Calling all Graduates lost without a programme... - Couch to 5K

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Calling all Graduates lost without a programme to run with

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate
22 Replies

For those (like me) who like the structure of the C25k plan a quick search on the internet and I came across this: prostatecanceruk.org/media/...

I imagine that there are many more out there. But it would be good as a group to try and compare ideas and results. So if anyone else has any plans or app to add please do so, so we can ensure those fresh from graduating have plenty of options.

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Whatsapp profile image
Whatsapp
Graduate
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22 Replies
Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Looks a tough regime whatsapp..are you going to try it? 😯

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

Yes, it looks challenging but doable. From what I can see it is two hard training sessions a week with 3 slower runs - one of which can be replaced with cross-training instead.

My goal, is to be able to complete 5k in 25mins.

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply toWhatsapp

Good luck, and do be careful not to take on an injury.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you Bluebirdrunner . If it is too hard then I will either look elsewhere, or adjust it to suit.

I really just wanted to bounce ideas about. The point of the post was in reference to the many posts I saw from post-grads who were a bit adrift and looking for something else to fill the void the C25k plan left.

There are others which would be gentler or last longer. Like this one: mssociety.org.uk/sites/defa...

I just wanted to bounce some ideas around really, what is/ are your current regime/ goals.

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply toWhatsapp

I am now running every Mon Wed and Fri with weekends off.

I run for at least 30 mins using W9, stepping stones, or my own music. I did start incorporating a B210k run once a week (4 x10 mins) but as its a bit warm have stopped this at the mo.

I had a weeks holiday with no running about 5 weeks into this with no running but swam every day and hill walked.

Now two weeks back to my regime and I'm runner a bit quicker than before... (using a flat route at the mo) .

I find that the best part of my run now is about 20 mins in, its ok up until then, but my breathing and stride are great from this point on.

Will continue with this as I'm enjoying it, and add longer runs later in the year.

SC1472 profile image
SC1472Graduate

I think I would get confused about what run I was on! I've just downloaded a Bridge to 10k podcast (free as I am a cheapskate!!). I have yet to try it as I found it after my Monday run (stepping stones) and can only fit a short run in this evening as the first one appears to be 4 sets of 10 minute run with a minute walk in between. I will report back if it is any good after my Saturday morning run.

in reply toSC1472

A review when you have started please...

SC1472 profile image
SC1472Graduate in reply to

I did the first run this morning. The podcast is by Bluefin software. It seems to be American but works...the programme takes you through to running for 60 minutes starting with 10min run 1 min walk repeated 4 times. The music seems OK - chosen for the beat. The start of each section is just marked by a ping with an instruction. The run has a five minute, two minute and one minute remaining announcement with an overall halfway announcement.

It may not suit everybody but it worked for me as I didn't have to watch the time continuously.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

I like the look of that plan, nice and clear... I have always been rubbish at following any type of plan for anything ( apart from C25k)!!!!

Hannah27 profile image
Hannah27

Literally completed C25K, managed to get to my target of running 5k in under 30mins and haven't run since!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply toHannah27

Can I ask why you stopped?

Hannah27 profile image
Hannah27 in reply toWhatsapp

I didnt really know what to aim for next, so finding an after graduation app is what I need I think. Also had some health problems so running has caused a lot of pain (even walking causes pain). But looking at apps for next time I start running is a great idea :)

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply toHannah27

Hi Hannah, just looked at your previous posts. Are you still getting those crippling period pains?

My daughter used to have lots of problems including nasty period pains, ibs type of symtoms and bloating.

She worked in an office with lots of girls and there were always cakes and treats everyday. She decided to cut them out completely and started to cook more wholesome meals and hardly eat any processed food.

Her stomach problems really improved, she lost two stone in weight and now exercises regularly...

I know you suffer with endometriosis, but wondered if this story would help you. x

Hannah27 profile image
Hannah27 in reply toBluebirdrunner

Hi, thanks for your message. I already eat really well and don't eat much processed sugar. Have tried cutting out dairy and wheat but nothing has helped. I have morphine now as my period pain is so bad and am going to be having surgery later in the year. Its always great to hear how people have bettered themselves though - well done to your daughter for losing 2 stone!

:) xx

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply toHannah27

She decided she had had enough and was getting married...

So sorry to hear you are still suffering. I do hope your surgery helps.

Take care sweetie.xx

Hannah27 profile image
Hannah27 in reply toBluebirdrunner

Congratulations to her getting married :) Happy times! I hope her pain is better now. Oww thats really kind of you - thank you. Am willing to try anything at the moment! Need to get back to running when I can though too xx

SueKen profile image
SueKenGraduate

I definitely need something! Went for my first run "naked" this evening without any type of app or podcast in my ears, just some funky music and off I went. Blrgh! Definitely the post grad equivalent of a practise run! Didn't get very far before the gremlins kicked in. Had to laugh though when I finally reached the sign where I thought I might start walking, and just at that point Take That sang "Stop. Being so hard on yourself" - had to laugh! So will need a new plan. Luckily no such issues so far at park run though 🙂

DaleSale profile image
DaleSaleGraduate

I went for my first run after graduating this week with the speed c25k+ and died. Trying to find something to get me closer to 5km in 30 mins currently about 3.5km.

KimLoulou profile image
KimLoulouGraduate

I haven't graduated yet either tomorrow or Saturday morning. But I downloaded a 5 to 10K app from iTunes.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate

Interesting to see the general consensus after graduation seems to be either and endless repeat of the C25k+ podcasts or to go for a 10k app/ plan.

I don't feel I run 5k the best I can do yet, and feel I want to nail this distance down before even contemplating 10k.

Besides I started this programme because I knew I could fit in 2-3 30 minute runs into my week. I don't think I am ready for the commitment required to move to 10k.

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply toWhatsapp

The B210k runs are quite tiring. I tried them last year and got up to 3 x 19, but this was taking about an hour and 20 mins with warm up/down and became too much to do more than one a week. I still tried to do a 30 min run every so often to make sure I still could!

After a spell on the ic enjoying just the 3 x 30 like you say, it doesn't take up too much time, and building up stamina and speed just by regular flat runs.

Good luck with your running Whatsapp, every run is a good one and improves your fitness.😊x

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you. At the moment I am motivated to just keep on running, but it would be nice to have a follow on programme for those that don't want to increase distance (time) running necessarily, but do want to improve. Especially the many who don't achieve 5k in 30mins by graduation.

Maybe I should try to create one 🙋that's how C25k came about after all.

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