After week 9.......

[Raymond16460]

What's the recommended move after graduation? Straight onto the next set of podcasts or just maintaining the 30 min/5KM distance for a while. Please don't say up to you because if it was up to me I wouldn't be on week 8, I wouldn't be on week 1 come to think of it.

[misswobble Graduate]

I would do the C25k+ Stepping stones podcasts. Do them til you get good at them. Then it's on to Bridge to 10k, and oh what fun that is 😀

[MrsLis Graduate]

First of all, congratulations for getting to Week 8! Bet you're pleased you started now!!

As for Weeks 10 and on, I think a fair number of new Graduates found themselves able to run for 30 minutes without having hit the magic 5k, so that was the first goal.

Once we reached that, it does seem to be a matter of your own preference - you can concentrate on running further and train for 5 miles, 10k, a half marathon etc; or spend time working on your speed but not doing much more than 5k. There are programmes or apps to follow to help you along. There are loads of running clubs too.

None of us want an injury so Laura's discipline of running 3 times a week probably stays with us even if we cross train on the other days.

Once the running bug has bitten you though, your running is just that, 'your' running and you can do whatever you want. Isn't that half the fun after you've graduated?

Whatever you choose to do, keep posting on here and you'll find the motivation and advice to make it possible!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

I consolidated my 30 min runs for a while, but I didnt know about C25k+ then.

The c25k+ podcasts are different to what you have been used to, introducing new tips, running to a beat, taking short light steps...

Why not try running to your own playlist for 30 mins, or carry on doing W9 and getting to the 5k mark if you not quite there yet. Only add a few extra mins each week like you have been doing. When you get comfortable with the 30 mins go onto the c25k+.

Structure and Laura again...

Whatever you decide happy running and good luck getting to graduation😊

[Millsie-J Graduate]

I'd also consolidate. Consolidate the running three times a week, build it into your lifestyle! Extend one a these runs a little each week until you get to 5k. Then consolidate the 5k so that you are confident you can do it whenever you want, Parkrun is great for this 😃👍🏼 Add in hill training occasionally too!

Then on to the 5k+ podcasts.

After that you really will have to go with whatever you want! But I'm guessing by then you will have decided where the journey will take you.

Mainly though ENJOY! You are a runner🏃🏻🏃🏽‍♀️🌟

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

I've only just got to that point but my first Park Run opened my eyes to how *enjoyable* running can be once you get to a certain level of fitness. I was already running 5k in 30-something minutes but I saw people running (walking some bits) who seemed to be enjoying it too.