Going solo

[SJ60]

How many consolidation runs should I do before running without Michael in my ear? I don’t want to seem disloyal but I don’t want to become dependent either 🤣?

[PlymBorn]

Hi SJ ... I carried on for the 1st 3 runs as thought I needed that countdown and time marking. However, when I stopped listening I felt freer and funnily, more energetic... as I wasn’t longing for the 5 mins to go or your halfway thinking at last ... so each to there on, but in my case I wish I had stopped listening sooner.

[SJ60 in reply to PlymBorn]

I’ve done 6 consolidation runs so I’ll give it a go solo tomorrow ...thank you for your input 👍

[PlymBorn in reply to SJ60]

Good luck !

[Skeg Graduate in reply to SJ60]

Yes give it a go. However with a smile: I chose Sarah and when the going gets tough when increasing hills or pace the advice - slow down if you must but dont stop - rings in my ears. Good luck.

[SJ60 in reply to Skeg]

Thank you 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Michael won't know..........he is already schmoozing with some W1 one runners, so don't worry about being disloyal..........he certainly doesn't.

Running with nothing in your ears but the bird song, wind in the trees and the gentle thud of your steady pace is the route to letting your brain open up to all the incoming sensory delights and will take you into an almost meditative appreciation of the world........maybe....

[SJ60 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yeah I thought Michael might now be busy with others...I’ve been replaced 🤣🤣🤣🤣 time to go solo!

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

“Schmoozing with some week1 runners” 😂😂😂😂😂

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Nike Running Club app is free and has guided runs if you feel you’ll miss a trainer, there are various times and distances too.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Haha , I ran without Laura today on my first run after graduation , it felt strange at first but it actually gave me time to relax if that makes sense !

It was a more natural run and I enjoyed the breeze, the music and my thoughts , and actually totally enjoyed my run 😬

[SJ60 in reply to Instructor57]

I’m going to give it a go!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I stopped listening to them as soon as I graduated!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hallo SJ60; I did all my consolidation runs with Laura in my ear because I didn’t really have the confidence to go out on my own! By the time I got to the end I felt much more confident and said my goodbyes quite happily! You’ll be fine and I’m sure you’ll know when the time is right to let Michael go!

[SJ60 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I ditched my coach in week 6 as I was getting reports that she was seeing other people 🤣

[SJ60 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

🤣👍 that’s funny!

[Basil_Cosmo Graduate]

I listened to Jo for the 1st 3 runs, then decided to try it alone. I did feel a little strange to start off with, then I was fine. I had strava going and some good tunes. I actually ran 5.19k for the 1st time! My next run was less, but still 30mins, which I was happy with in this heat and just getting up and going is was counts. Good luck and just keep going😊

[booksie Graduate]

I haven't met Michael yet 😁 I just made my own playlist for the consolidation runs . However I went back to "Laura" a couple of times ( Week9 ) just to make sure I wasn't kidding myself that I was doing 30 mins. That was fine but I don't like the music at all that she plays so back to my own. But... I seem to have slipped back a bit and am only managing 25 mins for last 2 runs. Lost my motivation a bit. ☹️

[SJ60 in reply to booksie]

I think it goes a bit like that which was why I kept a coach ...really to keep me going. I set my watch to buzz at 30 minutes today and found that really helpful. I think at this point of consolidation I’m just trying to build some fitness and stamina.

[COLINDBAGGIE Graduate]

I graduated about two weeks ago and I've done about six consolidation run's, but I've done them all solo I didn't know that you still needed the trainer with you 😂

[Basil_Cosmo Graduate in reply to COLINDBAGGIE]

I don't think you need one, I stopped after 3rd consolidation run. It's just if you feel you want one. I'm happy on my own now😁

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

I didn’t take Laura on my first consolidation run and missed her so much I took her back on run 2. Then I decided I didn’t actually need her after all and ditched her again 😂😂. I haven’t really thought about her since. Poor Laura 😂😂

[SJ60 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

I feel a bit guilty dropping Michael but hopefully he understands 🤣👍

[ThisGirlNowRuns Graduate]

I went out solo this morning, no music, no podcast, just me and my watch. Can’t believe I was feeling so brave but you know I really enjoyed it - saying good morning to people, listening to the breeze in the trees, just enjoying being out in the fresh air with no distractions. Happy (And slightly amazed) girl - carried on from 30 mins (4K) and did the full 5K!!!

[SJ60 in reply to ThisGirlNowRuns]

Well done. I was pretty surprised how much fun it was too 👍 well done on 5k.

[Thismumcan Graduate in reply to ThisGirlNowRuns]

NEVER EVER, NEVER EVER, be looking at your watch! I know we all have fitness trackers and various monitors, BUT, I was checking mine and fell off the side of the road, broke my ankle and foot and so have been "off games" for 3 months now! Having graduated twice (because I finished then was ill and had to start again at week 5), I am planning to get going at w1 tomorrow and see how I go. with regards to ditching the trainer, I kept going with Jo for several weeks but just kept running once it started the last 5 mins walk. I found it more motivating to have the encouragement.

[ThisGirlNowRuns Graduate in reply to Thismumcan]

Goodness, so sorry to hear of your accident

I'm thankful my watch just vibrates at each K distance so that I don't have to look at it. I did find I was much more engaged with my surroundings by not having earphones in. I also feel that people, including walkers, who are listening to various devices seem to get lost into their zone and that can be equally dangerous (crossing roads, bikes approaching etc).

I hope you manage to once again complete the plan pain free

[Anni-mouse]

These replies are making me laugh 😂 I sometimes fancy music but often I put on a podcast - somehow it distracts me more when I get to harder bits and I can’t ‘song count’ to work out how long I’ve been running. I play a game with myself to leave it as long as possible to check my watch so (if I’m good!) I’ve got less left to do than I’ve already done! Funny how we’re all so different.