Well, it'll have been 6 whole weeks tomorrow since I completed the Couch to 5k graduation run. I can't quite believe it! Running's definitely been my mood booster and anxiety dissipator over the last few weeks. It's the endorphins coursing through you and that feeling of freedom you experience when you're out at 7:30am and the roads, paths and parks are (relatively) quiet. It's magical!
I had a solid week of waking up feeling dreadful, but it started to lift a bit after this Monday's run and today I woke up feeling the best I've felt in a week and a half, after having another good run yesterday morning (Wednesday). I've been getting anxious about my oldest boy starting school next month. He starts full time in reception class without having done any transition half days/stay and play (due to COVID), there's only one other child from his nursery going to his school and they won't necessarily be in the same 'bubble'. He's a sociable little boy, but it's a big deal being thrown in the deep end like that when you've only recently turned 4. I'm also going to be returning to work on site for some of my working hours from the middle of next month and there are a lots of unknowns about that. My mind's been going over things quite a bit (I've had some strange dreams!) but I've found running's helped to calm me down and clear my head
I've taken a sensible and gradual approach to increasing my consolidation run times. I did 3 weeks of 3x 30 minutes and I've added a modest amount to my runs since then (> 10% to my longest run). This week, I ran my longest run and longest distance on Monday and that was for 40 minutes/8:01 km. It was the first run where I felt like I'd made it as a runner. Yesterday's run was for 30 minutes and tomorrow's run will be for 35 minutes. I've found that by adding very gradually to my time spent running my stamina's increased more. I haven't worn myself out, I've given myself permission to increase my longest run by 3 minutes maximum each week, rather than forcing myself to run for a time/distance that I felt intimidated by. Next week, I'm planning to run for 45 minutes for my longest run, but I'll see how I go as it's a bit toasty hot out there at the moment!
Written by
mummyrunner79
Graduate
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Hi yes, I reached 5k at the end of wk6 but I previously did Couch 2 5k in 2016 and have stayed pretty active since then. I’m working towards a 10k now. I’ll have a look at your 5k plan 😊
I like your plan! I've 9consolidation runs done now, all at the 30min ish mark....I have a week off now, so will do another 3 X 30 min runs after that then pick a long run day....kinda looking forward to gradually building up a longer run 😁
Well done,.and hope all goes well when school starts again
Ahh excellent, I hope you enjoy your week off! I bet you'll return to it feeling refreshed and more determined than ever. This week's too hot for running really ... I'm the same - really looking forward to building up distance/time. It gives you such a buzz having a goal doesn't it? It's definitely helped me through these last 5 months, I don't know about you! Thank you for your kind words. I was having a rough week last week. I'm sure he'll be fine
Thank you so much for your lovely words I used to do gym and swimming years ago (pre kids) and have stayed active but I didn't think I'd progress as fast as I have. I did C25K the first time around nearly 4 years ago and I'm doing better this time around. I think they say running's the one sport you get better with age because you're constantly improving through practice.
Good luck for the little ones start at school! Exciting time’s x and well done for your continued progress!
Thank you! x Just been reading your posts: you're doing great post surgery and all Agree with your "25 mins proper runner" post. It's so true! I saw it as an important threshold as well.
It's a good plan. I felt a bit intimidated by the 39 minute run so early on so I built up more gradually. I'm going to have another look at it and probably tweak what I've got planned for this week to fit her plan.
That’s absolutely fantastic 🤩👏🏻 inspiring too!! I’m nearly two weeks on from my graduation & I’m just practicing the run I do and aiming to improve it x
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Fish, chips and mushy peas!
Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!
FAQ Post C25K COMPLETED…….WHAT NEXT?
