Advice please

[Emilyhuggy]

Hi all so I have been keeping up with my running but I have to say since graduating I have only ran 5k approx 3 times!! Im just getting bored

[JeanneMary Graduate]

Hmmm - I think it might help you to think back to why you started running and maybe set some new goals? Also, could you go to a new running route - somewhere interesting or beautiful? I haven't yet got bored, mainly because it's all still a challenge. I like to use the TomTom watch and compare the different runs to see if I can spot any improvement! Hope you get your mojo back. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

I graduated about the same time as you Emily and I think after the euphoria it can be a bit meh.

I’ve mixed it up quite a bit and that has kept me motivated. First off I wanted to get the 5K so that kept me occupied for a while. I changed routes and found some new ones, that helped. I even ditched the playlist in favour of podcasts, something I never thought I’d do as I loved my running discos. I get quite involved listening so that takes my mind off the distance.

But as JM rightly said, think about why you wanted to do it in the first place. I was a lockdown newbie but I can see all the benefits of a ( relatively) cheap way to exercise ( we’ll gloss over my new found Sweaty Betty habit ...) and I may not go back to the gym classes. I like that I can go out of my front door rather than drive to the gym. That’s a big plus. And I like the headspace and how my squidgy bits are beginning to reduce...

I really hope you find your mojo - have you tried down the sofa, I hear a few people have found them lurking there! Seriously though, it would be a shame to come this far and put all that effort in for nowt, but at the end of the day you have a choice. Do what makes you happy 😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Try the 3 excellent supplementary C25K+ podcasts: Speed, Stamina, and Stepping Stones

[emilyb95 Graduate]

I had the same, I needed something to be aiming towards or I get bored very easily. For my consolidation I focused on my speed, pushing myself a bit more every run so I was getting PBs nearly every time. After that, I started the 10k plan to give me a new goal. For me, having goals and a plan to focus on makes it more enjoyable, and maybe you are the same? That doesn’t have to be distance, it could be time, hills or just a new route. Good luck 😊

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to emilyb95]

The 10K plan still looks a bit scary to me at the moment😱 - but I’m not ruling it out! 😉

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

I graduated at the start of June and I’ve just finished week 3 of the 10k plan.. I didn’t consolidate for very long because I was getting bored and by that point I was very comfortable with 5k 😬 it is a step up when you start doing the longer distances (but nowhere near as much as C25K imo), and for me it means I go for the run knowing I’m going to achieve something which keeps me motivated, as opposed to sinking back in to my old lazy sofa-dwelling habits

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to emilyb95]

Well being comfortable with 5K is my current goal so after that ....

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

You’ll get there! 😁😁

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to emilyb95]

Thanks- I’m a bit of a plodder but I did a 5K PB on Monday so hopefully I’ll start to get there consistently- it’s still good ones and struggling ones at the mo.

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

I think everyone has harder runs though, even when they’ve been doing it for years 😊 congrats on the PB 🥳

[Emilyhuggy Graduate in reply to emilyb95]

What 10k plan are you doing I can't seem to find one I like

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to Emilyhuggy]

I do this one with ju-ju- : healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

I find having the bridge to 10k forum really great and supportive, like the c25k one

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Yep goals are key, you’re obviously finding 5K too easy. Maybe it’s time to up your game? Also trying different routes may help? 😊

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

I'm on week 7 and not run 5k yet but my aim is to do the Parkruns when they start up again. That way I have a regular commitment each week and will use the other 2 runs as training towards improving my time. Also Parkruns have quite a few different venues near where I live so can mix and match for variety..

[Emilyhuggy Graduate in reply to MontyMooDog]

Yes I want to do park runs but when will we know when they are back?

[MontyMooDog Graduate in reply to Emilyhuggy]

Just keep looking on the website. There is a regular update on the Covid situation but I would think it would be starting fairly soon now 🤔

[Emilyhuggy Graduate]

I’ve registered now to wait xxx