There have been some very valid points on another forum with regards to graduates moving over to post about their runs.
The crosstraining forum for non running exercises seems popular
I can see there is a genuine worry that moving the graduates will detract from the forum.
So we need to find away for those not wanting to go on to 10km to be able to not only share their experience with new runners but feel they can share their runs too.
Would it help if when you graduated as well as Congratulations and well done in your message we asked you to please stay around and share the next part of your journey. Or words to that effect. Would that make it feel that you didn’t have to move on if you didn’t want too and continue to post your runs?
Would having a graduation runs as a topic help?
Have a great day
Rfc x
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Realfoodieclub
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I think there’s a market for it. I’m uncomfortable sometimes discussing pace and how to improve it on here as it’s not really good advice for anyone still running the plan, and can be counter productive if someone just starting the longer runs also feels the need to push pace.
I think we need to work more on making people feel more comfortable on posting on the couch after graduation After discussion yesterday within my previous posts yesterday there is a genuine worry about losing the main support of the forum. I am going to have a word with Healthunlocked to see if there is a way within the forum to keep us all together. I am going to see what I can do. Rfc x
But you stay on the forum, and give excellent advice, encouragement and support.
Which is exactly why it would be a loss if you moved away.
I hear what you are saying about pace and distance, but if people reading it remember that we all started at the same place that is something they can really aspire to.
I posted my pace/distance etc questions on The Bridge, long before I attempted JuJu's plan .
When I was progressing through c25k I actually liked reading about people who had graduated and moving on with their runs it made me feel like I could do this , then on the other hand maybe some people only like to read about people that are still completing c25k , you can't please everyone 😂
I also liked to see the success stories. For one reason or another there seemed to me quite a lot of people who were doing the C25K plan for a second or third time and it worried me. It is nice to also see some people who are continuing to feel motivated, have not suffered injury and are just enjoying running.
It has been invaluable to have the input from everyone. I think some of the returning runners are because of motivation and life getting in the way, we see that a lot too. 😀.
When I first followed this forum the exploits of the likes of Malcy ,Oldgirl and juicyju (now where did she go?) and many others, inspired me to believe that there was a huge range of possibilities after graduation from C25K and that this really was a viable step into becoming a runner, although I had no real idea of where it would take me. Those three were enthusiastic posters and encouragers as well as advisers to us newbies.
In those days there was no Bridge to 10k or Marathon forum and those graduates who wanted to write about post grad runs had no option but to post on the C25K forum or find other running forums outside the HU umbrella. I remember following the marathon training of someone who graduated at the same time as me. I learned loads about running without having to go through that training and frankly running a marathon is not something that interests me. I do occasionally browse the Marathon site, but actually feel divorced from it, despite there being a few familiar names around the place, so I do understand the need of people to feel there is a place that feels like home.
The Bridge to 10k site is a great place to move onto and is not exclusively for those actively chasing 10k. Would it not be a better idea to rename that site along the lines of "Post C25K and Bridge to 10k", rather than spreading ourselves too thinly by creating yet another forum.
I appreciate the concern raised by UnfitNoMore about raising certain issues which are not for the ears of those in mid C25K and feel they would fit perfectly on a new rebranded Bridge site.
I believe that if fewer graduates posted on the C25K site it would be to the detriment of the forum. Sure, some of us would stay, as this is "home" but we would be deprived of some wonderful running tales that inspire new runners both to start and persevere with C25k.
I have never used the Topic filter on this forum, and frankly would not encourage others to either, as reading posts from people at all stages of the plan, and graduates, is what gives this forum it's dynamic and positive ethos........we are all runners.
That would work... maybe it’s me... C25K has an obvious aim, and like you I do get a lot of inspiration from this particular forum... then I look at Bridge and feel a need to be moving to 10k, which I am, but not in the same way as others at this time... the marathon one does cover HM as well though, maybe I should see Bridge like that... and I’m good to talk pace there. I do I intend to be active on all 3 forums as my running progresses, and I can appreciate the workload on you guys a little as when I come on here for a few hours I don’t have time to even read the other two 😂
I like this Tim. A more "transition to" yet "5k graduate hang out" would be handy for those wanting to go on and for those wanting to spend time with their cohort.
