First post graduation run tomorrow

[Jomarie1979]

Feeling a bit weird about not having the programme to follow. Might also be my holiday on Wednesday that's making me lack motivation. Not sure but all I know is I'm not as excited about my run in the morning 🙃

[Gabby08 Graduate]

I was feeling like that too - so I ambitiously (and possibly slightly stupidly) signed up for a 10k in October 😬. Now I'm chomping at the bit again! I'm hoping to start doing parkrun next week. Is there anything like that near you?

[Jomarie1979 Graduate in reply to Gabby08]

Yeah we have a Parkrun. I've done it twice in the last month and really enjoyed it. I ended up running 5k this morning...I had planned to run 30mins which was 4K then thought I'd just carry on. Takes me a whole 30 mins to warm up I'm sure! Good luck with your 10k training 😊

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

Download stepping stones etc .... pronto 😉

[SC1472 Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

I agree - stepping stones will give you structure

[Gabby08 Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

I can't find this stepping stones thing everyone else keeps mentioning! What is it? Where do I find it? Do I need a secret key?! The longer it eludes me, the more it begins to turn into some huge myth in my head...!

[runlikeagirl Graduate in reply to Gabby08]

nhs.uk/livewell/c25k/pages/...

[Rignold]

I'm always surprised at how many people seem adrift at the end of the programme. I was the polar opposite. I couldn't wait to just get out there and run, free and untethered, with no instructions, no headphones, no set time or anything, just enjoying running gratia running, as it were.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Embrace the freedom. Go and run because you can, as far as you want, for as long as you want. You know your limitations by now.

Now you are free of the programme, what challenges do you fancy trying? faster time, further distance, improve your pacing, hill runs, fartlek, trail running, or exploring a new route; there's even a zombie run app if your feeling adventurous.

[Jomarie1979 Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

I went out with the intention of running for 30 mins but did another 7 to reach 5k. I think I will concentrate on my 5k time for a little while. Maybe I'll try the stepping stones podcast too.

I must say I found the run itself difficult. Loved the feeling afterwards as usual but my legs felt super heavy today.

I think I'm officially in holiday mode haha.

Thanks for your helpful reply as always 😊

[Cliff_H Graduate]

I have found Parkruns and running with my son and SO are keeping me motivated Jo. I'm using 5k pacer and C2-10k to give me the structure I had from this programme. I find it helps keep me focussed.

[mfamilias Graduate]

If you are goal- oriented, then fix yourself one, quick. Whether it's improving your 5k time, or building up your distance to however many km by whatever time, just do it (as they say). Otherwise, just enjoy your freedom to run, as Rignold says - and reflect on how far you've come since W1R1.