Wk 7 Run 2 finished - close to graduation but don't want to leave! Am I mad?

[Saladays]

I think it was around week 5 that I realised I was kinda enjoying the pathetic shambling I laughingly call a 'light jog'. I looked forward to the next run and the next phase (though I didn't look too closely as to what the next week consisted of out of self-protection!) I trusted the programme, I read the supportive posts on this forum and I improved.

I have loved how each week has made me a little fitter and a little stronger and yesterday realised that although my aim is to run for 30 minutes, my graduation will be bitter sweet as I won't have these enjoyable landmarks anymore. I can't believe I'm writing this, but the process of Couch to 5K has been as important to me as the result! I will go on to use the post graduation support resources signposted on this forum and set new challenges, but may be a teeny bit envious of anyone starting their journey... have I gone mad?

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

You could always start again but run slow the walk bits and faster the run parts

[Saladays Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I'm not saying no to that!!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Definitely not mad - I am sure many of us relate to that! 😄

But...there are loads of good running things to come...

[Saladays Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Glad to know I'm not alone and I think I've realised there's more to come from reading the posts on this forum. Onwards and upwards?

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Saladays]

Absolutely- but do take at least a few weeks to do consolidation of your 3x 30 mins & take advantage of the consolidation group. - You will build up more strength & stamina.

I celebrated graduation with a new playlist of favourite music & tried some new routes to keep things interesting. I also used W9 on the app at times- I missed Laura! 😄

[Saladays Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

I know what you mean. I am worried about my reliance on Michael Johnson....

[Daisy-runner Graduate]

I'm going to join a running club once I graduate and do park runs which I have done before but hopefully be able to run it all this time lol think running with other people will help keep the motivation up. Good luck with the rest of the programme

[Saladays Graduate in reply to Daisy-runner]

Thank you - park runs sound like a great plan and I hope there are some near me!

[MrsJhano1]

I have just finished the same run. I feel the same! I think my ultimate aim is to run 5k in 30 mins, so will ask for tips on that once I’ve finished. Let enjoy the final weeks!

[Saladays Graduate in reply to MrsJhano1]

Yes, let's enjoy it! I think running 5K in 30 minutes is a way off dream, but 7 weeks ago running to the end of the road was pure fantasy. You never know!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I felt a bit like that at the end Saladays. I did 3 weeks of consolidation runs repeating week 9 3 times a week. just to keep a coach with me and some structure. When I got to the end of that I found that I was ready to let go of it and go my own way so don’t worry too much about it for now. Enjoy those last couple of weeks!

[Saladays Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

I will and I reckon that will be me, too, repeating week 9 for a few more weeks at least until I can let Michael go!

[Rockette]

No your not , I love doing c25k like you , and always sad when it ends , I must have completed it at least 4 times .I never keep up the bit after though , I go off the running bug for one reason or another, but always return maybe a year l8r sometimes longer ,and start the whole process again . Well done on getting to wk 7 , and maybe start another programme when you graduate, cant remember what they call the next one after this .good luck and keep it up.

[Saladays Graduate in reply to Rockette]

Thank you! I didn't realise how much I'd enjoy the actual process (and Michael Johnston's coaching!) I'll be looking for the next programme...