W9R3 coming up, what next?

[Peskykids]

Hi there!

Due to do my W9R3 run tomorrow, what do I do beyond this? I've seen others talk about consolidation runs, what is that. Excuse my ignorance, complete novice here!

[abitwobbly Graduate]

That's brilliant, well done, have a happy one tomorrow! Consolidation runs are just repeating your 30 min runs regularly to get accustomed to them as your body is still getting used to being a runner You can keep chatting on this forum and/or join the Bridge to 10K as lots of people on both forums are in the same position as you. Keep being kind to your new running body and have fun!

[Peskykids Graduate in reply to abitwobbly]

Thanks, not certain running beyond 5k is for me, but fitness is improving, so would like to try and keep it up.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Peskykids]

Hee hee! That’s exactly what I said when I graduated 2 years ago. Ahem - I am now training for my first half marathon 😱😂

Just enjoy getting out there and running for 30 mins. Find some new routes, listen to music/podcasts and go at your own happy pace. When that starts to feel more ‘comfortable’ try adding on a minute or two each run...and see where it takes you. But most of all, run regularly and reap the health (physical and emotional) benefits of running!

Sadie-runs x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I’m in the same place as you Peskykids - think the idea of consolidation runs is to do 3 x 30 minute runs a week for 3 weeks to build up the stamina before pushing on to further/faster. That’s what I’m going to try and do anyway. Hope your last run goes ok!

[Peskykids Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks, good luck to you, always find the R2 each week the toughest, so hoping tomorrows final run will be slightly more enjoyable???

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Have a wonderful graduation run.

Consolidation is as above... 30 will become comfortable, maybe even easy, and your body will appreciate the break from the constant progression. Consolidation is good every few months... if you’re going for longer distances in the future, consolidate on 10k, then maybe 10 miles, HM, etc... how’s that for scary?

What’s next is up to you... you have tome to think, and a great fitness and running base to achieve anything you want.

[Peskykids Graduate]

Looking forward to this final run, thinking I might just try running a 5k see how long it takes me......maybe after a few consolidation runs first! Thanks for your input.