What next please?

[Tremby]

I have, unexpectedly got to Wk 8. I am slow though.Should I work on speed or distance afterwards?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Neither Just enjoy...you are doing brilliantly and...slow and steady gets us where we want to be. Injury free and having, had fun!The rest follows !!!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done getting this far, once you finish just consolidate for a while, learn to really enjoy your runs, and after a while maybe increase one run a week by a few minutes but not too much in one go, just have fun

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

There’s no should! What do you want to do? Increasing speed and/or distance are common goals but they’re by no means compulsory. Have you got places you want to run? Events you want to try? Parkrun? Just continuing to run in a chilled way? It’s up to you and it’s all valid!

Lots of graduates here come over to Bridge to 10k when they’re finished with Couch to 5k. There are actually a few further runs to unlock on the app once you’re finished and there’s advice about how to build in a steady way that minimises your risk of injury.

I’ll pop a couple of links here for some ideas but once the set part of Couch to 5k is done, you’re very much in the driving seat about where you go next! Massive congratulations for everything you’ve already achieved!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

[Tremby in reply to MissUnderstanding]

And yes... my aim is to do a parkrun. Because I have an anxiety disorder, I would be equally challenged just getting there 🙃- but I would really like to.

[Reorte Graduate in reply to Tremby]

I did one yesterday for my last Couch to 5k run, and found it to be a great experience. Everyone I talked to very friendly and encouraging. I found people more than happy to talk, but if that's not your thing it might not be as good. Although perhaps people would notice and just leave you alone if you're clearly not wanting to chat. I don't think there's anything to be anxious about, but there's probably no point in putting yourself in an uncomfortable position either if you'd rather not.

[Tremby in reply to Reorte]

Thank you so much, that is reassuring. I am fine with people talking to me,⁸ what might stress me is the travelling, parking etc (I have autism and do better with things I can predict).Thank you.

[HorsePlay Graduate]

Thanks for posting this Tremby, as a recent graduate I've been wondering exactly the same, and have now benefited from the great advice from our friends here!

I've done 5x 30 minute consolidation runs (jogs!) over the last couple of weeks and am thinking about doing Parkrun tomorrow; I'd been a tad concerned about whether it was too soon as I'm only running about 4k atm, but think I'll just go for it, and as many others have said previously, just try and listen to my body and not push anything.

Good luck for W9! ☺️

[drl212 Graduate]

Well done!

You'll find that both of those will improve just with the consistency of running three times a week with those important rest days in between.

Best of luck and keep us posted...

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Once you've graduated you can take the time to work out what aspects of running you enjoy. Some days that's slow and easy, other days it's fun to challenge yourself. try going faster. Sometimes it's hard work, others you'll have wings on your feet. As you progress you'll find out what suits you best 😁

[Tremby]

Thank you so much everyone! I will look at those links posted.I think I need to consolidate first, because I am losing a little confidence. I have done the 28 mins twice now (just about), but it still feels pretty new to me.

I really really appreciate all your comments, thank you so much.

I feel guilty that I am asking more than helping here, due to lack of experience. Hopefully, I can change that over time....thank you all!