I graduated about 3 weeks ago and have been going out for regular runs of either 30mins or 5k which takes me about 35mins. My last 2 runs have been really hard and I havent managed 30 mins, I'm feeling a bit disheartened, I cant think why I am struggling so much?!!!
Struggling: I graduated about 3 weeks ago and... - Couch to 5K
Struggling
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35 minutes for a 5K is nothing to be ashamed of, many runners who have been running for years have not achieved that time.
Perhaps you are running a little too fast and tiring yourself unnecessary, don't worry about time, go out and enjoy your runs, drink plenty of water the day before you run so you won't get dehydratrd.
Go declutter your next run Emma, no distance no time just run because you want to, take away that Target you've set yourself and that mojo will come back 👍
This sounds normal to me. A good idea is to try different runs now. Try a shorter but quicker one, around 3k then a 5k perhaps with intervals and then a longer but much slower run (increase distance a little every week on the long one).As the weeks go by this will help your 5k time. Try the Bridge to 10k plan and the forum here too. You just need a bit of variety.
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You are in the classic post plan droop that happens to many graduates, which is why we created the Consolidation Club healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... where you can come to ask for advice and read what other new graduates are doing.
C25k provided you with a running target each week and I suggest that you do the same now that you are out on your own.
Think about it and pop over to the Consolidation Club to chat it over.