Post graduate whinge

Don't read on if you're keen and starting out!

I did my graduation run on the first of July so pleased with myself, first park run, sub 30 minutes etc then did another even faster. Entered a 10K for October, tried the stepping stones podcast- thought I was going to pass out, did something to my ankle and haven't run since.

I'm so fed up and disappointed with myself, thought I was doing really well and now I just lack any structure or focus and all that effort is going to waste.

If you are approaching graduation then just be sure to have some sort of goal in place and don't over do it. Use those stepping stone podcasts with caution. My ankle even hurts when I swim.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Er.. I don't think it was the Stepping Stones podcast that did the damage. I think it was the fact you ran too fast too soon. A sub 30 park run is great but so soon after graduation???!!! And then another even faster? You're still a new runner and your running legs hadn't built up enough with strength and stamina.

You do give good advice when you say "don't overdo it" and I'm sorry you are now on the IC but this is really a cautionary tale for others. Thanks for posting and I hope you can get back to running when your ankle recovers.

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

It's funny. Fast runners do seem to struggle with stepping stones etc. whereas I'm quite a slow runner and find them ok. Laura does describe the correct stride as a short 'cycling' style I.e not long strides and to lift up the feet. I'm wondering if long fast striders are not so well suited?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Commiserations, but you will be back.

Don't quite agree with O'HRH, above, you might have turned your ankle, or whatever, at a slow pace just as badly and frankly at any stage of your running career.

Also, your sub 30 min parkrun is probably more of a reflection of your age and physical fitness prior to C25k rather than the fact that you were doing too much. Just because most people do not get a sub 30minutes 5k during the plan, does not mean that those who do are overdoing it........just that they are fitter at that stage than those who don't.

She is quite right, however, in reminding you, and all new graduates, that they are still very, very new runners and need to take it easy.

I would also advise, from my personal experience, that the music on the C25k+ podcasts can seriously damage your health.

[Rockette]

Oh I do so understand your frustration, been there got the t shirt ! ( not the sub 30 park run ) 😂but the ankle injury so soon after graduation . You will get back into it I did. Just take it steady . I'm now doing c25k for the third time because I fell out with running for 2 years. Try some physio on your ankle it really helps . Buit you will be back . Good luck

[Hidden]

Thanks all

I know it wasn't the stepping stones podcast that caused my ankle pain but was so frustrated that I couldn't keep up with it anyway just moaning really because I was enjoying running!

Have found a ASICS app and downloaded that so hopefully will get back on it!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You'll find plenty of post grad whinging about ASICS plans on the Bridge to 10K and Marathon/Race forums! (But people still use them - possibly whinging is a necessary part of the training process...)

The C25K forum Quests are a good way of learning to set goals.