After graduation....another option

[Beach_runner]

I read with interest all the posts about what people choose to do after graduation; run farther, faster, improve their best “this” and their best “that” and it is great to see all the inspiration out there and how much pleasure running brings to people, not to mention the physical and mental health benefits.

I have found another option since graduating in March this year. I didn’t use C25K to get fit but to fill the long winter lockdown evenings with something else when all my usual activities were closed. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it and definitely got the “bug”, however further and faster didn’t really interest me once I got back to my usual sports as my energies went back to trying to improve on those. I didn’t want to give up running though and to my pleasure I have found that it is another skill that I am able to use. In the summer I often swim with my dogs when we go for our morning walk. Now I can combine this with a run/walk, I have more time to swim, can get further away from other dog walkers if I need to (especially helpful for alfresco changing!) and my dogs love the fact that we run as a pack. Sometimes I’ll have a little jog to the shops or wherever else I may be heading. I have found that my leg strength has improved (I climb and dance so thought they were pretty strong anyway but a big bonus that they have got stronger from running). I also feel generally fitter and I love the freedom running gives me. I make sure I stick to the rest days, warm up and cool down stretch rules.

I don’t know how far or for how long I run each time but I doubt it is much over 20 minutes without a break. The big plus is that I can do that time without even thinking that it is a big deal, no aches and pains and can even do it when the weather is warm. The “oh my goodness, I just ran for 5 minutes without stopping” seems like a long way away! I know I can always take up the programme again if I want to (probably would start at week 5 or 6, so as not to risk injury).

This is rather a long post and maybe I should have posted it in the “graduates” section but I wanted to give anyone who has either just graduated or is close to it another option/inspiration as to what to do after the magic of week 9.

Running is a fantastic skill – enjoy it whether you aim to run far, fast or just to be able to escape the crowds for a private swim 😊

[drun]

Great post - it sounds like that you are enjoying your running. 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This is a very appropriate place for your post, showing that post grad running does not have to fit any particular pigeonhole as long as it is satisfying and fun you are likely to keep it up.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[alpacagirl Graduate]

I just love reading people’s different running stories - so your post was just the right length. Sounds lovely - walking, running with your dogs, the beach, swimming. As you say, there really are no rules are there - we each find what works for us after Couch to 5k and just enjoy it.

[Hidden]

Great post especially handy for those who are near to graduating and wondering what comes next. It's all about finding something you like and enjoy doing.You are having so much fun with your running and the dogs too and that to me is what it's all about. I know for me, if it wasn't fun I wouldn't still be doing it. I had to take a couple of weeks off through illness and even though I'd not an ounce of energy, I really missed getting out every day.