Is it a disaster to only run twice weekly after graduation?

[Kertesz]

I’m one run away from graduating. I’ve noticed this week that Jo is particularly adamant that I will need to continue to run 3 x 30 minutes a week to be a ‘proper’ runner. I love the running, but need to walk my dog twice a day (he’s a schnauzer... useless at running, great at yapping in circles round my ankles!!) so to then add a run three times a week on top of this for, like, ever, feels quite time consuming... I had hoped to run once midweek and once at the weekend... what would be the implications of this? I’m already running around 5K in the 30mins, so am comfortable with my achievement etc. Thanks!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I am getting ready for my 6th HM, I have only ever run twice a week, I came to running because I was training for a triathlon and you train for each discipline twice a week. I now run, swim and walk with stretches and strength work and I am the fittest I have ever been. We always say take your new sport and fit it in with your life, you are more likely to keep going if it just slots in nicely rather than trying to do something that straight away doesn't feel like a good fit, whatever you decide. Happy running. Rfc x

[Kertesz in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you SO MUCH for this RFC. I had been having a heavy heart about the feeling of impending ‘failure’ post-graduation. Your words make absolute sense and have made me feel excited and liberated about going forward. 🤸🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️Thank you again. X

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

I only managed to fit in 2 runs last week n it’ll be the same this week so had been wondering the same. Hopefully I’ll be back to my usual 3 a week next week but RFC’s response certainly makes me feel better about just doing 2

Enjoy your graduation run! 🏃‍♀️

[Kertesz in reply to SeeJillRun]

Yes, it’s so good to know isn’t it? And thanks! Hoping to do a Parkrun for my finale!! (If I can lay off the turps on Friday evening!!) x x

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Haha! I’d love to try a Parkrun but need to try running earlier first. Hope you manage to stay alcohol-free so you can enjoy your graduation to the cheers of the Parkrun crowd 😃🏃‍♀️👏xx

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

I’m sure once you fit it in to your lifestyle, you can always either do 2 runs or maybe even slot 3 in now and again. I have graduated and am running 3 times mostly first thing in the morning then come back and straight out to take dog for a hike (she doesn’t do running either) but sometimes can be tiring. I am going to do one 5k run, shorter 20 min run, and interval run from next week to mix it up to increase fitness levels. You do what suits you and great achievement already running 5k in 30 mins ! Amazing...well done 🥇

[mummybowles Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

"I am going to do one 5k run, shorter 20 min run, and interval run from next week to mix it up to increase fitness levels"

I really like this idea and am going to try it too x

[Kertesz in reply to mummybowles]

Sounds appealing doesn’t it? I’ve just downloaded the Nike app as RRR13 suggested - looks fab x

[RunRunRun13 Graduate in reply to mummybowles]

Great MB and hope it’s all going ok...nice to have lighter mornings/evenings 🏃‍♀️

[Kertesz]

Yes, yes... thank you. I was thinking, if I have ‘permission’ to do only two runs, I could up it to three now and then if time allows. I like the sound of your approach... Have you found a programme for the 5K, 20 min, interval concept or are you doing your own thing? X x

[RunRunRun13 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

I have downloaded the Nike Run Club App which is great and there are “guided runs” lots of different ones to choose...it also tracks your run so don’t have to use them, you can click go and just run. Last one I did was the 5k run on there, lots of motivation throughout and it was really good. Worth a try I know a lot of people use it on here. Good luck !

[Kertesz in reply to RunRunRun13]

Perfect!! Will download and give it a go. Thank you x

[RunRunRun13 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Just a little tip always click the padlock (on the right) to lock screen as I’ve come back from a run and it had paused without me knowing 🤦🏼‍♀️

[Kertesz in reply to RunRunRun13]

Thanks! Just downloaded it (can you tell it’s a quiet day at work today...🤪?). Looks REALLY excellent - am keen to give the Headspace runs a go, too. And obvs it was your words ‘lots of motivation’ that prompted me to download so quickly... I’ve still not forgiven Jo... even this week, at 10 mins, she says, ‘And if you’re tired I’m here alongside you, to motivate you to the end...’ And then barely speaks for the next 20 mins!! 😂

[RunRunRun13 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Hilarious ! I had Jo too then she disappeared to make the tea 😂 didn’t hear much from her after that. I have run to one of the morning headspace runs and really good....so many to choose from...Coach Bennett 5K is fab it’s like he is running with you and keeps popping up to say how good I am ! Even though I feel like killing him 😅🏃‍♀️😂 wasnt keen on the Paula Radcliffe one though (sorry Paula if your reading this)

[Kertesz in reply to RunRunRun13]

I like the sound of Coach Bennett already...!

[Cfc55 Graduate]

😮😮 only running twice a week K 🙄 what the heck you thinking woman 🤦‍♂️!! You’ll have the running police at your door before you know it 😂😂😂😂!! Seriously, surely it’s all about the enjoyment now and twice a week is better than nunce a week (note the made up word 😜)! You do what you feel is right for you and will fit into the rest of your life 👍

[Kertesz in reply to Cfc55]

I will deffo aim to do more than nunce runs a week... that’s for sure!!!

[Cfc55 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

😂 glad to hear it 😂

[LukeAndrew Graduate]

Well for starters well done. I’m 2 runs into C25K so you’re doing great. If 2 runs a week is what is right for you then don’t feel pressured to do more than that. One of the reasons I’ve started running is because I’ve been suffering from stress this past year. I used to lift weights but I’ve been too exhausted to continue. The stress has come from not feeling “good enough” to other people’s expectations (usually falsely perceived expectations too). Don’t feel under pressure. In summary. 2 runs a week is a win in my book. Don’t feel bad should you not manage 3 runs. Luke

[Kertesz]

Aw, thanks Luke... it’s funny how we sometimes need ‘permission’ from others to do what feels right for ourselves, isn’t it? Well done you for beginning to run too... I’m not sure if it would be useful, but there’s a fab book called Jog On by Bella Mackie. It’s about how running helped improve her mental health/manage her anxiety. In fact, it was an article that she wrote in the Guardian that prompted me to start this whole journey!! Good luck with yours! X

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The recommendation is that we should all do a minimum of150 minutes of heart rate raising exercise each week. That doesn't have to be running.

[Kertesz in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Binge watching the Line of Duty box set it is then (jokes). Thank you though, that’s helpful to know.