Well after reading all about Irish johns inspiring post on his 5k run I decided to take the bull by the horns and change my route tonight & tackle a few of the "wee hills" that I have been avoiding ! I must admit the first 10mins were hard going and once I started seeing the hills I remembered someone(sorry can't remember who! ) posting to take smaller strides which I did & I didn't look too far ahead as that would put me off! Anyway kept slowly running but ended up doing 4k in 35mins30secs and to be honest wasn't too bothered about times as chuffed to have included hills & it also opens up a lot more routes to me!! I'm still struggling without the 5k structure only got 2 runs in last week but really want to do 3x30mins minimum a week as so much wanting to lose the weight as well! Has anyone else struggled a wee bit after graduation ! Think I need to get back to every second day 😊 this forum a god send though as it keeps me going!! 🏃🏃😊x
New route & Hills....: Well after reading all... - Couch to 5K
New route & Hills....
I only managed 2 runs last week too (My first week after graduation.) Like you, I want to do three thirty minute runs a week Congrats for facing the hills, I have actually grown to Love them (where I live, what goes up must come down!!! On the way down I feel like I'm flying!!!) On that note I must go to bed as I'm due to run in the morning and at this rate won't manage to get up in time!!! Good luck with your three runs this week, 🏃🏃🏃and I totally agree, this group is an absolute Godsend!!!😊😊😊
Night night & enjoy your morning run🏃🏃😊 you can give me tips for hills & let's see if we both get 3runs this week😊😊x
My only tip for hills is to remember you can always go slower, and keep at em, one foot in front of the other, that's how I've managed. I ran a 'hilly' race yesterday and saw how my hill work had paid off. There were lots of little hills (where as I'm used to running big long hills) I noticed that I didn't find the short hills any extra effort, more of a welcome challenge. I could feel many of my fellow runners slowing considerably as soon as they hit the incline, where as I didn't need to. I could also run down the steeper ones faster than many of my fellow runners simply because I am so used to them. I ❤️ hills, it feels as though my body automatically shifts into a different gear, as though it says ok, we've got some work to do here, head down and power through. It's a gear which feels really good.
Good for you I will take them more into my runs! Been struggling to get out as much as I'd like as so much on at this time of year! Only getting out about twice where I was aiming for three runs a week! But every run better than none😊 happy running😊🏃🏃🏃😊x
That was a good time - especially going up hills! I'm still struggling keeping motivated since graduation. I really enjoyed the structure of the programme and seeing little advances each week. I feel like I've peaked now though, that I'm not improving which is a bit demotivating. Maybe I need to find a new route like you. It's hard with dark nights too.. I could go on, I've plenty more excuses where that came from!
I know what you mean!!! I think the dark nights don't help as I prefer running straight after work! However I feel so much better after a run as it lifts my spirits & seems to help me eat healthier too😊 big bonus since trying to lose weight. We just have to keep each other going hence the postings😊even though im Not sure I'm progressing much! 😂 we just have to remind ourselves how well we have done & think of spring & light nights😂😂2 runs better than none keep on 🏃🏃🏃x
I try to get at least 2 runs in each week if possible. If I haven't run for a week I am pleasantly surprised that it hasn't affected me at all.
I'm scared though that if I put them off for too long then I will lapse back into unfitness (is that a word?). I like the new me, life in general seems much easier now.
Without the forums and being able to post about runs then I think there would be far less motivation to keep going.
Hi simmypie I so agree😊I was surprised I managed both hills & 4k after only 2 runs I've thought of several variations to keep me going but stuck in a rut a bit but at least we did 2 runs ! We just must keep going & posting I will look out for you😊😊 we can all motivate each other!🏃🏃😊x
Hi Pc59 .. did you get your music sorted out so you could try the c25k+ podcasts. The music beat and counting can really help to carry you along and get you through the 30 mins.
Good for you for taking on hills..it does open up new routes and **whisper** as you have graduated you can walk for a moment or two if you need to, to get to the top then will find you can carry on running easier for longer.. (see Bridge to 10k training). I got stuck on 30 minutes for months as I thought if I stopped running I wouldn't be able to start again but can now run for 50 minutes (with two 1 minute walk breaks and hills). I think once you get these regular long runs going you can lose weight (you do have to eat well though..not too many treats)😉
Happy running😊xx
Hi thanks for post some sound advise😊 got my music back but I haven't tried the c25k + again so I must give that a go as I am in a rut of 30mins!!! I changed my runkeeper to telling me every 0.5k & not the times as my son suggested & aimed for 4k instead of 30 mins so that helped! I need to try varying it to get the distance! So glad of the"whisper" it sounds stupid but all about the mindset!! But I'm thinking I'm failing if I walk a bit and scared il not go back to running as I did struggle on the hilly bits! So thanks I'm going to try that!! Treats a minimum 😂 on slimming world had visitors at weekend so a few extra wines!! Hence I must get 3 runs in!! You got me motivated though THANKS I will let you know how I get on as I'd love to do another 5k!! X
I know I felt (a walk break) was cheating, but its what they tell you to do on the Bridge to 10k plan.. and how we started training in the first place... I still mix it up with c25k+ for continous 30 min runs but if you try the Sammi Murphy podcasts you do bitesize running sections 4 x10 to start with and tiny (60 sec) walk breaks, which are actually brilliant at extending your running time. The idea is to work up to an hours continous running..and again I believe this does work, I'm not there yet, but have found it improves my stamina.
Good luck and lots of different things to try...still with structure if you want it or just for fun sometimes. You will do 5k again soon and beyond..😊xx
Ah thanks im going to look at that podcasts & get on to c25k+ as i think its good to vary it! 3runs a week here i come!!😂Xx
Just back from my 30 minute run. wk 9 with Laura and Julie..😊😊
It was lovely..
Well done the rest a dawdle😊😊🏃🏃😊x
Yes I recommend the 5K+podcasts . I did each of them at least 3 times (mix and match for variety) before starting Bridge to 10K but I like to go back to them as they are nice to do, especially if I have less time available
Definately going to look at that!😊x
Wow! Sounds very good and sounds as if, like me, you live in an area where being brave enough to tackle some hills gives a whole load more interesting runs. Hard work but worth it!
Well done on the 4km Phyllis! 
As you say, by tackling those hills you've given yourself more options of places to run, and tackling those hills will also be improving your strength as well, so it's all good (although at the time I bet it didn't feel that way!) Keep on running, and don't be too hard on yourself for not doing 3 x 30 mins, as you know...just one single run every week is *far* better than a whole week on the couch! x
So very true! Can't be long now Lee for that graduation😊😊😊x
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