Thanks Michael Jordan, but it’s time to move on

[EmmaRunning]

So I finally did it, graduated, not as gracefully as I was hoping at all. I was on the treadmill with a runny nose and a stitch checking the clock about every 30 secs whilst watching the green lights flash on the machine. I was hoping for a slightly faster sprint at the end and a feeling of elation when I broke through the virtual ribbon but instead I felt desperation!

Whilst MJ’s gentle coercing has helped a lot I love this group as it’s really helpful for advice/tips etc - thank you.

And obvs the burning question - what now? Where do you go next - further or faster, if you go further does it make you faster at 5k or are they two different skills? Looking for advice as I’m not sure what I am looking to achieve now (having not really thought I would get this far until v recently). Thanks

[JoanneBrowne Graduate]

Well done!

[Jax-1 Graduate]

Well done! I'm due to finish mine this week and was going to ask the same thing! What next? 🎉

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Jax-1]

Ooh how exciting, hope it’s an exhilarating run. Will share any ideas.

[Jax-1 Graduate in reply to EmmaRunning]

Thank you 😀

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to EmmaRunning]

So Jax-1 most people’s advice is to consolidate the 30 mins runs for a while then go for either speed or distance. The couch to 10k was mentioned too. Good luck whichever way you go.

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Woohoo, fantastic and enjoy your place on the podium 🏆🥇🍾 consolidation it the next step and enjoy the runs 👏

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

Thank you

[rolysmate Graduate]

Congratulations`and well done on your graduation, time for consolidation.

Keep up with your 3 runs and build some more strength, maybe look into doing a few park runs, if you're not quite making 5k yet maybe push out that bit further to get there and take your time to think about where the adventure takes you next.

I graduated August have since run 10k and have now signed up for a half marathon in June

Wherever the journey takes you enjoy

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Thank you so much for the advice and congrats to you. Sounds like you’re having a great time since graduating.

[Kimterry Graduate]

Well done! Agree, it's time for consolidation - just getting used to running for 30 mins. Take it slow and steady and you will find that as you get stronger you can run for further. I've done a couple of virtual runs - making money for charity and also getting a nice bit of bling! I still can't run a 5K yet, but I regularly make 5K by using my warm up and cool down walks. It's your journey and you'll do what feels right for you. Good luck and keep on running! 🏃🏽‍♀️👍🏅

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Thanks - what do you mean by virtual runs? They sound interesting.

[Kimterry Graduate in reply to EmmaRunning]

Virtual runs are runs that you can do on your own anywhere e.g. Running on a street, park, treadmill etc. A company called Vietual Runners promotes lots of runs with some of the entry fee going to charity and you get a bit of bling (medal) too! I'm a solitary runner, so I find these virtual runs good for my motivation. I have done two; the first was a poppy run which a number of fellow forum runners took part in too.

[Kimterry Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

Virtual runners! There are probably other similar companies too.

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done congratulations l graduated 2 weeks ago and lm still running every other day weather conditions permitting haven’t missed one as yet🤞. I did put MJ on for the first few runs but now lm not and lm just running for as long as l want 45 mins or so. Really enjoying the freedom. Going to plan my next Chapter over the holidays and have a goal of a 10k for the Autumn. Lots of good podcasts out there have a browse. Happy running. 👍🏃‍♀️

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Wantorun2013]

Ooh congrats to you the 10k sounds like a good goal - any particular podcasts that you’ve found helpful? Thanks.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate]

Great great achievement, it's Michael Johnson not Michael Jordan though

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Haha. Poor man, he supports me for 9 weeks and I can’t even remember his name! Hope he doesn’t take it to heart! Lol.

[Copleyrunner]

Sign up for park run.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

You did just great. Congratulations graduate!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Michael Johnson puts in all that hard work with you for 9 weeks and you go and thank someone else, LOL

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

I know! How ungrateful is that?? I’m sure he told me his name before every run as well. I blame it on the lack of oxygen at the end!

[Christene Graduate]

Hey, congratulations on the graduation, just take a few moments to bask in the glow of being on the top step, you’ve earned it, and done it the hard way, on the dreadmill.

It’s as boring as watching paint dry, but it’s safe ...

Same comments as everyone else for what next ... a few more 30 minute runs then look to either increase distance, or pace, or both if you’re that ambitious, with the right program ...

Again ... Congratulations 🥇

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Christene]

Thank you. It’s good to hear consistent advice

[Imeviesgranny Graduate]

Oh well done!!!! Getting through what might be described as the all singing all dancing final run but feeling more like a melted candle is a great achievement 🏅🎉👏. I’m two runs behind you and looking forward to my final run this week. Think I’ll attach some jingle bells to my person and complete my C25k journey in the spirit of Christmas!

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Imeviesgranny]

Ooh exciting times - I wish you luck and Christmas cheer across the finish line. Hope it’s a good one.

[bsimonuk]

I just graduated on Sunday and also on the treadmill because of the weather and i also found it long. I just did my first post-graduate run tonight. It was cold but I wore several layers and my running jacket and a hat and gloves ... I had to be careful about some icy patches . I am re-doing week 9 and then am thinking of doing the podcasts c25k +

Good luck and well done

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to bsimonuk]

Well congrats to you too! Haven’t we come far? I think I will try the podcasts also and then head for the Bridge to 10k. Good luck with your running.

[bsimonuk in reply to EmmaRunning]

Thank you . I felt really tired today after last night’s run. Didn’t sleep that well. Looking forward to tomorrow’s run though

[Badger1974 Graduate]

I was thinking “wow! How do I get Michael Jordan as my virtual coach”! 😂

[EmmaRunning Graduate in reply to Badger1974]

Haha v special people only😂