The long term goal?

[MarybellM]

I’ve just begun the C25K programme for the second time. Last time just after I completed it I was knocked flat by a bereavement so didn’t get to find out what happens when the programme is complete. Now, I’m started to think about the long term goal. What will it be like? Will I run 3 times a week? Will I need to run for 30 minutes on a regular basis to keep up the benefits to my health? I know this will seem like a daft question to some but I suppose what I’m asking is what does being a runner (post C25K) actually involve?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done on your decision.

Running is whatever you want it to be. This post was my favourite run from a few years back healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Other people run marathons or just go for a gentle jog every now and then. Whatever, it will improve your physical and mental health and reduce your risk of a whole host of life limiting conditions.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[MarybellM in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for the good advice!

[sparky66 Graduate]

Hi 👋Don't be discouraged 🙏

I graduated for my third time in November, after injury from not preparing well the first time..

Second time I graduated. ..I had to give up.. injury again.. knees just couldn't take it.. shin splints..

Took me two years to try again after cancer..

This time around I changed my diet, joined the gym.. a few months before trying again..

If you really want to do this, then yes it's a commitment, 2/3 runs a week,

Every week, with strength and stretch on in-between days..

Being a runner post C25K means.. being a runner!!

Run.. preparing for each run.. thinking about your health, what you put in your body..

But..this sounds daunting..

If you take every run.. step by step.. run by run... Achievement by achievement..

You will.. become that runner you want to be..and guess what.. it's a feeling you won't find anywhere else..hard work every step of the way.. but on the journey.. you get to grow.. enjoy the outdoors more.. keep it up finish the program again.. you will find these answers for yourself 🏃‍♀️💪🙏

[MarybellM]

Thank you for this reply. Lots of food for thought here and it rings true, especially the bit about finding the answers for myself. I guess I just had a moment of doubt about the way forward. After I posted, I actually saw a post all about the consolidation club! So, I know there will be help later when I need it. Meanwhile, I’ll concentrate on taking it one step at a time. W2R2 scheduled for Monday! Thank you again. 🙏

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi MarybellM , IannodaTruffe has already said it all: running is what you want it to be.

I happen to live in the back of beyond and like running solo on country roads and forest trails. I like hills and views. Sometimes I like to try to go faster or further. Sometimes I stop to take photos.

Running, for me, is all about enjoyment - and yes, feeling and looking better is part of that. However, I have absolutely no desire to get hung up on training programmes and forcing myself to exercise everyday. I have quite enough responsibilities and obligations in my life without putting extra pressure on myself to do more. Others, however, enjoy a much more structured approach. While I admire their commitment, it's not for me.

You have to do what's right for you. Happy running!

[MarybellM in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you, Cmoi! Thought provoking. I love the idea of freedom you conjure up!

[PandaCory Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

I agree, this is the way I like to run - just me & usually a good audiobook. There's a lot of running nerdery out there for those who want it & good luck to them, but it's not for me. I like to see how people's gardens are coming along and to look at/listen to the wildlife. I don't care about my VO2max - I'm just glad to be running!

[Runninggirl59 Graduate]

I guess it is different for everyone. I started it on a whim, not expecting to make it past week one but completed it in 9 weeks. My advice would be to complete the programme, in your own time, and spend some time consolidating, thats when you start getting fitter and it does get easier and enjoyable. From there you will decide what comes next. Good luck. 😀

[nowster Graduate]

The core message is that you should do something regularly for fitness. How much, where it's done, and the nature of the activity doesn't really matter. Twenty minutes a day of gentle activity is the usual recommended minimum.

My own long term goal is to experiment to see how much I can do whilst avoiding injury and be still deriving enjoyment from it.

Currently I'm running four times a week: two short "easy" runs (20 mins), one more intense run (45 mins), and one long distance plod.