Week 9 collywobbles...: Well, with week... - Couch to 5K

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Week 9 collywobbles...

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate
26 Replies

Well, with week 9 looming tomorrow, I have a few worries, and surprisingly none of them are about the length of the run. You see, I accidentally did a week nine run yesterday, so I know I can do it. My worry is this: what next? I've always been very task oriented, which can be good in one way but has always been my downfall. When I was a few years younger, I decided I liked martial arts, so I graded in several weapons, got my black belt in karate and realised it didn't change ME. Ok, so in essence, I'd reach the top of the mountain and had nowhere to go. I'd conquered the task. It took me four years, a few injuries, a hell of a lot of growing up, but I did it, and deserved the black bit of fabric around my waist. But I didn't know where to go after that. I'd beaten my 'mountain'. And then, I quit. I didn't know where to go after that.

And now, I'm staring that in the face again. I've loved this program, the entire thing about basically doing an interval training program, having no one to answer to but me, but what do I do after reaching the end of next week? I know I could do bridge to ten k, (I keep seeing the name JuJu when this is mentioned, whoever that is) but I know there is a hell of a lot of apps out there to get me to ten k. Which do I pick, how often do I run?

Which mountain to I get in my sights and decide to humble at my feet?

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Jundal profile image
Jundal
Graduate
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26 Replies
telford_mike profile image
telford_mikeGraduate

I had similar concerns - I loved the structure of C25K and worried what would come afterwards. In the event it hasn’t proved a problem. I did 3 consolidation runs a week for 3 weeks, using different routes and distances. It was great fun not having to worry about durations or distance. I think my shortest run was 3.3k and my longest just over 6k. I really enjoyed it, as it was something I simply couldn’t do before C25K.

Tomorrow I’m starting Ju-ju-'s 10k plan which will put some of the structure back again. It's more flexible than C25K but it still has specific daily and weekly goals.

You can find details here:

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

Good luck with your week 9 runs!

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

So many questions!!🙂 I think maybe just get to the end of the programme, consolidate your 30 mins or 5k and then take it from there...There are so many places to go with this running game, I don't think you can ever reach the 'top of the mountain' so don't worry about running out of goals! Yes, many of us progress to 10k and further - half marathons, marathons, even ultras for some (er, not me!) but there is also faster, different terrain; trail running, road running, hill work, etc etc. Why not pop over to the Bridge to 10k forum (Ju-ju is an administrator here and it is she who runs the programme to get you to 10k should you choose to use it) and also the Marathon Running and Race Support forum to read about all the different things people are doing? Have you tried your local Parkrun yet or maybe entering a race could also be a goal? The running world really is your oyster!😀

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate

Well it's not an immediate question as the first thing according to all the advice is consolidate for three weeks. So repeat week 9 (i.e three thirty minute runs per week) for weeks 10, 11 and 12. With or without the app, with or without music, as you prefer. That's the stage I am at right now. Reason: you've made huge improvements in a fairly short time and that rate of improvement isn't sustainable without a period of consolidation now and again. It also gives you three weeks to decide what to do next! Thereafter there are C25k+ podcasts you can do, or an inhouse programme on the forum here to build up to 10k, or various other options. I haven't tried any of them yet as I'm still at the consolidation stage but plenty of others here will be able to advise you. However, three weeks consolidation first.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

ParkRun and ju-ju’s plan! You don’t need an app - you’re a runner now 👌🏽

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply toTasha99

I'm something! 😂

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate

I recognise your dilemma, think quite a few of us feel ‘what now?’ syndrome when C25K is done. But there is further to go!! Consolidation runs for a few weeks, running ‘free’ are good, or continue to use W9 runs. There are Podcasts NHS5K+, which build up speed and stamina etc. They are good. Then there’s Ju-Ju’s 10k thing which I’m seriously thinking of starting and Parkruns are good. Then of course, what about joining a running club? No reason not to, might be fun, challenging etc.

