Graduated but struggling

[Candy2]

I graduated about one month ago and was so pleased with myself, but now I’m really struggling and don’t understand why. I have done 2 or 3 runs each week since graduating but within the first few minutes feel like I can’t do it and want to stop. I am fighting all the way not to stop as it will only be me I’m cheating. So far I have kept going for the full 30 minutes but I still it is really affecting my confidence.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Cheating? Who made that rule? Google 'jeffing', loads of experienced runners swear by it.

You could try a parkrun, it might get your mojo back. Or use the Nike running app. If you like a challenge, try the bridge to 10k. I don't always run 5k, sometimes I do short runs with sprint intervals (I use the word sprint in it's loosest sense). Or you could try running with week 9 again.

I hope at least one of those ideas helps. Happy running 👍

jeffgalloway.com/training/r...

This link might help.

[Candy2 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you for the encouragement. It was my plan to do a park run and look at moving up to 10 k but need to sort my head out first I think.

[YorkiRob Graduate]

I too graduated two weeks ago and found it hard going , I did a park run and found that gave me a boost even though I found it hard. When I go out I still play the final week of runs on the app with Jo Whiley spurring me on telling me I’m doing well and giving the time I’ve been running , I also find music playing along as I run a great boost too. Having felt a bit jaded since graduating I went out last night and all of a sudden had my best run since I started the program! So stick at it and be proud you got to where you are now , I hope this helps.

[Candy2 Graduate in reply to YorkiRob]

You are right, at least I am finishing the run, just not the way I expected to feel. I too am still using the app. Congratulations on graduating. 👏👏

[Hidden]

Since graduating, I've done longer and shorter runs. Sometimes, I am struggling at 15 mins, other times the 30 mins seem easy. I have no idea why. But be happy, you are running a lot more than you were when you started the program. At least, that is how I look at it.

[Candy2 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That is true, I never thought I would get this far!!!

[Roxdog Graduate]

The fact that you're managing the 30 minute runs is positive. I've only just graduated and have done 3 more 30-35 min runs since, but it does feel quite different once we're off the programme doesn't it!

Maybe this is all in the mind - you've reached your target by completing the programme so now what? That might lead to a struggle to complete runs?

I had a similar experience in my last run - felt I might give up a few minutes in (I didn't and neither did you). So it's about resilience and endurance without the app.

Msybe find different routes/times of day? I'm trying to mix up my runs so I don't get bored.

Good luck!

[Candy2 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you. Yes I’m sure it is some kind of mental ‘block’ which is why I don’t want to give in!! 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The Consolidation Club was created to provide support for new graduates healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Pop over and discuss your issues and see what others are doing.

You may well be in need of a break from running, as recommended in the guide to post C25k running healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The best thing you can do in my view is to forget about pace, duration and distance and just go out, preferably somewhere beautiful and inspirational, and just run for fun.......it works for me.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Maybe you need something in your ears to encourage you.....Have you tried the C35K podcasts:

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/c...

I haven’t tried them as I haven’t graduated yet, but intend to when I do 👍😁

[Candy2 Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

No I haven’t. I will have a look.

[Parky88 Graduate]

I struggled after graduating first time round as well. Seems like you're doing well though- even though you're struggling you're managing to do it! Maybe try not giving yourself such a hard time

You could try mixing it up a bit- a shorter run or one with a little walk in the middle? I found it helped to do that a couple of times to get my confidence back and enjoy it a little more.

And are you listening anything to distract you while you run? I like an audiobook/podcast but i hear some people prefer music

[Candy2 Graduate in reply to Parky88]

I made myself a running list on Spotify with all my old favourites from the past. It was great to begin with but maybe I need to mix it up a bit.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Looking at it the other way... great mental strength you have driving yourself to those finish lines... that’s to be celebrated all in itself.

Post graduation isn’t easy, we sometimes feel a little lost, and it can then get tough out there. Vary the runs up a little, maybe drop one to 20, keep a 30 and try a 33/35 to finish your week. The shorter one doesn’t have to be fast, but leaves some in the tank for the next two. Once you’ve started to vary it up a bit, there are plans you can follow to get you to your goals, whatever they may be.