely when they are filled with, sunshine and blossom!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Running-scared]

OK.. I am officially really weird.. I have posted you a reply.. and sent it to JaySeeSkinny.. so she has your reply and her own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clearly, i am completely addled at the moment...!

Thanks for all your ideas and the links! I will find something after I have a look on line this afternoon and a re-think of my running plan!

I feel positive today!!!! I shall keep you posted.. hopefully you may find your original replay.. sorry!

[Running-scared Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Funny Floss! Changing rooms sounds fun, hope the bedrooms are now suitably fit and lovely for our lady Floss So satisfying when you fill charity bags, making me feel twitchy for an early spring sort out now!

Glad the others were able to share some ideas for your next running steps Floss, I'm sure you'll never lose your mojo x

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Don't worry, I like your replies even if they're not meant for me!

[shinyhappy123 Graduate]

I feel the same as you, really. I graduated 16th December so am still a mere novice...but I need to turn the screw as well. I've had some fun outings, some triumphs and some near disasters, (including tripping over on uneven paving and gashing my leg and being splashed head to drenched toe by some horrible inconsiderate driver zooming through a huge puddle...)but I have tried to do at least 3 runs a week, with one of them a longer one. I haven't even tried the podcasts properly, probably because I think I won't be able to do them....honestly, my little ego must be soooo fragile I can't bear the thought of failure after all this glorious success. I don't want to do a Parkrun because I STILL feel I will somehow goof it up and go back to being unshiny and dull. Don't want to join a running group as they will be faster/stronger/younger etc....Where do I go from here? I have decided to bite the bullet and at least try a + podcast...try and get to the magic sub-30 5k....

I know I've come a long way, from staggering, coughing and gasping after that first interminable minute to over 10k without too much trouble, but I know I could get into a comfy rut....

Sorry this is not much help! But I know the feeling....

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I sometimes do Week 1 with Laura as intervals, it's a bit longer than Speed, and you can go at your own cadence. if you're really feeling brave, try W2! Apart from that I just mix things up, a longer run once a week, or if I have to do an errand I'll run there...Oh, and some of the Audiofuel podcasts (you have to pay for them) have coaching I believe, not Laura but the same style of music...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks very much for that... lots of ideas there..maybe just time for me to sort myself out and go it alone with variations on a running theme!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

A lovely post floss. I bet you can't wait for spring and all those gorgeous colours!

Now, what's next for you? The world's your oyster really. It depends what you want to do. You could look to extend your distance, set a speed goal, change your routes, intervals, more hills (!), try a fun run in your area or even more scary, find a race and train for that. A medal is a great incentive! As you like structure I have just the suggestion. You could redo the programme but running faster in the run sections and slower in the walk sections. That way you still have Laura telling you what to do and your speed and stamina will improve too! I know a few people here have done that.

Whatever you do just make sure you love it and keep posting here to tell us all about it. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Thanks you x

Lots of things there for me to think about and work on...not sure about any public running events...I think I am too slow

Like the idea of mixing and matching what I already know, but with variations on a theme by Flossanini!

Certainly going to try and vary and extend my route was soon as the weather picks up..!

Saying that, it is glorious today, brilliant sunshine.. I am of course inside moving wardrobes and just taking a breather, phew!

Simply looking forward to Spring and getting out there without being bundled up!

Will keep you posted!

PS You okay... ? x