Consolidation running: So, first week of running... - Couch to 5K

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Consolidation running

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate
19 Replies

So, first week of running done since graduation, and it's harder than I expected!

Not sure if it's because I miss Laura talking to me or because I'm not working towards graduation anymore but it definitely feels tougher than my final week did! Going to keep at it anyway because I definitely don't want to stop now, just wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced it?

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Shazzom profile image
Shazzom
Graduate
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19 Replies
Laurzmum profile image
LaurzmumGraduate

Yeh, I'm the same !!! Seemed to be under the illusion that it would instantly get easier !! I did my first parkrun and managed to do 5K for the first time and in a not to slow time !!! Keep on running tho

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate in reply toLaurzmum

Hey, that's brilliant well done you!!! I've printed my barcodes off and I do have a park run about 5 minutes away from me so I'll have to get down there and do one ☺

Glossy profile image
GlossyGraduate

Totally agree! I still listen to Jo Wiley on week 9 if I’m doing 30 minutes. I’ve recently discovered Nike guided runs thanks to Couchpotato and find them helpful

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate in reply toGlossy

Fab thank you I'll look at the Nike thing. Might need to put Laura back on too ha! ☺

Letties profile image
LettiesGraduate

It was weird running without a coach.

What's working for me is plotting a route,and not stopping till I get to end of it.

Sometimes it's 4km,sometimes it's 5,depends where I'm coming from.

The goal is just to get to the end.

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate in reply toLetties

It is so weird isn't it!! I am getting through them, I've done 3 this week and done my 30 mins etc just feels tougher.. perhaps I was just so buoyed up on the final week it was a different mindset and it felt easier! Will keep at it ☺

Shegoora profile image
ShegooraGraduate in reply toShazzom

I graduated about 3 weeks ago and feel i am struggling more each run I do. And i am definitely getting slower. But i will try to keep going. I am desperate to hit 5k.

Scooper47 profile image
Scooper47Graduate

Me also x I did rerun the final run just to hear Laura x she’s very encouraging 😊

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate in reply toScooper47

Yep I think I will be switching Laura back on I need her soothing tones haha 😂

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

Yes, exactly the same! I redid the graduation run again and again (changing the coach for variation). I needed the encouragement and the timings. That helped me a lot. Each of us will be a bit different with how long our consolidation running takes (took me 6 weeks). But just do as many 3x30s a week as you can, and it does get easier x

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate in reply toDiscoRunner

It is so strange without a coach now haha! I am keeping at it and getting through, done 3 runs this week and completed them all, just feels alot tougher and I thought it would feel a bit easier this week. Never mind each run is making me stronger so I'm sure I'll start to feel it in the next couple of weeks, I'm not quitting now!! Thank you x

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Why not try to add on 10% in distance if you want something to work towards , you can do that each week if you like 😊

Antypode profile image
AntypodeGraduate in reply toBuddy34

Increasing distance by 10% per week takes you from 5k to marathon in 23 weeks! 🙂

Shazzom profile image
ShazzomGraduate in reply toAntypode

Seems a bit extreme lol!

RunRunRun13 profile image
RunRunRun13Graduate

Yes me too 🙋‍♀️ I sometimes still use Week 9 on the C25k app and also Nike Run Club app - have so many apps/music/watches to start before I actually run. I love reading the posts to keep me going but finding it quite hard sometimes and thinking how will I get past running for more than 30 mins...we can do it...motivate each other along the way. Nike Run Club has coach runs which may help you 🏃‍♀️

Papillon17 profile image
Papillon17Graduate

I just rerun Week 9 Run 3 each time now used it 6 times for consolidation runs. Can’t do without Laura.

Flappylegs profile image
FlappylegsGraduate

I feel exactly the same! I was feeling slightly dejected because I thought my consolidation runs would be a breeze and they’re really not! I’m going to try slowing right down and see if that makes it less of a slog; I’m definitely not giving up :) Good luck!

TinyRunner profile image
TinyRunnerGraduate

I also wondered what to do and someone on here recommended the C25K+ podcasts. I downloaded them and did the stepping stone run yesterday - it was great and I ended up doing a (slightly) longer run at a faster pace using the pace setting audiofuel track and Laura's advice - it was great not clock watching and just listening and counting steps. I'd really recommend them as they still give time checks and advice so you don't feel 'abandoned' 🤗

Anna675 profile image
Anna675Graduate in reply toTinyRunner

Great advice! That’s exactly what I did once I finished ...felt lost without the structure of C25K. I Used the stepping stones podcasts for about 4-5 weeks until I was happy just running to my own music. Now I’m doing bridge to 10k.

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