I've got 5 more runs to graduation and I'm definitely feeling that it's within my grasp now. Like my other forum buddies with graduation in their sights (JaySee can reach out and touch it, if she's not careful she might run straight past it 😂😂) my thoughts have been turning to what next? Laura is a bit of a crutch to me. I can't imagine running without a goal or a target on each run, it's just the way my mind works. I've come to realise that I'm competitive even if my only competition is myself!
I did my W8R1 last night and it was great. Tough, but only in the "I feel like I've had a good workout" sense. I don't approach W9 with any trepidation and could probably run for 30 minutes now if I kept going but the plan has served me well so far so I'll stick to it to the letter. I'm a stickler for the rules 😉
I didn't use runkeeper last night so mapped my run manually when I got back and I covered 4.2km in the 28 minutes. So my first mini target for myself after graduation is to work on 5k in 30 minutes. I think I'd like parkrun but they're all on Saturday mornings and I have another commitment.
What do the C25k + podcasts involve?
If you've read this long rambling post, well done! Treat yourself to a brew. You deserve it! 😁☕
Written by
PumpKim
Graduate
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I can't wait for next week when many of the circle hit that finishing line... the whoops of joy will echo around the country!
You stick to the plan... slow, steady and you will get there.
A few runs after Graduation just for fun with no pressure maybe....
The podcasts... all different and all fun...in their own way. People have their own opinions of them..if you read some of my recent past posts there is quite a lot about the podcasts.
I thoroughly enjoyed them...initially I did them all three times each.. chose one each week for three runs, exactly the same as the Couch25K runs... day run, day off.
I did it like that so I could see what they involved., also, needed the reassurance and structure of Laura...I mix and match now and yesterday ran without anything!!!!
Getting more confident!
Lots of advice will be given and you will have fun finding your own way too!
Fantastic running and I think we all work towards our own goals. For me as a 52 year old, to run at all is amazing! I graduated about 25 weeks ago now but it felt strange to leave Laura behind so once I was on the programme, with no walk breaks, I just used Runkeeper without the C25K podcast. I preferred the peace and quiet and now continue without music, just a Runkeeper prompt every km!
I had plans to go straight on with a 10k programme but I lasted a week before my legs started to warn me they had already done a lot. I settled down to 3 x30 mins which allowed me to get back on track. One of my run days, just felt good so ran to 5.5k which psychologically broke a barrier. On my "long run day" I just kept running a bit further each time - 6,7,8 and 10! Still kept to 5k the other 2 days. I discovered new places to run - fields, tracks in the woods etc to keep it fun.
It's all about personal goals but only if your legs agree. I'm still not doing 5k in 30 mins. I have just focussed on distance but run at a comfortable speed. First 5k at parkrun in 43 mins. When I run 5k now, about 32 mins! I would be worried about injury to go flat out and most of my running is on soft ground so I am kind to myself and make it fun. Julie
I completed week 8 day 2 yesterday and I'm very similar to you - I'm a stickler for the rules and think I'm going to miss Laura. I've downloaded the C25K+ podcasts and had a listen and I'll give them a go. I've also got lots of goals to accomplish - running outside for the first time (I currently run on a treadmill), running 5k, and then running 5k in 30mins. I think those goals will take me a while and then I'll have to think of new ones!
Hi PumpKim, thank you for my honourable mention in your post! I think it's more likely I smash into one of the flags at the finishing line because my glasses are steamed up! I do know that many of us are heading fast towards graduation and that is partly because of the wonderful community and fantastic people on this forum.
I'll save the rest for my "graduation speech". Hopefully some time this week.
You're running as fast as me at my fastest, when I get told off for running too fast because my breathing is ragged. So you're doing really well! You'll smash the next runs and I really look forward to being part of it!
The + podcasts have music with a beat to run to - "Speed" is a short intervals run, "Stamina" does just what it says on the tin, and "Stepping Stones" is designed to be a sort of carry on from C25K. Give them a go, I find them quite addictive...
I think I feel the same way as you. I want to be able to achieve 5k. I think I will probably achieve it in sub 40 minutes, but I would like to be able to whittle that down when I can. I think I will run to my own music (no offence to the plan, but some of the music is a bit dire!!), which I'm looking forward to. I'm also running two 5Ks for charity so I have things to keep me going. I think once I'm happy running for 5k I'll look into the C25K+ plans, too
Well done, and well done on pace. Just started using runkeeper for last 2 runs. I'm managing 3.85km in 28 mins. Initially disappointed but I have to remind myself I couldn't run half a km 8wks ago! So I think my target after graduation will be 5 K in 30! On the home strait. Go us!
Hi pumpkin, I have just started doing the c25k + podcasts and run 'stepping stones' three times. It is 30 mins of running with Laura but you are running to slighty increasing beats. I enjoyed it.
However, I have been running for several weeks since graduating with just my own music doing at least 30 minutes each time, and found this settled into something I could do without too much trouble first.
Would recommend you do something similar, but it is good to have Laura back with some structure again. Im going to have a go at the speed and stamina podcasts next.
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Wk2R2 in your eye gym scales! Yes!! 
Weeeeeeee! I did it... where's my lovely badge?!
Immensely proud and a little bit sad
C25K: Week 1 was an eye-opener.
W9R3 completed but disappointing
