Since graduating I consolidated for 2 weeks with 3 30 min runs✅ Managed to run a full 5k✅ Completed Parkrun twice✅. Had gait analysis and new trainers ordered✅ Lost just under 2stone and reached my goal weight✅
All the goals I set myself in Easter. ✅
Just so you know this all has made me feel so proud and accomplished.
But
I ask you why all of a sudden does it feel like I’m going backwards? I’m stopping on runs, out of breath no direction and feel defeated. New goals needed?? Not sure what I should be doing now?
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Sp81
Graduate
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Slow the pace just a little... consolidation is about making the run easier. If your best sprint is 10/10 effort, maybe on a regular run we are running 5/10... finding your 4/10 is only going to help your running.
Keep running 30s until you feel great at that finish line... like you know you could go 10 more... don’t actually do it of course, but that’s the point to start thinking about the next plan.
Consolidation is tough and can feel like an anticlimax after the thrill of completing the course. If you are keen to go further you can join the Bridge to 10K plan and progress to the next level. This keeps it interesting – as long as you listen to your body and don’t overdo it like I have!
And well done on reaching all your goals. That’s amazing.
Thank you stephen_uk. I think you’re right with anticlimax. I really enjoyed having the plan and being told what to do on each run. Also the amazing feeling of completing each week. I will definitely look at bridge to 10k.
I'm finding consolidation tough, too. The 30 mins aren't getting easier. I did 5k tonight but walked for a few minutes, which seemed like a backwards move. I've tried slowing down more but not sure I can!
Sounds like you have made really rapid progress and achieved loads. Maybe your progress has slowed but that doesn't mean you're going back. Even when you decelerate, you're still moving forwards! 😄
Thank you reykjavik49 we seem to be in the same position a little. My legs seem to now find a pace they like but my lungs don’t agree. Need to remember to think snail.
Just keep going, I guess. I've done a couple of runs since posting and managed to get 5k down to 30 mins so am feeling a bit more motivated as I can see progress. I think my target should be to do 30 mins comfortably. Might take a while!
Thank you goforitmama. I have made plans with friends to do Parkrun again on Saturday let’s hope it’s not too hot.
I do tend to stick to the same 2 routes due to my fall the other week I’m a bit nervous of crossing roads. I will log onto Strava and try and plan a new route.it has been warm here and I run at 3-30 so may have something to do with it. School holidays next week so I will try and run later when it’s cooler 😎
I think you hit it on the head - new goals needed. My tip is to make them personal... something that matters to you. Like when I ran around the Great Orme because I love it there. Or book into a 5 or 10k race and train for it. Or run a certain number of miles every month, perhaps for a charity you care about deeply. Or run for you, because it's your time and it's sacrosanct and you prioritise it. But I think having a goal you really believe in is so important. Good luck with it.
Thank you pianism. Struggling with setting goals, I’m not sure what it is I want. I’m certainly enjoying fitting into clothes that have been gathering dust in the wardrobe for a long time 🤪 and I know I want to continue. I agree the goals will need to be personal and realistic. I have looked into races but only find half marathons in my area till next year. I think maybe I miss the structure of c25k.
Perhaps new trainers will help too when they arrive? I think you’re right that the success of C25K is in the determination of wanting to do what is asked by the plan. It’s our mind that stops us running generally. I suggest you set your new goals or follow a new plan. Good luck and huge congratulations!!🏆🍾
Thank you tasse. C25k is amazing with the way after each run and each week the feeling of completing was great. I think I miss the structure of being told what to do. Needing a bit of direction.
Congratulations tasse. The finishing line awaits you with your shiny badge. It is such an amazing accomplishment. I will definitely be looking out for your ‘I’ve graduated’ post. Xxx 🏃♀️
I read this while looking for inspiration, following my bad run this morning. Similar to you in that I've managed to do 5k runs for a few weeks now, three time a week. Felt so proud. Then this morning I don't really know what happened. I stopped a couple of times, had to walk, then gave up at 4k. Might have been a mixture of starting off a bit quicker than usual and also that it was pretty hot.
I sympathise cause it's just very demoralising when you can't do what you've previously done.
Thank you hairy_lairy I’m sorry you had a bad run this morning. Sounds like we are in a similar position I know I CAN do it because I have. Going from feeling so proud to so why can’t I? Why am I stopping? I’m going out tomorrow with support from all of you with hopefully a new route. Hope your next run goes well.
