Thankyou all for your support and enthusiasm.

[Chrysanthemum]

What do you all do after the last run of week 9 ? And how do you get the graduate badge? I guess you all make up,your own programmes? I'd be interested in any ideas? Thanks.

[ANewMe2022 Graduate]

Hey Chrysanthemum well done for completing W9! Get your graduation badge from the Pinned Post section.

I just ran 3x a week for a couple of weeks and then moved onto the Stepping Stones podcast - which I'm going to stick with to get my legs moving faster. Enjoy your graduation ceremony...xx

[Chrysanthemum Graduate in reply to ANewMe2022]

Ok thanks, I will investigate the Stepping Stones podcast.

[Seuzan Graduate]

I still do week 9 and sometimes do the stepping stones podcasts.

I guess I could make my own playlist but I quite the encouragement you get from Laura.

I've also run without music a few times but that was harder for me...

[Chrysanthemum Graduate in reply to Seuzan]

Ok thanks Seuzan.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating Chrysanthemum🎉🎉🎉😊

Sorry I missed this I'm on the IC at the moment.

Well done, my advice would be to consolidate the 30 min runs for a bit (because you can😄) maybe with your own playlist, no pressure. Then give the c25k+ (stepping stones etc.) podcasts a go if you fancy a bit of structure and Laura.

You can do as you please you are a runner and I hope you have lots of new running adventures..😃. Do ask for your badge on the pinned posts at the bottom of the page 'graduation badges March'...xx

[misswobble Graduate]

No we don't, we follow the follow-on programme to C25k, called C25k + Stepping Stones. three separate sessions to get your legs improving -Stepping Stones, Stamina and Speed. They are free, fab and can be downloaded from here

Then when you can run those easily ish 😀 You can start To work towards 10k with another structured programme Bridge to10k.

[Chrysanthemum Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thankyou misswobble for your reply. I will download the follow on programme, I didn't know there was one until I wrote my last post and you all letting me know. I have a bit of a 'floaty' left knee lately so thought it might be wise to have a couple of days off from running. Hope I can get out tomorrow though.

I cannot imagine I would ever run 10k!.....

[Irish-John Graduate]

To be honest I am still floundering around a bit - can't seem to decide what I want to do and what is practical within my limitations both time wise and physical.

The structure and support for the 5K was amazing. Also, almost every Run lead to a new discovery, an insight or a sense of achievement. Even the 'practice' runs weren't too bad - because there was always 'tomorrow' and a chance for to tackle it again.

The 5 to 10 is what I am working on now but it really seems hit and miss in a way that the C25 never was. I really enjoy the Running still and have improved a bit on both time and distance but it feels a lot more of a 'solitary' pursuit. The 10K forum is great - don't misunderstand me - but most of us seem to be doing it in varied ways so it's not quite the shared experience it was when we were all fresh out of the starting blocks and pretty much doing identical programmes.

I'm not writing this to dishearten you, just to let you know that if you feel a bit discombobulated its something that others have shared also which makes it less of a 'panic situation' for me presently.

I just need to fix on a long term goal and have fun in the challenge of reaching it. Maybe get a bit more 'educated' about the next step - my oldest Son is suggesting I run a Marathon for my 60th in three years time. Not only would it be a 'bizzare mad totally bats--t crazy-you kind of thing' but he is pointing out that my lifelone Nemesis back home has never shut up about the Marathon he did in '85 (and he did it in 4:37 - can a 60 year old beat that? )

I dunno - maybe I'll have to start some version of Parkrun for these Yanks around here

Anyway - Congratulations on your Graduation and hope quickly find your next route out the door

[Chrysanthemum Graduate]

Thankyou for your reply Irish-John. As I've just said to misswobble I cannot imagine ever running 10k!

I shall run to my own music for a while but will download the next follow on programme, stepping stones.

I need to improve on my breathing and get a nice steady pace going and be happy with myself with my running, AND gain some confidence with running outside in daylight first so lots to work on now I think about it.

As so many other runners on this forum have said to me, being 60 is young still and I'm sure you will be able to run a marathon in 3 years time.

[misswobble Graduate]

You will if you keep going. No rush. Just keep gradually adding a little bit on to a run and you'll get there. Slow and gradual is best as you get there without hurting yourself.

Running 10k is easier in many ways to 5k I always think.