Reverse Psychology!!!

[Msken]

So I graduated just over two weeks ago and I've tried lots of stuff to keep it interesting.

A couple of 30 min consolidation runs, stepping stones, a longer stamina run and even tried a bit of interval running to improve my speed.

I've achieved quite a bit - increased my speed from snail to slug, I can now do just over 4k in 30 minutes which for me is a massive achievement as my little legs are slooow. I can now also run 5k and could probably run further.

But I really haven't found it much fun. I've challenged myself and of course am proud of my achievements but each run has been hard work. I've felt every minute and am desperate to finish.

So today I set myself a new challenge - to have the most enjoyable 5k run I can. To run slow and take in my surroundings, to enjoy my music, to enjoy how my body was feeling, to avoid thinking about how many kms I'd done or what speed I was going or when it was going to end.

Guess what? It worked!!! I didn't think I'd have another run that felt like week 5, run 3 but this was close!! It was so liberating just running rather than gearing myself for some kind of fight.

I'm a naturally competitive person and always want to be better but perhaps better isn't faster, it's just being happier running??

And relax....happy running people 😎

[misswobble Graduate]

Go steady! It's so easy to get injured if you go too quick too soon, e.g. Before your running legs are built

Slow runs build legs. The stepping stones podcasts are really good. They are interval based sessions 🙂

[Pc59 Graduate]

Im already thinking about all the good advise & motivation from Old Floss, a very wise runner😊🏃. The first time I graduated i felt exactly the same & missed the structure of c25k & ended up getting out of the way of my runs! Im back 😂so must be something keeping me running & this time after week 9 i am going to run for enjoyment!! Not just to continually feel ive to get better, faster just run for pleasure 😊so keep going & enjoy!

[Msken Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Running for pleasure is definitely the way I'll be going from now on 😀

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Msken]

That's always been the point. Pleasure.

[Pc59 Graduate]

Good for you👍Me too😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

So you have discovered the truth........at last.....

Well done.