Consolidation run 1 Really not in the mood - a boring post.

[MuddledGardener]

Well, today was one of the hardest runs ever. I didn’t feel enthusiastic at all, and if someone had told me that I would never run again, I wouldn’t have cared. I had eaten VERY badly all weekend, and certainly hadn’t drunk enough water. I also forgot to take my inhaler before running.

I had made the decision earlier, to try running without Jo, so I set my timer for thirty minutes and started it after we had all done our five minutes plus of walking. I also started my Fitbit and my music, which today was the album Duke by Genesis, which I could hardly remember. This was actually very good for me, because I had no idea how long the tracks were, so had no idea how my progress was. This was useful, if difficult towards the end, because I had to concentrate on what my body was doing, and not anticipate the end of the run.

About a minute into the run, I had to bend down and pick up a poor, lost earthworm from the middle of the road. I hardly broke my stride and gently dropped it into some long grass. That was my good deed for the day. Anyway, the rest of the run was uneventful. My legs seemed to be working like pistons, in a fairly regular pace. Nothing hurt, but I was beginning to feel the heat by the time my alarm went off. I was truly thankful to stop running. I even remembered to turn off my Fitbit! 🙌

The main thing I missed about Jo was her telling me that I had one minute left, and this was reflected in my pace, it being slower than previous runs. However, I managed to run 3.51k, which is the furthest I’ve run to date, at an average pace of 8’37”. I think I would have exceeded previous runs, if I’d managed a sprint, as my overall pace was faster and more consistent.

Anyway, I hope I feel more motivated on Wednesday. Watch this space... or don’t, if this post was too boring! 🙄

[Stephen_UK Graduate]

Hi Muddled. Not boring at all. Not many posts feature an earthworm rescue. Don’t be put off. Some runs are just better than others. The voice of the guide does become a reassuring element, but I think you will be surprised how quickly you no longer need it.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks Stephen. I didn’t really miss Jo at all, apart from at the end, as I said. Is this a sign of growing up? 😱

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Yes! You are your own guide now. Plus, you will always have Genesis!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Stephen_UK]

Indeedy! 😁

[IrvingWashington Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

"Turn It On Again" from Duke is a tremendous running track.

Wish it was longer!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to IrvingWashington]

Glad someone else is a Genesis fan! 😁

[Oddity]

Love an earthworm rescue during a run 😁🤣 well done for completing it x

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Oddity]

Thank you! 😁

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Post grad runs are hard at first but keep at it, it will get better! Maybe try a new route?

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you. That’s a good idea, but I run with a small group of people who are at different levels, so we all support one another. I will be starting Parkruns soon, and am doing a Junior Parkrun with my four year old granddaughter on Sunday.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Oh well those should keep it interesting. I also recommend the NRC podcasts, they helped me along in that time.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

What are those podcasts?

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

So get the free nike run club app and look at guided runs. You can download some and they talk to you like C25k. First long run, running with Manal, just go with Mo are some of my recommendations. You can chose any duration that suits you and then there are interval and farlek options too.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Oh thanks! That’s really helpful! 😁

[Fatgirlslim19 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

*quickly scribbling those down...*

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Fatgirlslim19]

😂😂😂

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

It's not surprising you felt a bit bleh today. I think the lure of gradution and the euphoria of w9r3 means consolidation is a bit of an anticlimax.

On the positive side you did the run and there is a worm out there grateful that you were out and about to rescue him 🐛 (no worm emoji so happy caterpillar is standing in)

xxx

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

I know! I hunted high and low for a worm emoji! 😂 xx

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

😂😂😂

[Hidden]

Never boring MG. I think parkrun will help, just a bit of variation. They're good fun, hope you enjoy the junior parkrun on Sunday. Some of those kids are fast!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! My granddaughter will be irritated by me, because she is FAST, and I’m the proverbial snail 🐌! 🤣

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It’s tough being without our coach... and the preparation was as you say not great over the weekend (hopefully you had fun through) so tough run it was... be very proud of completing it. Maybe one of the running trackers could help as they give time/pace/distance updates... in the early days I turned them all off apart from time.

Have a wonderful run on Wednesday.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. I do have MapMyRun, but it isn’t as generous as the Fitbit! 🤣

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

I found the time right after graduation difficult and a such the runs seemed that much harder. It was a meh run but you did it and you rescued a little earthworm. Don't be put off; we all get meh runs occasionally and I think those first few consolidation runs are the hardest for it.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you. The goal of graduation has passed, and now I’m in a sort of limbo. But it will pass, as it has for others. It was just difficult and disappointing.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Yup, I think many of us had that exact same feeling...so see, you're in good company 😁. You'll get past it like the rest of us did. I found for me, once I consolidated, it was about finding another goal to work towards, be it reaching 5k or building up to 60 minutes. Now, with all the training plans I've been following lately, I'm looking forward to fall when I can run footloose and fancy free, going wherever and for how ever long my little heart tells me. But for now, I'll listen to my plan 😇

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you, and good luck with your journey. 😊

[Elisabeth3 Graduate]

I said to notquiteretired that the w9r3 is a big milestone, thus a big run.

After that you may need some break to let yourself 'deflate'.

Maybe give some time to it.

[Debston Graduate]

Bound to be a bit of an anti-climax after the "WOW I DID IT!" feeling of graduating. There's a new July thread for graduates either already done or coming very soon - hop on and join in with a few goals for the month. The "Jaunty June" one really helped me to focus on what I wanted to get out of running now I had graduated. And no, not boring at all, you worm-rescuer super hero!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Debston]

Hahaha! 🤣 Thank you!

