Consolidation 3: Getting easier?: Good morning... - Couch to 5K

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Consolidation 3: Getting easier?

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate
16 Replies

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.

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Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UK
Graduate
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16 Replies
Tonkabella profile image
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 profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply toTonkabella

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

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Well done

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

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

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

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

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

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply tobackintime

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 profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply toStephen_UK

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

Stephen_UK profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply tobackintime

Ha ha. You could well be right.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

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 profile image
madmotherGraduate in reply toOldfloss

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 profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply tomadmother

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 profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply toOldfloss

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

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toStephen_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 profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply toOldfloss

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

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toStephen_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 profile image
Stephen_UKGraduate in reply toOldfloss

Thank you. That means a lot.

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