Yey - Graduated 9 weeks after starting!!

[KatyKaycd]

Did my final W9R3 at the Long Eaton Parkrun this morning and boy am I glad this run is over. This was probably one of my hardest runs for two reasons: 1. it came at the end of 5 days holiday in Portugal where I ate and drank far more than was good for me and 2. I made the fatal mistake of setting off too fast. I was aiming for around 6 minutes 30 sec per km but did the first one in 6 minutes 15 so towards the end I was somewhat shattered. Anyway I made it without stopping and did the 5K in under 35 minutes and listened to Mr Smooth signing off for the last time.

I'm not sure what I will do next so ideas would be welcome - thought it might be a good idea to do some interval training to build up my strength and hopefully the 5K Parkrun will get easier. I don't have any great aspiration to run further, just slightly faster and would love to get under 30 minutes for 5K. I will certainly recommend the programme to others and very much appreciate the help and encouragement that this forum has provided.

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done congratulations on your graduation 👨‍🎓👏👏

[cathsykes]

Hi

I've thought about Long Eaton Park Run once I finish C25k

What's the course like?

[KatyKaycd Graduate in reply to cathsykes]

It is a good one to try as it is very flat. It is very popular and often gets over 400 runners so there is a wide variety of times. How far through C25K are you? You can always try the Parkrun for the longer runs from week 6 onwards and walk part of the way - many regular park runners do this.

[Kimterry Graduate]

Fantastic - great achievement. Just give yourself some time to think about what to do next. You might just want to consolidate running for 30 mins or you may decide to take the leap and train for a 10K. There's always great advice on this site, but the main thing is... to keep on running!🏃🏽‍♀️👍🏅

[KatyKaycd Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Thanks. I am determined to carry on even if it is just a weekly Parkrun.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Congratulations Katykay😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Well done on graduating and your Parkrun 👏👏👏👏👏

Maybe take a look at the c25k+ podcasts on the nhs healthunlocked site. There are three different runs for you to try there which will help you consolidate your 30 mins and one is an interval training run.

Happy running😊x

Don't forget to ask for your badge on the pinned posts.

[KatyKaycd Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan. I will take a look at the podcasts. I really want to see if the 5k gets easier over time before increasing the distance. I only started this at age 64 so am not expecting to move on to marathons!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to KatyKaycd]

You are certainly not slow Katykay...5k in under 35 mins is quite speedy in my book.😊x

[Jenny1970 Graduate]

Congratulations, it sounds like you've done really well. I'm sure you'll manage to get under 30 minutes. Good luck.

[trevorjl Graduate]

Congratulations. A tough one, but you did it.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Well done! Good speed too!

My 5k pb is at Long Eaton parkrun. Its so much flatter than my more local parkruns and terrain so good for pbs. i did it there New Years Day, it lashed it down with rain the entire morning. But I did enjoy ringing that pb bell they have 😆

[KatyKaycd Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks Jacs-W.

I think that lots of people come to Long Eaton park run to get a pb. I am just relieved that it is my local one as I really don't do hills!

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to KatyKaycd]

You will eventually! Lots of time for that , just keep running👍🏼🏃🏻‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done Graduate

As Bluebirdrunner says.. consolidation of the 30 minute runs is the key and then maybe the C25K+ podcasts.. lots of choice..but take it gently!

For now..bask in the glory