Consolidation runs are tough 😢

[Dreambird]

I graduated at the start of July - amazing high after completing that last run on week 9 but omg it’s been tough since then. Where’s my focus and my ‘ I can do this ‘ mantra gone ?

My run days are a bit ad hoc - not a regular set part of my week and I keep saying I’ll run tomorrow. Consequently I’m finding I run a couple of times a week maybe it’s because I’m not having to tick off my runs to achieve my goal. I think I’m going to make myself weekly goals to aim for. I thought achieving 5 k would be the goal - while it is - I’m not so motivated as I’m finding running 30/40 mins non stop so tough - I want to stop around 20 mins. Sometimes I plod on through other times I walk.

I’ve achieved 5k twice since graduation so I’m pleased with my progress and yes my progress has totally amazed me since the start of c25k - guess I sort of thought ......... ?! I’m sure the more I get out and run the more comfortable it will feel after all I’m really still a newbie at this.

Ok enough said - I’ve got this - let’s keep on running 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️🐌✅

[Twowheelrider]

You're doing brilliantly!

I was exactly the same. Once I completed it I lost all motivation. I didn't go often and when I did I didn't have the same drive to keep going.

I decided the same as you, that I needed something to aim for.

Ultimately I'd like to aim for 10k but I know I need to consolidate first, so in the mean time I signed up on the website "race at your own pace" and signed up to run 35 miles (56km) throughout July, it cost £15 and at the end I'll get a medal and a t-shirt, they also provide a tracking sheet. It's made all the difference for me, I have about 6.7miles left to achieve my goal in just over a week, so now I know i could potentially do more in August! I might even start working towards 10km now 😁

I've also started seeing a personal trainer once a week to help me to learn strength building exercises in order to aid my running.

I hope you get your motivation back too ❣

[Dreambird Graduate in reply to Twowheelrider]

That’s really interesting- I like the idea of “ race at your own pace” I shall take a look at that definitely. I actually ran on Thursday morning with no other reason than I felt I should and just chose a different route around the roads locally and I got on fine - really enjoyed it. I also would like to eventually get to a 10k comfortable pace so your tips are really appreciated and very helpful- thanks for your time. Onwards all us runners 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍🤩

[Roxdog Graduate]

I was exactly the same after graduation, finding 20 mins tough! I changed my runnin g routesand that helped a lot. I went exploring and lost track of time

Maybe an idea?

[Gordygirl Graduate]

I’ve done 5 graduation runs now and I am also finding them tough. I have completed the 30 minutes each time, but like you, find the 20 minutes onwards bit really hard. My goal each time I set out is to get to the 5k (I am on just over 4K in my 30 minutes) but I have to stop after 30 minutes as I feel I have nothing left to give so I am now going to focus on getting better at that last ten minutes. If you have managed 5k twice that is amazing - you have certainly got this. We can’t let all that hard work go to waste 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Dreambird Graduate in reply to Gordygirl]

You’re so right - all that hard work is definitely not going to go to waste. I’m sure that slowly my focus and motivation will improve. I’m going to try a different route and just settle in to enjoy the running- we are really beginners at this running so I guess it’s just about continuing what we achieved so far. Let’s keep on running Gordygirl - we’ve got this 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️👍✅🤩

[sally1993]

Hmmm how about instead of running longer to reach 5K, you run the 30 mins and work on increasing pace? Also, goal wise, maybe book yourself a 5K run somewhere for a few months in the future(maybe even the spring?) and train to get the best time for that? X

[Dreambird Graduate in reply to sally1993]

Ok good plan - I’ll try that next time - run 30 mins and see what pace I’m at and then I can concentrate on improving my pace. I wondered about booking in for a 5k run - sounds a bit daunting but it would be a focus for the future. Thanks for your thoughts- really appreciate your time. 🏃🏼‍♀️🥳👍✅

[sally1993 in reply to Dreambird]

You are very welcome! This forum is my new favourite thing hahah

This is my plan for when I graduate so I hope it works for you.. please let me know

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

I run with my coach ... I need the structure for now!... he spurs me on.... I’m finding consolidations a bit challenging... 20 minutes in the gremlin shows his face and pesters me to stop!... as you say I think it’s cos of not having to tick runs off but

Hey how we are doing it... and you’ve already hit the 5k mark 👏👏👏👏 well done

[Delgirl82]

I agree they are really tough. I’ve thought a few time’s about restarting the programme. I’m still jogging but do find it really tough. Any help would be great.