Only 6 runs left! Goals, boredom & advice

[RunNewForestRun]

I am really excited about graduating in a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to seeing what more I can achieve in the next 6 runs and what lies beyond the programme. I know I will miss Jo’s encouraging voice, so may have to have her on in the background for familiarity reasons 🤣

I am totally astounded not only with what I have achieved but how much this has really got under my skin. I talk about running all the time, have subscribed to a running magazine, am already thinking about what clothing I’ll need for winter running and constantly survey my local area whilst in the car thinking “this might make a good route” 😂 I always have a recovery day in between runs and don’t over do it so I think that’s how I’ve stayed injury free up until now.

I’m very goal oriented so by virtue of me socialising this with you all will mean I’m more likely to stick to it!

1. Graduate C25K

2. Aim to be able to run 5km non stop irrespective of timing (using the 10% rule to avoid over doing it). I’m currently just short of 4km in 25 mins so hopefully shouldn’t be too long to achieve

3. Aim for 5km in 30 mins.

4. Complete the Southampton Movember ‘Mo’Run’ 5km - my first ever proper organised run in my whole life

6. Who knows!!! Maybe strive for 10km?!

One thing I have noticed is I am getting bored of my running routes now. I live in a relatively small village and have pretty much run in all different directions in and around. As I live in the New Forest I was thinking of driving to a local enclosure where I’ll be able to run in the gravel tracks. Does anyone else drive to go out for a run? Will I need different trainers to run in heathland and gravel?

Any thoughts, comments, experiences most welcome 🙏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

That all sounds like a realistic and attainable set of aims which should keep up the interest for some time to come.

Running off road does not necessarily require trail shoes unless it is particularly muddy. steep or slippery and my default shoes for mixed routes are always road shoes. That said, my local parkrun has some steep downhill tracks through the woods on which I would only ever want to wear well gripped trail shoes.

[RunNewForestRun Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I should be ok with my usual shoes as it is predominantly gravel/cycle track and fairly even.

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

Well done! It looks like you’re getting on really well and your goals seem to be realistic and achievable. I live in a built up area with main roads, shops and factories so I travel 30 mins a couple of times a week to run somewhere nice. The only trouble is it’s not as convenient as it’s takes at least 2hours out of your day but I feel it’s worth it for a more enjoyable experience. During the working week I use a treadmill which is boring but is only for one run and is still better than running around my local area. I run in Brooks Cascadia trail shoes as the tracks I run on are often muddy. I come back with wet feet and muddy shoes and legs but I love it! The extra grip on the shoes makes me feel very sure footed running on wet muddy tracks.

Check out the C25K + pods casts too when you’ve graduated as they provide a bit of structure and help to increase your pace and stamina. I look forward to reading your graduation post 😊

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Your goals basically mirror what mine were when I graduated, after much persistence I achieved a sub 30 5k, and completed a 10k. It’s good you’re setting yourself goals for the future. The Nike Run Club app is really good, free too, similar to C25k in that you get a coach to guide you through but you choose what run you want to do, there are ones with various times and distances etc. Good Luck with the rest of your journey 👍🏃‍♀️

[Ian5K Graduate]

If you use an activity recording app, like Strava, don’t forget to stop it before getting back in the car.

I forgot to once after doing a morning’s walk and it recorded it as 32 miles. And the average pace was pretty impressive too! 😁

[RunNewForestRun Graduate]

I use both Strava and my Apple Watch activity. Now I don’t record the 5m warm up and warm down walks...I just record the running so I can compare my pace/distance to my other runs.

[sally1993]

Ahh I only have 6 runs left too! our goals seem to be the same xx

[RunNewForestRun Graduate in reply to sally1993]

Yay! Let’s keep in touch and see how we both get on