W9R2

[natblonde]

Done! Just one to go and then graduation (fingers crossed).... I am worried once I have reached my goal I will let it slip and not keep it up. Are there any podcasts post C25K. Or maybe I should start thinking about distance rather than time??

[heavyhorse Graduate]

I think motivation can slip a bit after graduation but it can help to have a plan, there are podcast on speed and stamina etc. and a bridge to 10k app, I think most people here recommend consolidating your 3 weekly runs of 30 mins for a few weeks before progressing. It might help to enter a race or commit to a weekly or monthly parkrun, or to have a goal of 10 k by a certain timescale or to get to or stick to 5 k's but work on speed! The choice is yours now, there is also a quest here, I think the posts are pinned, where you can join and set your own goals for a 6 week period and you can comment on your progress! Good luck with graduating!

[natblonde Graduate in reply to heavyhorse]

I think sticking to the 3 x 30 mins for a few weeks sounds like a good idea. I am still finding it hard so hopefully by not adding time for a while will help and once it gets easier I will want to do it and keep it up!!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to natblonde]

Ooh it's getting very close now !

Yes I thinking sticking to the 3 X 30 mins is a great idea . Just to get you used to running 30 mins at a time . Have you a Parkrun near you ? They're really good !

Good Luck for your Graduation run ! xxx

[natblonde Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Yes I have the Milton Keynes and Northampton close by but have worked out it will take me approx 42 mins to do 5K so need to increase the time. Do people walk on parkruns? I am definitely keen to do one

[poppypug Graduate in reply to natblonde]

Hi Nat, yes people walk , please don't worry about your time at all, it wont be an issue at all. 42 minutes is a very respectable time , but it doesn't really matter at parkrun, its fun ! xxx

[Harebell2014 Graduate]

My motivation slipped MASSES after graduation, so much so that I am now working through the programme again! What I did find a big help though was to sign up for races via Virtual Runnner, as that gave me something to work towards- a goal to focus on, as heavyhorse says. I'm really looking forward to building it all back up and I can honestly say that I am more motivated with having a goal to reach.

I like the Virtual Runner because it fits in with life commitments, you still get a medal and by using an app (I use Map My Run), you have a record of your achievements- Also I am a very unsociable runner- I enjoy the solitude- so again that suits me perfectly...Downside is though that there's no one to keep you focused.

All the best for you graduation run, it's a great feeling. xx

[natblonde Graduate in reply to Harebell2014]

Thank you and well done for getting back into it. I will take a look at Virtual Runner I am unsociable too, I have only run with my husband twice but he is hardly putting in any effort at my pace!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Don't worry Nat. You are not a quitter, you have gotten this far and once you have done your graduation run and gotten your badge...you won't want to stop doing something that gives you such a buzz.😊

Maybe do some 30 min runs, trying new things...your own music, different routes. Then there are the Couch 2 5k+ podcasts to have a go at. Laura will take you through them.

Good luck and will be listening out for your whoop whoop as you graduate.😊