Consolidation 3: Getting easier?

[Stephen_UK]

Good morning.

Today I ran my sixth 30-minuter and for the first time it seemed to be getting a teeny tiny bit easier.

No faster, though, and still too hot, but I was cursing less and enjoying it more.

I even managed to get another runner to say hello. Usually they don’t want to acknowledge anyone and I only have the chatter of the birds for company.

Thanks, as always, for all the support and wisdom on this forum. It really helps.

[Tonkabella]

Good Morning 😊. Well done on your 6th 👏🏻👏🏻. For some people it never gets easy and for some people they never get faster. They just enjoy the freedom and the benefits of running. You might find that one day you come in and discover you did your fastest time , mine snuck up on me without me even trying and that time and distance has stayed now for 6 weeks.... still not 5k in 30 but I'm happy with what I'm doing. Enjoy your runs 😊

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to Tonkabella]

Thank you. You are right about the freedom. That’s definitely the best bit. I really appreciate the encouraging words.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done

Just relax into those consolidation runs until they to feel comfortable.

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks. I am trying to do that. Some days are easier than others...

[backintime Graduate]

Brilliant...any tiny bit easier is still easier...a good start to the day. Got my next one tomorrow

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to backintime]

Thanks. Yes, I will take tiny improvements at this stage. And now I feel good for the day. Looking forward to hearing about yours tomorrow.

[backintime Graduate in reply to Stephen_UK]

Maybe it was easier because you had more breath because you were cursing less ? Just sayin' 😁

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to backintime]

Ha ha. You could well be right.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done, but do try to mix the runs up..30 minutes yes, but shorter runs too and some long slow runs which are the ones that build up stamina and strength an eventually speed and distance

It sounds contradictory but it works... just long slow, relaxed , see where you get to, runs, and the more you run, it all begins to evolve. Try it

[madmother Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

This is good advice old floss. I have to say I feel a bit “at sea” without the structure and aims of C25k. I’m running 3 times a week but it feels hard. I’m going out today with Sarah back in my ear for some structure. Looking forward to a run in the rain too.

Good luck later. Too much going on at home for me to have organised myself to do it this year. X

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to madmother]

Agree about the lack of structure, which is partly why I was keeping to the fairly strict 30-minute plan recommended by so many. Confused now...

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Really? OK, but I thought 3 weeks of 3 x 30 minutes was the recommended dose?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Stephen_UK]

Nope, it isn't written in stone... 30 minute runs yes, make sure they are in there,but mix it up too... new routes etc, and different kinds of runs, all help to build those running muscles up; this plan has only just started the process...

And, as I said, as many of the most awesome runners on the forums will tell you, it is long, slow and relaxed running which brings us on...

Have you taken a peek at the What Next pinned post... loads of ideas there too.. but it is your adventure... and your choice. I ran for a few weeks just running because I could, here there and everywhere...long, short, slightly faster and slower runs.. they were my runs for pure joy! Then, because I missed a bit of organisation, I moved onto the C25K + podcasts,and tried each one of the three over three weeks...an so it evolved to where I am now...

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful response. Very helpful. In terms of what next, my plan was to try this: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Stephen_UK]

Sounds good to me... unfortunately I don't manage to read everyone's posts but what you are planning is sensible and varied

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. That means a lot.