Thank you for all your input. I think in having these conversations out in the open forum it will go along way to helping people to stay around and understand how important to everyone it is, so there is a possibility just by the replies to the posts this weekend many will understand they don’t have to leave and what the bridge forum is all about. When we have had just under 3000 new runners in January the dynamics of the forum are bound to change a bit but I do think you are right and we should be looking at a way to make graduates feel they don’t have to move on. Initially I was thinking that they needed to go somewhere to feel like they fit in but this weekend has proved we need to make them feel more welcome where they are, and I think just a simple sentence at graduation could do that.
I think after all the discussions today that seems like the easiest and best way forward is along those lines. I also think a little sentence after Congratulations and well done on the graduation post as well will help. Thank you. Rfc x
Do you think maybe adding that people need to be logged on to the HU site to see their badges would be helpful too Rfc. Not sure if they show up for those using the app, and seeing your badge next to your name when you post is great....
When I was doing C25K I found the graduates posts on here really useful and informative.
One of the most common questions posted is what to do after graduation, and that's where the graduate's posts are so useful - they've been there already and have loads of advice. I wouldn't have learned about parkrun, cadence, Jeff Galloway, max HR, and so much more if it hadn't been for their input.
I agree with UnfitNoMore in that some posts don't feel completely appropriate for graduates to post on the C25K forum, but I personally found a lot of them inspiring.
But the greatest thing is the encouragement and advice the graduates give. I think asking them to hang around is a great idea 😊
Yes, agreed...and with all forums we have a choice...if it doesn’t interest you, just scroll on 😊 I believe we all get want we want/need at any given time from this one..it’s my go to for inspiration, and words of wisdom from all!
I think encouraging/reinforcing that still posting on the couch forum once Graduated is not just allowed, but can be very motivational might be a very good idea.
I think a lot of us knew this, and it certainly kept me going knowing I would be sharing my experiences and could write run reports. Maybe because there are now lots more people actively going through the program, it feels more like you Graduate then sign off...BUT this isn't the case. The next part is when I still needed the support and encouragement from other more experienced Graduates as well as those at my level. Also being able to give help to new runners and sharing tips picked up can be very useful.
I think there are places for Graduates to chat about their runs on the couch site, and they could/should be able to write run reports or ask questions on there too. They would also be very welcome on the Bridge wouldn't they... (I remember being a bit nervous about posting on the Bridge forum), however this a very relaxed and friendly forum and is not just necessarily about getting to 10k, but more about keeping up regular running too. If I didn't have this running family for support I could easily lose my enthusiasm and incentive to get out and run.
Long posts are welcome. It is a difficult thing to try and work out. Thank you for taking the time. I think we just have to remind graduates to post and that they do t have to move on. I think this might be best done in a sentence when they graduate.
Stregnth and flex is already being used in that sort of way, so maybe I just need to set it up in a way that makes it more accessible to all sports within the guidelines I have. I will work on that one. Thanks for all your input.
There are two healthunlocked Strava groups one is nhs choices C25kers and has around 391 members, the other is the same green logo but just couch to 5k with 450 or so members.
There are a LOT of new members each month for sure. And maybe - just my opinion - in trying to cater for everyone, the Forum MIGHT lose the "magic touch" that actually is what makes it so attractive/productive/effective ?
I like Tim's idea of renaming the Bridge -and also the Stretch being inclusive of Cross Training in general - but I also am starting to look at the "If it ain't broke, why fix it" angle.
For me it presently at least is a question of - are we MAYBE risking a trade off in "quality" for an increase in potential membership?
Also - the Admins will be the ones who will have to do the extra work if there is a new subforum - and I would hate to see such a hugely successful and already hard working team burn out. That would not be a nice thing for them, or for us.
I dunno - I tend to be a bit of a hard ass at times, and I'm veering towards a "minimal change" viewpoint. Just as we cannot do the actual Running for new members, maybe we shouldn't get too hung up on trying to facilitate those who will have minimal motivation to remain here in the first place?
