W9 R3 complete. 💪

[RunKRun]

Second time around graduate but much more accomplished this time (4 or 5 years on). What’s next? I have no desire to run further than 5k so not certain that Bridge to 10k is a good fit. I found the last three runs of week 9 a bit tedious to be honest, but they were physically within my ability as today’s parkrun proved. It took me 35:10 to complete but I ran all the way. Of course, the positivity at parkrun is definitely helpful and I will continue to check in for my local parkrun every week, (shout out to Worthing parkrun, very friendly and supportive, flat course and sea views there and back along the promenade). Best way to kick off the weekend. What’s not to love? I need something with a bit of variety to get me out 2 or 3 times a week between parkruns. Suggestions please. Xx

[Hidden]

Well done on graduating second time around! I would suggest that you find something to keep you running until the habit is well established and you reach the point when you can't stand NOT going for a run!

Some people like music, others the radio or podcasts. You could try Nike guided runs or Zombie Runs. Personally I am a fan of audiobooks and there is nothing like the promise of a good book to ease me out the door😀

Most of all I would recommend a disciplined approach- no excuses, just get out their and do your run. Even if it is a bit tedious, it's 30 or 40 minutes out of your day. What is it that needs your attention more? You may find that in a few weeks you are more open to a longer distance or perhaps a race to train for.

Enjoy the graduation party!

[RunKRun Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying with your suggestions helenwheels. I have been listening to a generic fun run playlist from Spotify with couch to 5k. I hadn’t considered listening to podcasts or a book. I imagined it would slow me down if I didn’t have a beat to move to. How much of an audio book do you manage to get through in half an hour or so? Xx

[Hidden in reply to RunKRun]

About 30 minutes worth😂

I tend to run for longer, so can get stuck into a story. Lots of podcasts are 30 minutes or so.

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

I went across to bridge to 10k after graduating and find it a great community. Although many of us do enjoy a longer run it's by no means everybody. Even though I have my 60 minute badge I rarely run further than 5k, as that's my preferred 'long' run. Often it's just 3.5k. I do listen to music or podcasts, but I like to vary my route and run somewhere new. Sometimes I do my shopping in different local towns and go for a run while I'm there. Check out your local area for different routes you could try, or run at a different time of day (I know night running's not for everyone, but I love it). That way it keeps it fresh and stops your runs becoming tedious.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

You’d be very welcome on Bridge to 10k. It doesn’t commit you to running that far and plenty of out runners are running much shorter distances than that. We run a quest every month-there’ll be a new one starting on February 1st where you set your own goals and can chat about them in a friendly way.

I like Nike Run Club guided runs. They’ve got a great selection of runs of different lengths. Once you’re running regularly and confidently, you could look at trying some speedier runs with intervals and hills. I love those and they definitely keep it interesting. New routes are good. BBC sounds has a great variety of music and discussion podcasts. It all depends on what you like.

Shorter runs can be fun too. Not every run needs to be thirty minutes. You mention worrying about audio books slowing you down, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing up your paces to keep the runs feeling fresh. I love my weekly long run with a podcast where the main focus is the enjoy listening to that while also happening to rack up some running time on my feet!

A running club could also be another way to go. There’s a local one I like which does half an hour runs every week.

Good luck experimenting with all sorts of things! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[RunKRun Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks MissUnderstanding. I downloaded the Nike Run Club app in the end. I’ve only done the ‘first run’ so far and I can tell I’m going to love it already. I’m deliberately adopting the beginner role and am going to start with the beginner 4 week plan. I would never have thought to go to Nike without your advice so thank you again.

I’m not great at posting regularly but I’ll try to check in at least once a week during the four week training plan. Xx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to RunKRun]

What a great update! Really glad you’re liking it. Some people really don’t and that’s ok but you’re now part of a big bunch of NRC groupies!! I can’t remember who recommended it to me on here but I’m very thankful to them and happy to pass it on.

Once I’ve had my caffeine fix, I’m off out with Coach Bennett. Enjoy your next runs. ❤️

[RunKRun Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

It was amazing! In a little over 20 minutes I managed to move from goal oriented runs to the potential for just running for pleasure. I never thought I could enjoy running. I’m not there yet but I’m starting to believe. 🤗 Xx