I’ve done all the above so what I’m doing is training for a 10K it’s an app not as good as ct5k but got to be done you need new goals that’s the key so you don’t get defeated and well done to you that’s a great achievement be proud you’re great. I did a race for life Sunday 5k best time ever so you could do an event which they are very good to do it boosts your confidence 😉 enjoy your journey your doing great xx
You’re welcome and thank you I hope I can improve on my pb that’s if I can do it again at that time it was a fantastic run thousands of people were doing it and the atmosphere was something else. And the the app is 10K by C25K by zenlabs x
Thank you 😉 and no problem for the app glad to help it’s not the same as ct5k not much talking to keep you motivated but we have past that now we are runners 😉
It may be new goals needed. It may be your speed also. When I graduated I remember not being able to get past 7k and feeling defeated. Turned out I was pushing too hard for my fitness at the time. When I eased off the pace, the distance came. And later on so did the pace. And even more distance. Maybe changing up your routes, setting up a destination for some runs could help too. That can be fun. Setting up a new suite of goals helps you work towards something to and gives the runs added purpose. Its very personal. Hope it works for you!
Thank you decker. I’m logging onto Strava to set up a new route later. Also I think I maybe being to hard on myself. My legs seem to set a pace that my lungs disagree with. I’m going out tomorrow after school I’m going to try and slow a little and see how far I can get. With goals in mind I’m just not sure what is that I want. I do know I want to continue though.
You’re not alone. I did a similar thing. Think l was stopping just because I could!! (no Sarah in my ear) and I learned to just accept it for a while. I got back on track in a few weeks so just relax and enjoy the freedom of ‘just running’!
Thank you sybilw. Glad I’m not the only one. I do miss Sarah and the structure of c25k. Think maybe being a bit hard on myself. We break up for school holidays on Friday so hopefully I will have more time to focus on my running and setting new goals. XX
You need to spice up your running, get some paprika on those feet. Change it up, get a new goal, enter a race. Part of C25K is the challenge, so book a race. Just do it.
I have a confession to make, I didn't consolidate, I finished week 9 and I was desperate to change my routine, it would drive me crazy just running 30 minutes Every. Single. Time. So I went for 10 minute runs, 20 minute runs, I did W4 again, I did W5 again, I ran up hills, I did a mile as fast as I could, I started doing parkruns, I haven't joined a club yet but I intend to, I want to run in the cross country league in winter.
You're a graduate now, you can do absolutely anything you want.
I’m no expert as about to start W5 but the goal setting and route variety sound great ideas - so with Parkruns it could be about Personal Bests but also what about linking your runs in to another interest you have or type of scenery? I’m looking at running around Yorkshire race courses as I’m a keen “equine investor” and want to know how the horses see/feel things! Also different geographies, eg we’re looking to book a holiday in a Scottish seaside town just to run on proms with impressive scenery! I see from your profile you’re Hants based so what about the New Forest or the stunning coast down there? You could set yourself a “Howard’s Way” theme of marinas or something?! Finally, you’re a major success having graduated and inspiring to use mid-wayers so keep us posted and enjoy! 👍👏🏃♂️
Thank you dalmorangie. Week 5 you’re half way there congratulations 🥳.
I love the idea of thinking about where I’m running instead of is the distance of that route right? What a great idea. I’ve definitely learnt that I really don’t like laps and prefer a route instead. Our school holidays start on Friday so will definitely plan some more exciting places to run. Thank you so much for the reply.
Where abouts in Yorkshire are you? I originate from hull. X
Live near Selby but originally from Manchester.....and actually lived in Hull for 4 years!! Bet you’ll be on the “white wine” on holiday and take your “coat” - Hull accent is the most distinct in 🇬🇧, I love it!! Enjoy your holidays and running!
I feel a bit like you. Graduated 4 weeks ago but then got a virus where I couldn’t stop coughing so missed 2 weeks running. Been for 3 runs now but this morning was hard, stopped 3 times, too hot! Hard to slow pace down when your legs want to go faster but it’s really important to do that to keep going. I’ve been using Nike run club app, if you’re looking for structure that could be your thing. They do guided runs where a coach talks to you and gives good advice. Download it and give it a go. Good luck 😉
Thank you emsworth19. Yes my legs seem to be my only body part that seem to know what they’re doing. Thank you for the app idea I had not heard of it. Feel I’m the kinda person that needs to be told what to do. Will look now 👍🏻
Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for the replies. Just got home from a much nicer run. No pressure, see what happens and a little cooler due to rain this morning freshening the air a little. My pace was quicker but not quite as far as usual, but, I enjoyed it. I’m going to sit down over the weekend and work out some lovely new goals for the 6 week holidays. The support here is what keeps me running 🏃♀️
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Going backwards?
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Going backwards!!??
Feel like I am going backwards.!!
