First 5k.

[NJGam]

So on Saturday I achieved my first 5k run (second run after graduating). It wasn’t too bad although the devil in my mind kept telling me to stop for the first 15 minutes. The subsequent run was really hard (although it was very muggy weather) and I struggled to do 4K. Has anyone else found post grad week tricky? I think my biggest problem is my mind telling me to quit as I know I don’t have to run for a set amount of time. The weather isn’t helping either as I’m getting tired very quickly. Any tips??? I’m worried that I’ve lost the buzz now that I’m running without a mentor.

[Ripcurlrana71]

Well done! Yes I still struggle between 4-5k. I’m going to just try and nail 30mins of constant running as I think I concentrate more on getting to 5k as quick as poss!

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Yes I think I just need to think about the time rather than the distance. The 5k thing was probably something I needed to get out of my system but now anything less seems like a failure. However a good friend reminded me that only 3 months ago I told her that I would never EVER take up running so 4K is actually very good!! I’m just missing the euphoria I felt during the programme but I’m hoping that I’ll get my mojo back tomorrow now the storm clouds have chased the heatwave away! Hope you had a fab time in NYC!!!

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to NJGam]

I feel the same sometimes so don’t worry. Last day in NYC today! Back to running every other day from Friday. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to NJGam]

p.s/ 4K IS brilliant!!!!!

[Dbbd Graduate]

Oh I hope ur not as same thing will prob happen to me. Why don’t u still play the week 9 anyways it will keep u goin whilst u work on ur pace?

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Dbbd]

That’s a good idea. I might try that. I think it’s just going to take some getting used to, running ‘alone’. The main thing to remind myself of is that I haven’t quit and 4K is better than 0k. This forum is like therapy!!

[Dbbd Graduate in reply to Dbbd]

Ano I luv it on here, loads of honest folk giving I good advice.

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Dbbd]

Absolutely. I’d have given up after week 3 if it wasn’t for this site!

[HIGNFY18]

I’m in W7. I’m in awe of you 😊

[NJGam Graduate in reply to HIGNFY18]

Ah, thank you! That makes me feel better! Week 7 is awesome though and you’re so close. The next 2 weeks will fly by and the feeling when you graduate is worth every single challenge you’ve already faced. Keep going!!

[CJDavies Graduate in reply to NJGam]

I too worry about graduation and not having someone in my ear and weekly targets. I figure I will just set some micro goals and remember that some runs are just rubbish for no reason and the next will probably click again. You seem to have the right attitude though so I’m sure you’ll be fine.

[NJGam Graduate in reply to CJDavies]

Thanks. I just need to find my mojo again. I’m pretty sure it’s the heat that’s to blame. I’d never thought I’d be wishing for rain! Once I get past the first 15 minutes I’m usually fine but I just haven’t had the sense of euphoria that I felt when I followed the programme. Tomorrow is another day though...!

[Tkaye Graduate]

I’m replaying week nine so Sarah can still encourage me and let me know how far I’ve come, I find the routine and encouragement not to mention the “you have 5 minuets left” really helps.

[Flowell Graduate]

I’m only on week two and was feeling weird that I was dancing round my flat when I get home - euphoria is the right word thank you. But I think it is the fact you have done it! There are lots of apps I want to use if I graduate that might help. You can run through New York to the Statue of Liberty with alerts on Fitbit or run from zombies in zombie run. All can be set to the distance you want to go. Sounds silly but maybe something like that would give you back a feeling of achievement? I have already looked briefly as I know I will get bored without a ‘thing’ to do and want this to be a regular thing. But I am only on week two and bow to you for getting there!!!!

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Flowell]

I’m a technological dinosaur really and had no idea these things existed! I will definitely take a look though. My sons will think I’ve lost the plot if I tell them I’m running from zombies!! The next 7 weeks will fly by, I still find it hard to believe that I started running in snow and now I’m moaning about the heat! Good luck!!!

[Hidden]

Hi nj, I have a plan which Is helping me to stay on track. The plan is to join the 10K program on the bridge which starts on June 15th. For now, I’m struggling to get to 5km. It is purely psychological. I can run 4.75km. That’s my regular running route. It was too hot to put in an extra piddling 250m tonight. I’ll get there. Running naked with Runkeeper reminders every 5 minutes and every km at the moment. Good luck 😉

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You’re the same as me. Same route each time and relying on Runkeeper. When I did that 5k I had to run around the same bit of path twice which didn’t help my mindset and the last half km was really tough. I think I probably need to keep an eye on my pace as well. Trying to be Mo Farrah and it’s not working! I’ll take a look at the 10k program too.

[Hidden in reply to NJGam]

I tried the C25k + podcasts but they were a bit too fast for me. Laura again giving tips on pace and posture. I look forward to doing them in a few weeks. maybe we need a new running route 😀

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes I’m going to try a different route tomorrow and then we’re off to the coast at the weekend so I’ll be taking my trainers and hoping for a sea breeze!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

I guess you need achievable stretch goals.

I’m a way behind you in speed so getting to 5k is a biggie for me and getting there in 30 mins is then my next aim. That’s cutting a third off my pace.

I’d be writing down some aims and keeping track of pace, pb’s etc.

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I did 5k in 36 mins so I was pleased with that although I couldn’t even think about doing it in 30 yet! My pace has improved a lot over the last 2 weeks which is a positive. It’s just my mindset that’s taken a battering and I don’t know why as the Runkeeper stats are showing improvement. Going to try a new route tomorrow and see how that goes. Good luck to you this week. It sounds like you’ve got it under control.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to NJGam]

I’m looking at 45 mins, but I can’t run anything like that long yet! But, always a target ahead. I hope it gets better for you.

[NJGam Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you. It’s surprising how much fitter you get in the last couple of weeks. I do have to remind myself that W5R3 almost broke me and then there were the early days when 90s seemed like an eternity. We’ve come a long way regardless of the targets we set upon ourselves!

[Myrar Graduate in reply to NJGam]

Well done that's a great time 😊

[lexi6 Graduate]

Well done for completing c25 I still needed the structure and encouragement when I graduated last month, so I still did the week 9 podcasts for a couple of weeks and have carried on running 3 times a week since. I really struggled when I got caught up in trying to run further and faster too quickly, I tried the c25+ podcasts too soon, so lesson learnt and I run out of sheer joy and I have started juju’s 10 k plan ( more structure) i finally listened to The Oracle who says “slow and steady” it truly works. Have fun😄

[Ebee54 Graduate]

I’ve started listening to podcasts that are just over 30 minutes long so I know I have to keep going to the end. If it’s Desert Island Discs I know that when the guest is asked to choose a book and a luxury I am nearly at the end.

I’ve managed 5K but only if I count the warm up and cool down 5 minutes. I use map my run to log how far I go but I need to change it so that it starts after the 5 min warm up and i need to stop it when I start the cool down so I can see my real pace. I’m going to plod on like his for a while but I am having to get up earlier and earlier to be cool enough.

I just want to keep it up to justify having that wonderful graduate tag. Just keep those legs moving. 👏👏