Graduation, consolidation, frustration!

[TinyRunner]

Hi all! I'm looking for some advice - or just a kick up the bum! I graduated 4 weeks ago and have continued to go out three times a week and am covering 5-6K at a time, in around 45 mins (this includes my two 5 min walks at the start and end of the run). I've used the 5k+ podcasts (stepping stone and stamina) which I've loved BUT .... I'm feeling really frustrated that it feels almost harder now than it did before, and i just can't seem to get my speed up! My sensible head tells me I should just be patient and keep going as it's still early days. I'm thinking I should start some shorter runs rather than get bogged down with the 5k gremlins? Or try different routes? Have I answered my own questions? 😂🤣😂 Any advice very very welcome xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done!

Please check out some of the latest posts appearing on here, currently, all about these very feelings.

Consolidation is about running, lots of it... but different kinds of runs..30 minute runs, short runs, new routes and the lovely, long slow runs, because they are the ones that build every single thing up Stamina, strength and eventually distance and speed evolve. But there is no quick fix.

C25K just started a long process and you are still a fairly new Graduate

Now, relax... you are a runner...all you need to do is more running, but mix it up and go easy on yourself. Try not to think about distance.. just run... and let it happen Let the newly forming running legs enjoy their happy pace.

You will be amazed

[TinyRunner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thankyou - I'm terrible at comparing myself to others achievements and started to get annoyed at myself! 😁 I knew this forum would get me back in track 😍

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes I think you have answered your own question. Try a shorter run a fast run a long run and maybe find a new route to keep it interesting . Good luck 😊

[TinyRunner Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thankyou! I got bogged down with the 5k distance every time - I'm going to mix it up a bit! X

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Yep, mix it up, change your music, routes etc. Variety is the spice of life.

You want to run faster? Do a shorter run but push harder, you'll be amazed what you can do.

Find some hills and beat those! Each time you feel like you've made an advance you'll feel more like you're getting somewhere.

Keep going, it's still early days too 👍😉

[TinyRunner Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thankyou - I like the idea of setting little goals (like the hills) as I think I am definitely a reward based runner 😁

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to TinyRunner]

They're great for improving speed too, running on flat feels so much easier afterwards! 🤣

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you read the guide to post C25K running?healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which explains that if you want to get faster you need to spend 75-80% of your time at an easy conversational pace to build stamina and push hard for pace only on the remainder.

If you are not enjoying doing what you are doing.......do something else.

Run somewhere new, beautiful and inspiring. Have some fun with your running, don't let it become a slog.

You have to be realistic and patient..........you are still a very, very new runner.

[TinyRunner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thankyou - I think I imagined I'd be striding out like a gazelle by now 😂 but I need to get more into slowly slowly catchy monkey mode x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to TinyRunner]

It just takes time