A whole bunch of us on here have graduated recently - how's your running life? What works and what doesn't? Are you having fun or are you lost without a structure to follow?
I graduated last Monday (31/10) and had one fun run before attempting to knuckle down . I've decided to keep running 3 times a week and do 1 run at a steady pace, increasing time each week by 10% (so at some point in this century I will hit 5k and then get it down to 30 mins or thereabouts) and then use the other 2 runs to play with stepping stones and W1R1 of C25K but running/jogging instead of jogging/walking for the latter. Well that's the plan and I'm off-track already as will have to run on the treadmill twice this week instead of outdoors (have to go to the office more than planned this week - boo!)
What are you guys up to?
Also thinking about winter running gear as my legs got quite chilly running on Sunday - red blotches is not the most attractive look Will try running in tracksuit bottoms next time I'm outdoors and see how that goes.
Written by
CarolStr
Graduate
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I tried Stepping Stones - it really is great. I've gone on to Gateway to 8K now (Podrunner) as I think without some kind of structured plan and progression I'll struggle to stay motivated. But that works towards 50 minutes of running and to be honest I didn't really enjoy running today as I was freezing cold, so might be the wrong time of year to try and work towards 50 minutes three times a week
The C25K+ podcasts are all pretty good, but with the exception of Stepping Stones they make you push a bit harder than I want to on my spindly legs at the moment
Graduated about the same time as you but not run for a week as laid low with heavy cold and cough. Can't wait to get better and get back to it. Like you I am still not up to a 30 min 5k run but hoping to just keep up with the 3 runs a week and progress will come organically I hope. Impressed with your regime. Registered for park run and planning to do my inaugural run on Boxing Day on Crosby beach with the iron men with my sister who is a seasoned park runner. Good luck to you.
Sounds like you have a varied cunning plan there ! Good idea to still increase time and stamina . As I have found running 6K is that when I drop down to 5K it is easier and can experiment with more inclines or technique. I like my challenges but am happy even if I only do 30 minutes which was my original aim to keep my fitness.
One thing you could do if you don't already is post on the pinned post entitled "Quest" a 6 week plan currently on week 5. This is where some of us have a 6 week plan with some modest targets where discuss successes and progress or not.
Myself I plan to run a bit further and tackle more inclines and do more core exercises. The running is OK but it reminds me to discipline me to start doing my core exercises.
At moment mainly consolidating having had 2 weeks break not running after moving home. Also getting used to running in a cold climate which I'm just doing after 3 runs getting used to it. Also grappling with the big problems of mankind such as should I wear woolly hat and gloves or not ?
The main thing is to try and keep it interesting. For me I will continue even if it is running regularly at moment twice per week between 5 and 6K to keep my fitness and wellbeing. Has developed into a good habit.
When I get round to it I may try the speed podcasts !
Hiya, like the idea of the 'Quest' pinned post; will mosey over and take a look. Agree that it's important to keep it interesting; one of my main worries (apart from collapsing in a heap) is that I'll get bored so will need to change my routes every so often. 30 mins on a treadmill is a killer boredom-wise; much prefer to be outdoors but the dreadmill is a necessity sometimes sadly.
Well done on graduating. I completed W3R3 a year ago and immediately got hooked on Parkrun. I've done 47 in total at 6 different locations. Parkrun is perfect for camaraderie and for getting one run per week in the bag. The welcome I received and the references to local running clubs led me to join one. Their training runs became another weekly run sorted.
Ok, I got a bit obsessive after that and have run four 10k races and taken part in a summer series of races. Next year I've entered a 10 mile race and may even think about a half marathon. We'll see.... it's addictive!
Congratulations on graduating. Sounds like you have a good plan! I graduated at Easter this year and have used the couch to 5k+ podcasts, I particularly like speed and stamina. What I do is run the podcast then run the cool down instead walk to increase the distance. I try to do two shorter runs and one longer one each week but it is very difficult to maintain this. I still can't run 5k in 30 minutes and wonder if I will ever achieve that! So I am focusing on distance and being able to run for a longer time.
Re: winter gear - I've got some Karrimoor windproof leggings (thicker layer of fabric on thighs) they are great in the cold weather.
Hi Carol Great to hear from you I also graduated about the same time as you & like you I am trying to keep some structure & plans in sight!! I did achieve running 5k which I was so chuffed with but it took me 44mins!! So it'll be a long time to get to 30mins if ever😀😀 however il be chuffed if I can keep to 3 times a week at 30 mins! I was on hols last week & did a lot of walks/hill walks and was amazed at how much fitter I was😊 . Went out for a run on sat when I came home & it was a definate 20min practise as 2 mins in to the c25k+ podcast my phone died! I'd no record of distance & no music😣 I was so close to turning round to go home but didn't & ran for 22mins but no idea of times etc!! So back out tonight brr.... Freezing cold in Scotland! But managed 31mins & 3.65k😊not my fastest but my legs were so cold! Layers on top half & was ok but legs were cold!! So thanks to skyesue16 il be checking out Karrimor leggings.. Keep in touch I am aiming for running 3 nights/days a week if I can but not keen on dark nights!! O also took up Pilates & fair enjoyed that for working your core muscles! Keep on posting & happy warmer running x
Hi, I did my first Post Grad run yesterday and treated myself to a really slow run after pushing myself hard for the last two runs of week nine. I intend to run for 30 mins twice a week, one really slowly, one with c25k+, then a third increasing by 10% in terms of time. I hope that keeps me interested until my first 'race' which is the first weekend of December. I intend at some point in the future to work towards a 10km. That's the current plan anyway!!! Well done for getting back out there and enjoying it after your run when your phone died. Keep us updated on your progress.
Hi. Oh well I must admit iv not ran since graduating on Friday. I developed a bad back and struggled just getting up and down off a chair. It is a lot better now after a few days of painkillers so I'm hoping that my post grad run will happen maybe toward the end of this week. 😔 As for winter gear .iv got a couple of pairs of running pants/leggings not sure what the correct name is for them. Also just got a new running jacket to keep me warm . I don't mind running if it's cold because you soon warm up but I think the rain would stop me going out for sure .I need to make a plan also because I havent planned what I'm doing past my post grad run .definitely keeping up with it though once my back has sorted itself out 😀
I graduated a couple of weeks ago and have pretty much just stayed with the same 3 days a week workout. I've ventured outside some and have done some more run walk intervals. The last couple of workouts have been warmup, 10 minute run, 1 minute walk, 10 minute run, 1 min. walk, then run 'til I hit 2 miles, which today was about 13 minutes. My short term goal is a 5k on the 24th.
My wife ran in a local half marathon on Sunday and it was very inspiring to see so many athletes of all sizes and capabilities!
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. I've decided to keep running 3 times a week and do 1 run at a steady pace, increasing time each week by 10% (so at some point in this century I will hit 5k and then get it down to 30 mins or thereabouts) and then use the other 2 runs to play with stepping stones and W1R1 of C25K but running/jogging instead of jogging/walking for the latter. Well that's the plan and I'm off-track already as will have to run on the treadmill twice this week instead of outdoors (have to go to the office more than planned this week - boo!)
Will try running in tracksuit bottoms next time I'm outdoors and see how that goes.
How do you track km and map a route out?
Post Grad Encouragement (and cake)
Warning to all Newbies - This can become addictive 
For all you Treadmill haters/bashers out there
Post Grad Runs :( :( Disappointing
