CR1

[Seas1de]

Hi, the first run without the app was strange but I still managed to run for 30 mins though slightly slower and so not as far. I am up to about 3.6km in 30 mins. Part of me wants run without keeping a track of pace etc and just go with flow (with nothing but a timer so I know when to stop) so I am not disappointed when time/distance isn’t so good. I know it really doesn’t matter to anyone but me but I suppose we all want to get fitter so feel the need to see a record of what we have done.

[nowster Graduate]

Running at your comfortable pace is good! 👍

The only person you're competing against is your past self.

[Seas1de in reply to nowster]

Thanks I am really pleased just to be able to keep going for 30mins being able to do that has amazed me. My post was making an observation that I had started to feel competitive with myself by using a tracking app and that I have been wondering is that really a good thing or would it be more relaxing not to care about all that and just run for the sake of it?

[nowster Graduate in reply to Seas1de]

For your first few weeks you should just be making yourself comfortable with running at that level. Then you can do more if you like. There's a scheme on the sibling forum "Bridge to 10k" called the Magic Plan which can be one way to extend your range.

[GailXrunning Graduate]

Chill! 😁 These are *your* consolidation runs, just to settle into the 30 minutes (irrespective of pace). Enjoy. Do what you want. Play and experiment. Whatever the mood suggests. You can revisit your targets (whatever those are) in a few weeks time. There’s the festive bingo challenge on Bridge to 10k, if you fancy something fun and silly. 🥳😉

[Seas1de in reply to GailXrunning]

Thanks I am really happy with what I have achieved I am going to enjoy just running for 30mins and trying different routes.

[GailXrunning Graduate in reply to Seas1de]

Sounds good.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.Planning your runs means that you don't inadvertently push too far too soon and you can use the 10% rule to keep it in check, to minimise injury risk.

The obsession with performance is far more prevalent in new runners and metrics do permit you to see progress............ unfortunately, most new runners are impatient for "improvement" that can be measured, whereas by regular running there are vast adaptations going on in your body which are invisible and not dependent on running further or faster.

Just keep running, keep smiling.

[Seas1de in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi thanks I am going to be really careful about following advice so as not to get injured. Really what I was observing was that I didn’t want to turn running into something competitive and that perhaps although apps are useful in some ways it might be better for me just to be pleased with all the good things that running brings. It is great that you mention all the adaptations that are going on without going faster or further. I am going to spend a while enjoying just that for a while.

[drun]

When I graduated from C25K I used the 5K + Stepping stones and stamina podcast for about 12 or so runs before I decided to go *naked* (running without listening to anything) and it was strange, I had been running the same route as before so I knew my timing points.

You will have noticed your body adapting over time as you get fitter, just remember what it was like on R1W1 of C25K and how you were running that first minute , you can see how far that you have come. You have done really well as the aim of C25K is to get you running non-stop for 30 minutes rather than 5K.

If you keep a diary of your times and distance covered you will see your steady progress over time and as you will see in these forums that 80% of your running should be at a slower pace and only increase your longest run by 10% this will help you avoid injury and improve your stamina, you could use one run just to enjoy the run rather than tracking your time and keep to a pace that you are comfortable with.

Keep up the good work

[Seas1de in reply to drun]

Thank you, I am going to just enjoy running for how it makes me feel for now and keep up the habit of running for 30mins as it amazing how far I have come since the beginning.

[drun]

Seas1de I agree, when I look back to September 1st running for one minute was difficult and I can't believe that I can continue non stop for 30 minutes and I do feel great afterwards. Keep on running 👍