[Hazel10 Graduate]

Well done for doing it! I have tried to find an app that will tell me every 5 minutes that I have done 5 minutes - but I can’t... I need the encouragement and I miss Laura. Even thought I might just play week 9, run 3 over and over so I get the times. Ridiculous but there we are. 🙄

[FormerAthleteNowMum in reply to Hazel10]

Runkeeper will give you 5 minute updates if you set it up that way. I had it running alongside C25K (because it also gives distance and pace, which I found helpful) until I realised that it pauses C25K while it’s talking so I was running for longer than necessary 🤦‍♀️

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to FormerAthleteNowMum]

😂 Thank you!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Hazel10]

Maybe I was trying to run before I could walk! 🤔 maybe I still need a coach!

[Astra5 Graduate]

I think you have come across the same problem quite a few have once graduated. Personally I had a mare doing the post grad consolidation runs, hated them! I decided to not push to do the 30 mins each time but to stop and walk at anytime during the following runs and most importantly was not to be bothered about doing so 😙

I then got through a few runs OK. Then decided to run with my daughters who had just started C25K and that gave me some encouragement seeing them struggle even in week 1 but 35 years younger 🤐

Unfortunately could not go out for a few weeks because of illness but since have really progressed and actually enjoyed the running more than at anytime since starting. I think maybe the penny drops if you change your routine a bit and everyone will be different. Hope you find that method soon but keep going

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Astra5]

Thank you. I am bored with the route, but I don’t think my running buddies would want to change. 😕

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well I love reading about your runs, and nice to know other peoples are not all great

One happy little worm and a run over and done with and a rest day coming up 😀

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you! 😊

[backintime Graduate]

I had a couple of those "grind it out" runs post graduation, you'll get past them.. I think it's a cross between post graduation deflation and that we push ourselves continuously for 9 weeks, we are just a bit tired when we stop aiming for something.

Your mojo will come back.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to backintime]

Thank you. That’s encouraging.

[Hidden]

My post graduate runs have been rubbish, dont feel as good about it. I think I am goal driven as the structure of c25k helped me. Just need to work out the next goal but at the moment don't feel ready for park runs etc.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I agree. I definitely need a goal, so am taking my granddaughter to a Junior Parkrun this Sunday.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Always a tricky transistion from C25k to whatever lies beyond. You may be missing the company of the app. Plenty of other options: music, audiobook, podcast, or running apps like zombie run is quite fun.

Also the focus of a training plan. You'll fing other goal in good time. But how about trying out some new routes?

There are other options I don't want to pile on you whilst you are consolidating. However, you will get good and bad days and there will be times you are more motivated and times when you are not. The good news is you went and did it anyway. Make running a habit.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

I always have music, but it was a real struggle, physically as well as mentally. I think I will try other apps that talk to me, giving me distance and pace. Thank you.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

It's a funny sort of time Muddled, I avoided it by hurting my foot and having to redo c25k, I wouldn't recommend it though 🤔😁 Planning for parkrun is a good idea, and it's great that you have some real life running buddies, that makes a huge difference when you're not feeling the love. I used a cheap Casio stopwatch with a countdown function when I was running to time rather than distance. Only a few quid, very retro and a bright pink strap! It was all I needed until I was ready to push for 5 to 10k, and that's when I got my Garmin, which beeps at every k and shows me time and distance run with a quick glance. If all else fails, treat yourself to some new lycra 😘

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

😂 I don’t plan on injuring anything yet! I have to be careful with shopping, as I told my hubby that running was a cheap sport! 🤣🤣🤣

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Yes, all you need is a pair of daps 😂😂😂

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

🤣🤣🤣

[Lindsey-joy Graduate]

I feel your pain Muddled!

I am feeling quite lost at the moment. For my last run i put on Jo w9r3 as i like the fact she tells you every 5 minutes where you are.

I love that you managed to fit in a rescue mission. I hope you wear a cape? The Mighty Muddled! 💪💪💪

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Lindsey-joy]

🤣🤣🤣 That did make me laugh! Maybe I should change my profile name?!

[Hidden]

I didn’t realised you had graduated, belated congratulations!! Sorry to hear this wasn’t a great run, but it sounds like you’ve noticed some factors that could have played a part. But it was a run, you got out there and didn’t give up, that’s what really counts.

Hopefully your next one will go really well! Have you thought about replaying a week 9 run podcast, so you still have Jo still coaching you?

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I wanted to try without Jo. I only missed her right at the end. 😊

[nif100 Graduate]

ahhhh life beyond the coaches...love it personally. I used to imagine them taping their comments whilst sitting on a lovely settee with a box of choccies whilst I was out their in the rain/fog or whatever I ran in. Then the 5 mins to go when your legs had already gone home without you. Now I have the silence if I want too and the country around me. I have now ditched my music headphones and gone out into the wide world and yes I can hear my breathing, but sometimes it is nice to listen to nature that sadly we all seem to want to shut out . I felt like my umbilical chord had been cut and I could so explore. Happy music free running.....

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Thank you!

[NewRunner4 Graduate]

Your posts are never boring!

Sounds like the challenge after graduating is a mental one, which is probably harder than anything. Good on you getting through this. I guess if you maybe think of it like doing run 1 week 1 when everything seems impossible then each one from there on is all progress!

Your next one is bound to be more enjoyable 👍 and that’s got to be one grateful worm out there😂

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to NewRunner4]

Lol! Thank you! 😁

[Katnap Graduate]

How's it going now MuddledGardener?

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Katnap]

I posted earlier on in graphic detail! 🤣 Not well, I think is the answer 🤣