After finishing c25k

[lizwatson37]

I have finished c25k about 3 weeks now and have been continuing to try and run for the 30 mins two or three times a week. However I am still really struggling to do these runs. Today the last 2 mins near killed me and it was stubbornness alone that got me to finish. Does it ever get easier, am I doing something wrong?? I was hoping to gradually increase my time running but don't see this happening any time soon as the last few minutes are always a fight with myself to finish them.

[vincent30 Graduate]

My number one goal after graduating was to enjoy running as much as possible. I realised I'd been pushing too hard in week 9 and slowed down on most of my runs. It's amazing how much easier it is if you just slow down by 20-30 secs per km. I didn't break any PB's for 2-3 months after graduating. Then I just seemed to get faster naturally, breaking my 5K PB every few weeks. So my advice is to find a more comfortable pace and consolidate. Be proud of what you've achieved and spend some time experimenting with routes, podcasts, playlists etc. Figure out what gives you the happiest running experience. Time and consistency will do the rest.

The other thing I did, on a whim, was to set a goal on Runkeeper to run 637km in 2018 (distance from where I live to London). I find it really helpful in keeping running consistently 3x a week. Gives a little extra boost to motivation when every run you do chips away at one of your goals.

Hope that helps .... Oh, and you should give this a read if you haven't already

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[lizwatson37 in reply to vincent30]

Thanks I will keep this in mind and I have been trying to improve my distance so maybe if I stop pushing myself for a while and take it easier

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The advice from vincent30 is spot on.

Go and run somewhere beautiful and inspiring, forget about time, pace and distance and just run for fun at a nice even and comfortable pace. This is what we mean by consolidation, not pushing yourself.

If you still get nowhere, give yourself a break from running, recuperate and come back refreshed.

As stated in the guide to post C25k running healthunlocked.com/couchto5... setting yourself some easily attainable targets will help to keep you enthused and still seeing progress.

Keep running, keep smiling.