Learning to be my own Laura

[belonger]

It's taken me a week to motivate myself to run again since I graduated - what a difference it made, having a programme to complete! But I hauled myself out from under the duvet this morning and did 30 minutes - I tricked myself into it by telling myself that I'd just do 20 minutes, 'that feels very manageable' (blimey, I couldn't have said that a couple of months ago!). Then when I got to 20 minutes I wanted to carry on and finish.

I wanted to run without any music so just had an interval trainer which I set to beep every five minutes. I loved hearing the billowy breeze in the trees and the birds starting to wake up. I missed Laura's encouragement but keep telling myself I was doing well and had a little mantra in the last ten mins of 'stamina and endurance' to encourage me to keep going.

I think I might try and add a couple of minutes each week until I can do 5k. I think I'm doing 3-3.5 at the mo.

Life beyond graduation!

[Wizziewood]

Well done you!

It can feel a bit of a void when you've graduated can't it.

There's no harm in taking Laura out with you occasionally and what about doing a Parkrun, great atmosphere and no pressure to be competitive.

Good luck with your future runs, happy running!

[belonger Graduate in reply to Wizziewood]

Thanks, I have thought about Park Run but it doesn't appeal yet, I'm not one for big groups of people. Maybe I'll go and watch one and see how it feels.

I love Laura but I've really heard enough of Laura's music! So it was a relief to go out without the music this morning.

I think now I've got myself out again 'on my own' I'll keep at it - fingers crossed!

[Wizziewood in reply to belonger]

Totally agree with you about the music!

Don't be put off Parkrun, admittedly there are loads of runners at the start but if you hang back and start slowly you soon establish your own 'space'. I always run on my own during the week but look forward to the Parkrun, I find running with others is a distraction and the time passes less slowly (notice, I don't say quickly!).

Good luck with whatever you do!

[belonger Graduate in reply to Wizziewood]

Thanks, that's really encouraging

[Enricakita]

Is there not an equivalent plan for post grad ppl?

[belonger Graduate in reply to Enricakita]

Hi, I think there's one for people working towards a 10k goal, but I'm way off that! I think I'll set myself some intermediate goals and see how I get on.

[Rowville]

Yes I found the run post graduation much easier than the final week think it must be a head thing, but no pressure the next run. I'm way off 5 k at the moment but still using Sarah trying to go slightly faster for a bit and increase time every other run till I get to the magic 5 !! Good luck

[buddie17 Graduate]

Well done for graduating! I'm a long way off yet.... but I was just wondering who / what is Laura?? I can't see a c25k pod cast with that name!

Thanks, Bud x

[belonger Graduate in reply to buddie17]

Laura is the woman who talks us through the runs on the NHS C25k, she's great! Are you using te NHS podcasts?

[buddie17 Graduate in reply to belonger]

Ah!!! I seem to have the BBC one.... I guess that's different podcasts then! Thanks x

[MagicandCastles Graduate]

Try Zombie run! It's a story where you are the hero running for supplies to save the camp, the occasional zombie chases (if you turn them on) to make you run a bit faster for for a bit so hopefully it'll help build overall pace in the long term. It's fun though and makes sure I'm getting out post graduation to see what happens next! You don't have to listen to music with it, it just pipes up with a bit more story when occasionally during the run.

[belonger Graduate in reply to MagicandCastles]

That sounds fun!

[MagicandCastles Graduate in reply to belonger]

It really is! zombiesrungame.com