Back.... again....

[Mum22boys]

So, here I am, 1 run away from graduating... for the 4th time, could be the 5th, I've lost count 🙈 for me this is when the hard work begins! Apart from the first time graduated, when I went all the way to 10k, I get to graduation and just stop. This time feels different to the last few, I'm thinking about running, planning running, missing running on those non-run days. I've also started James Dunne's 30 day strength challenge, only for non-run days. I think my plan of attack needs to be to have a plan! I love the structure of a target and a goal. So at the moment my plan is.. do wk 9 run 3, 3 weeks consolidation which I'm currently thinking might just be 30 minute runs to keep building my stamina, and then I think I'm going to start Ju-Ju's plan, the time version to 60 minutes, giving me the chance to then progress on to the 10k plan and therefore lots of structure to follow. The plan may change... watch this space... but I've recognised the importance of having a plan!

[Dendev75 Graduate]

It sounds like you know this time you need a plan in place and you’ve already sorted that out! I love Ju-ju’s plan and found the 60 minute one was perfect after consolidation then that naturally took me to 10k.

I haven’t got much further as I get to 10k then get struck down with the lurgy which wipes me out for weeks at a time - I’m just back to 10k again so hoping I can take that to 10miles by October 🤞🏻 good luck with your plans and running 👏🏻

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Thanks Dendev75 I'm really hoping by having my plan in place that I can stick with it... so much of life feels better when I'm running!

I really hope you can avoid the lurgy this time and get to 10 miles. I remember thinking that when I got to 10k... maybe again one day!

[Dendev75 Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

Life really does feel better when you run 😜

Thank you 🤞🏻

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Good to see you back 😁

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Nice to hear from you again Mum22 boys, so you have lost count on how many times you have graduated from C25K, never mind, your plan looks good to me, I remember you many years ago and thought for one second that you were mom to 22 boys, lol, enjoy your plan and if you wish to run a 10K follow Ju Ju's Magic 10 plan, good luck 🤞 🏃🏾👍✅

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr , good to hear from you, hope you're running is going well

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

It is going well thanks, I have now ran around 200/5Ks, 89 parkruns, 40/10Ks and one half marathon, but despite all that running I only run apart from a few exceptions two times a week, a Saturday and Wednesday, nevertheless it still amounts up the miles and kilometers

[Sparkey5000 Graduate]

whoop whoop awesome effort!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Great to have you back and great plans for the future! Since you were around last, we’ve started Graduates’ Club to support people with their Next Steps after finishing Couch to 5k. Keep an eye out for the threads and come and say hi! This is this week’s one…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy finishing the programme…that’s going to need some celebrating!

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you, I will definitely go and check it out!

[linda9389 Graduate]

Me too! I need something to aim for and some structure to help me get there. You can do this. Just believe in the plan 😊

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

Check out the free Nike Run Club (NRC) app too. There are lots of guided runs on there that you can use alongside the Magic Plan to keep things interesting and add motivation

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

I have it downloaded from a previous running life but often forget about it so will go and do some investigating 🔎 thanks for the reminder

[Benben21 Graduate]

Here's a slightly different thought. I did C25K exactly two years ago. It was a bit of a slog and I really did benefit from the structure and clear goals, just as you say. The truth is (sorry everyone!) I don't terribly enjoy running!

What C25K taught me was that my body was up for a challenge so I stumbled into another sport. Two years on, I'm still playing squash (not very well but I am improving every day) and I've found a whole new bunch of friends into the bargain. In fact, I'm off for a two hour group training session this morning, and a league match this afternoon (which I'll almost certainly lose). I love it! I used C25K as a launchpad into another sport I really love and certainly keeps me fit. (I'm 71 and hadn't played squash since university...)

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Benben21]

Definitely worth hearing the other point of view, but for me I just love being out there running, I feel like it makes the rest of my life easier and more manageable somehow.

Impressed with your 2 hour squash training session!!

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

The 30 Day challenge is tough! Good luck.

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to MrBassmanjazz]

Thank you! I have done (most of it) once before... so finger's crossed....

[Scruff55 Graduate]

great to see you back. You always inspired me when I first started running.

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Scruff55]

How's your running going??

[Scruff55 Graduate]

Intermittent atm. Had several niggles heel ankle and this last week I had to have tooth surgery xtraction(abscess☹️☹️)so I haven’t been out for 10 days. I’m slowly building back up to 5 k. But it’s taking me a while. I seem to get to 3-4 k and then get pain somewhere. ☹️☹️☹️

Good luck with getting back into running it’s a great feeling to be out in the outdoors. And that’s what keeps me trying to get out of the door 🤣☹️☹️

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Scruff55]

Oh no, it sounds like you've had a bit of a run (no pun intended!) of it! I know exactly how you feel, been there particularly with the foot and ankle niggles. Keeping my finger's crossed you can get back up to that 5k.. and maybe beyond...

[Scruff55 Graduate]

Managed to do week 3 run this morning so far no pain. 🤞🤞so maybe on a little roll 🤣🤣🤣

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Scruff55]

Finger's crossed!!

[Mamablue2]

hello! Well done on your c25k achievement again. Your post has definitely made me think what am i going to do post c25k as I haven’t really thought about it before. I plan to sign up to some 5ks but guessing they crazy of them will fizzle out! I think i will need a plan too as i will just stop…i can see it now…winter will set in etc etc! Will need to start planning…only on week 3 though…long way to go 🫣

Also mum of 2 boys also 💙

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Mamablue2]

Hey, well done getting to week 3, keep up the good work! First time round I had such desire to get up to 5k that I slowly increased my time for a few weeks to get to that so that could be part of a plan for you...

As for winter running, it's actually ok.. in fact I don't like running in the heat so prefer it... but then I also like running in the rain 🤷‍♀️

Ahhhh the joys of 2 boys... lots of mess, lots of noise, but also sooo much love and fun 😁

Keep up the good work 🏃‍♀️

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Nice to have you back, m22b! Also lovely to hear that you are really enjoying it this time around x

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thanks grumpyoldgirl 😊 first consolidation run in the morning.. this is where I need to maintain the motivation...

Hope you are well and enjoying some running 🏃‍♀️

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

I'm restarting yet again too. Again!On week 2 of c25k but might hang around on the same week while I rebuild.

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Well good luck, we know it works, do your pace 🏃‍♀️