So enjoy the running, and keep coming back here for continued support. Enjoy week 9...it’s just the start of a whole new way of life 😎

southlundon profile image
southlundonGraduate

I graduated a couple of weeks ago and you put succinctly exactly my thoughts. I had my first post grad run today using the app, w9r3 but with Michael Johnson’s voice instead of Jo Whiley who I trained with - I figured that’ll give me enough variety while I consolidate these first few weeks. Then why don’t you find a running group or sign yourself up for a specific run so that you have another ‘mountain’ to climb or something else to train for?

wyersmith profile image
wyersmithGraduate

Hi there. I felt a bit like you when I graduated. I felt a bit lost without the plan. I decided my next challenge was to do the 5k in under 30m. Took an extra 4/5 weeks of interval podcasts to do that. Now I’ve done that I’ve started ju_ju_’s 10k plan. I know I can’t keep on finding new challenges ( I really don’t think there’s a marathon in me) but hopefully running will be a habit by then, part of my routine and something I’ll do for life. I hope you find the ‘thing’ that keeps you motivated. There are quite a few things to keep you occupied for a while yet! Good luck with w9!

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply towyersmith

Thank you wyersmith. One aim I have is a hill that leads to my son's school. It's 5 or so miles long, and even though gentle in places, it's not going to be easy. That's my ultimate mountain right now. Barring serious injuries, I want to do it by the start of the next summer holidays.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply toJundal

And then back.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply toJundal

Just checked, it's 2.2 but that hill is SAVAGE.

wyersmith profile image
wyersmithGraduate in reply toJundal

I expect the ‘back’ will be easier!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply towyersmith

Actually downhill can be trickier as it puts a lot of strain on the knees. I prefer a steep uphill to a steep downhill! 😉

wyersmith profile image
wyersmithGraduate in reply toGoGo_JoJo

It takes all sorts! :-)

wyersmith profile image
wyersmithGraduate in reply toJundal

5 miles uphill. That’s quite a goal! However, you’ll know from having nearly completed c25k, anything is possible! Good luck!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

10k, half marathon, marathon, ultra, beating Mo’s British records 3000m up to marathon, the possibilities are endless.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply toUnfitNoMore

Endless yes, but I need realistic goals.💪👍

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply toJundal

You can do any of them... well, maybe Mo is hard to beat... and you can do them with plans and alerts and our support or other forums on here. You could set yourself a time for 5k. Partly this course teaches you that what was impossible actually isn’t.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply toUnfitNoMore

True. How do I set Strava to give me voice alerts, do I have to buy premium?does anyone know?

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply toJundal

support.strava.com/hc/en-us...

wyersmith profile image
wyersmithGraduate in reply toJundal

I use mapmyrun and it mutes my music/app and gives me splits at every k. I find it really useful. And it’s free.

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate in reply towyersmith

Thanks Tasha, I'm gonna keep on with Strava until it annoys me enough time to delete it!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Get to Graduation... enjoy the party and see what happens.. there is soooooo much out there... you have no idea!

Check out the What's next post link..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There is consolidation... C25K+ podcasts.. all sorts of different routes and distances.. Bridge to 10 K... a choice of 10 K apps...???

Next week.. Graduation... the weeks after... who knows... but one thing is certain..it goes on and we will be right here beside you:)

icklegui profile image
ickleguiGraduate

Bit of sideways advice - instead of looking for the next goal to be further, faster, etc, can you reframe your goals to be 'run 3 times a week for the next x weeks'? So it's more of a sustainable goal, in the form of habit-building rather than mountain climbing. You could see your achievement as a lengthening streak of completed weeks, rather than targets.

Of course, 10K, then a half marathon, full marathon etc will keep you going for a while... whatever you do, good luck, and kudos for the self-reflection, it's good to know how you work!

KN25 profile image
KN25Graduate

I graduated on Sunday and am going for my first post-grad run tonight. I have set myself a short term plan which is to run for 30 minutes 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks. After that I will then set myself another goal which will probably be to gradually increase distance as I can't yet manage 5k in 30 minutes. The podcasts sound good as well. Good luck though whatever goals you set I am sure you will smash them!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Easy... just plot your course to the next mountain now. Check out juju's plan or do your own, running 3 times a week increasing the longest run by 10% of your total weekly miles for infinity.

I had the same concerns but actually once the addiction kicks in you'll find any excuse not to stop... you want to beat your PB... you want to go further, faster, uphill, downhill, off road, on track.

Most of all, have a little faith in yourself. The programme has taken you so far but mentally you're now on board so I'd be surprised if you couldn't keep going even without a schedule 👍

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