Just my opinions, I like that the Forum concentrates on one thing really - I would hate to see it drift from that. At the same time, like every "Club", established members tend to dislike any change to the routine so I am aware of my own bias here
3000 new members in January alone, the dynamics have been slowly changing. I think you are right, stick with what we have names and all but make people more aware of how inclusive they all are, I think that is the thing that is missing people are putting restrictions on the selves about the forums by perception so what we have to do is educate the perception. Thank you for all your input.
I like to answer runners questions who have just graduated, tell them where to get their graduation badge and the word GRADUATE next to their username, I did write to the administrators about that and they said that was OK. I answer any questions they may have apart from medical questions, in that case I advise them to see a doctor and of course tell them never to run on consecutive days.
I am not really interested on going on to 10K as I have noticed that many who do at my age (72) seem in most cases end up on the IC.
Having read some of the replies, I don't think any new forums are needed but as some one else suggested
"I like Tim's idea of renaming the Bridge -and also the Stretch being inclusive of Cross Training in general - but I also am starting to look at the "If it ain't broke, why fix it" angle."
When I first graduated I posted a bit in here and a bit in Bridge to 10k depending on the runs I’d been doing.
I’ve mainly been posting in here recently as I’m returning after an injury. I don’t think I’d like to be told that I ‘had’ to post in a different forum just because I’d graduated 😞
Though if we’re talking about rebranding the Bridge to 10k forum, maybe ‘Beyond C25K’ would be the way to go... 👍
No, we have never and never would ask anyone to move. It came about because some felt they shouldn’t post runs after graduation in the C25k forum. It was just a perception some had and we have been discussing this weekend how we can combat that feeling . Rfc x
I have really appreciated the graduates who take time to share their experience and inspiration on the C25K forum & those who have posted post grad runs give a continuity which is great.
I have (because of various illness & injury) not progressed significantly beyond running for 30 mins (& at times less) & that did leave me wondering where or if to post - I have replied to other people to pass on the kind of support I received & also to keep in touch. - But seeing other people post their post graduate runs has made me feel more able to do so. 😃
Sorry about your injury and illness. You are right, when we see others posting it makes people feel that they can, that is the essence of the forum and I think we have to try and protect that side too, so I am glad you feel able to post too. Rfc x
Just my 2 cents: I really don’t remember when I graduated from C25K, but I am still here. I don’t post much, but like to answer technical questions and give encouragement. If I had something that I wanted to post, I’d consider if it is more relevant to C25K or B210K, then post it there.
I’d support the renaming of B210K forum, but I always start reading posts on C25K when I open the app.
Thank you for your input. I think we just need to let everyone know they can stay around and like you say post in which ever forum they see thier post getting the most benefit. I would just like to see more running stories or run posts mixing in with the couch forum. A little inspiration if you know what I mean, As we have got bigger they seem to of died off a bit. You are valuable member of the c25k, thank you.
I post on all three forums still! Depends what I’m on about as to which I put my own posts on! Like I put my runniversary on c25k but marathon running goes on marathon forum.
I think that we are arriving at the concensus that it would be great for the C25k forum to have some select posts about your marathon training on that site, just to inspire others and let them see the true potential of little ol' C25k. Nothing too technical maybe, but race reports would be great.
Just wanted to say this is what makes these forums so great, everyone happy to listen to others views, every one happy to contribute, all looking for consensus when needed.
Such a positive and polite approach, rarely seen on online forums! Something to be proud of.
This is a great running family and a terrific group of forums. And as ever, everyone welcome 🏃🏻🏃🏽♀️😃👍🏼
I like to think that most of us keep going back to C25K to provide advice to newbies, based on our experiences, and write posts which we feel will inspire newbies, such as being taken off medication, losing weight etc.
If I hadn’t also moved on to the next forum, following my peer group, I’m not sure I would have been encouraged to increase to 10k. I don’t remember consciously joining b210k, i thought it triggered automatically on graduation. If this isn’t the case, graduates should be encouraged to move onto the next one and be involved in both, whatever it may be called.
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