So... the fact is...

[Leosmit]

I can run for 30 mins.

[Brian-P6 Graduate]

WooHoo well done!

Soooo, what’s next for you?

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Brian-P6]

After reading posts on this forum - consolidation. I want to keep doing the 30 mins and try different routes. I’m aiming for twice a week. Will try a park run but not for a while. When I did this programme before, I did a Parkrun straight after, went too fast, was absolutely awful and didn’t run until years later doing this!

[Brian-P6 Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

I’m starting to think about this too now that I’ve 4 runs left. Consolidation is a must but I wonder how long for? Then I’m wondering if I can manage the bridge to 10k or if I’m really pushing my luck with leaving wifey alone for an hour. Maybe I could start the B210K programme and “finish” when it gets to an appropriate length of time. I could have my own B28K or similar lol.

I’d like to do a park run too, but after some consolidation running and see if my step-daughter would like to do it with me. It’s her fault I got in to this in the first place after all

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Brian-P6]

I happy to stick to 30 mins. I’d love to find that totally easy and comfy. Love your ambition though!! Have you found that your running has had any impact on how you cope with caring for your wife? Just to acknowledge how stressful and challenging that can be.

[Brian-P6 Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

That’s a really good question and I think the answer is probably too difficult. Simply put though, I do have surprisingly more energy and focus .... when I’m not having a nap from being absolutely exhausted from running haha (please someone else say they need a nap!). I’m doing a bit more housework, I’m no domestic god - more the if you can’t see it from 6 feet away I’m not cleaning it! I think I’m more tolerant of the repetition and some of the absolutely bizarre stuff. But all in all I feel better in myself, and if I feel better then I can cope better. If I can cope better then I hope I can care better.

Thank you for asking

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Brian-P6]

Very insightful and informative answer. It is good advice for other carers also - the importance of looking after your own physical and mental health.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so pleased 😊😊👏👏👏

Now go get that badge

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Buddy, yours was one of the first posts/journeys I read when I discovered this forum. Don’t know you, but you’ve been such an encouragement. Thank you.

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

You're so kind. Now it's up to you to pass on your c25k knowledge to the newbies.

The hard work is all yours, once again congratulations

[Redvic97 Graduate]

Congratulations🎉 Well done on completing the challenge. Keep running 😊

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Redvic97]

Thank you! Yes, don’t see this as ‘finishing’ anything. Gonna stick with the 30 mins twice a week. Hopefully, a long term change.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Yay! That’s brilliant.....congratulations 👍🏆😁🎉

I hope you celebrated accordingly 🍾🥂

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

Cup of tea and some chocolate!! And posting the 5k photo to my family!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Fab ! Massive congratulations 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ !

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you so much! Thing is, I can do it, just need to keep at it!! What stage are you at?

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

I graduated last February and now I’m back again. Just begun week 2. Hoping to do the local hill climb in summer so I’m starting small 😄

[SteveWebbo Graduate]

You smashed it Leosmit , fantastic !!!!!!

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to SteveWebbo]

Thank you! I’ve just followed you there - we graduated on same day: we need to check each other are keeping going!!

[Jacca Graduate]

Well I had to find out !!! Congratulations I bet you’re over the moon ❤️🥳🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ 🎓

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Jacca]

😆 nice one! Yes, chuffed! Need to do some consolidating together!!

[RunningMigster Graduate]

🥂🍾🥂

Can't believe I missed this!!

Congratulations!!!

Such a good feeling isnt it.

Hope you're keeping it up!

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Thank you! You are a fantastic on-line support and encouragement. I read your posts from before I joined the forum when you were starting out also. I obviously don’t know you, but your truthful posts were so encouraging to me - that’s why I chased you up to make sure you were consolidating! I’d be lost without being able to follow what you’re doing!!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

You're too kind.

How are you doing with consolidation?

I'm looking at new routes but finding it difficult to see one that ticks all the boxes

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Wanted to get out tonight to do consolidation number 4 but couldn’t - hubby working and it’s obviously frowned upon to leave young children alone... actually got me quite cross that I couldn’t get out! I’m not changing anything yet, just not convinced yet that I’m a runner so going to do usual routes for the recommended consolidations. Is it 6 or 9?

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

I think they brought in some rules about not locking kids in cupboards while you go out. Most inconvenient 🤣🤣🤣.

My plan was to just do a month of consolidation runs. I'm trying to hit 5k for each run, which is between 33 and 35 minutes, depending on what my legs are telling me. I think I've given up on the idea sub 30 minute 5ks. I've done it once. That'll do lol

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Good plan.