Post graduation, what you all up to?!

[Meg82]

Hi everyone. I graduated 3 weeks ago and managed to get a 30 min and a sub 30 min 5k run in week 9 which i was really chuffed with. Since graduating i've continued to run a couple of 5k runs a week (some sub 30, some an extra min or so depending on route) but 5k has been my aim for each run now rather than time. Now the kids are off school its really hard to get x2 runs in a week, but I want to keep it up as even with just a 5 day break i found it really tough to get going again!!! Interested to hear what everyone is doing post graduation??? I've aimed for x2 5k runs a week rather than x3 as i'd struggle with keeping 3 up, where 2 feels more manageable. I still find running really hard though, 3 weeks of consolidation runs post graduation i hoped it would start to feel a tiny bit easier or is that wishful thinking???!!! At the moment i haven't got it in me to go past 5k, but maybe start adding an extra halk k bit by bit when i can!!!

[telford_mike Graduate]

Hi Meg, you really should try a parkrun if you have one locally - really good fun and a nice change from running on your own. Personally I've started one of the 10k plans - you could easily do one of these just doing 2 runs a week if you fancied it.

As for running getting easier, going beyond 5k was the key to making 5k easier for me. Once I'd got used to running 6k+ the 5k distance got noticeably easier. Good luck!

[Meg82 Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

I have thought about a park run as there is one local to me, just need to pluck up the courage to go on my own! I might try slowing down a bit to get past the 5k mark, and aim for 5.5 or 6k in the next week or so. Thanks for replying 😊

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to Meg82]

Hi Meg82. Look at my post today and see what happened to me after leaving it a bit too long. Parkruns are fine on your own as everyone is friendly and encouraging even if, like me, you are the last one to finish. What about joining a local running club?

[wyersmith Graduate]

Hi! Well done on graduating. You might want to try mixing in some shorter interval runs for variety. The nhs choices speed podcast is good. A shorter time and distance but a really good workout (intervals are tough!). Sounds like you’re pretty quick already but I found this has helped my pace and general fitness. Hope that helps.

[SHBWY Graduate]

Hi Meg, I am in the same situation as yourself- I am consolidating but I don’t seem to be able to get past 5k. I am managing 5k 3 times a week but I think Mikes suggestion of a Parkrun is a good idea. I haven’t tried one yet but it may just add a bit of further motivation. Keep running! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[JoOnTheRun Graduate]

Congratulations Meg! That’s brilliant! graduated three weeks ago too but I can’t manage a sub 30min 5K - did you use any podcasts or apps to help you? I guess I just need to speed up!

Good luck with whatever you choose to do next.

[YamCat]

Hi Meg. Definitely try a parkrun. Everyone is very friendly and encouraging and it’s great fun. I graduated about two weeks ago. I’m now doing two shorter runs(about 3k) during the week and a 5k parkrun on Saturdays. Like you I struggle to fit in three 5k runs, but I find I can manage the shorter ones before work on two days a week. I think the shorter runs are actually helping me to improve my pace. Haven’t managed 5k in 30 mins yet, but it’s gradually coming down so I’m sure I’ll get there eventually

[Meg82 Graduate]

Thats fab 😊. I have registered for Parkrun tonight eeek! Just need to pluck up the courage to go!!!