Beyond C25K … help needed!

[munrotop]

I’m on wk8 - but this must be the fifth time I’ve done C25K - last time I completed a few of the Beyond C25K runs but then gave up. Then I went back to the start in February to get fit and lose some kg. How do you motivate yourself to keep running after C25K?

[oldperson47 Graduate]

I am back to w4 and it told me I had done it 7 times already but I only finished C25K once.

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

For me it was making sure I kept to the running every 2-3 days until it was habit. Plus I discovered the Nike Running Club app (free, you don't have to buy Nike stuff to use it) and the guided runs were exactly what I needed. I pushed myself to get from 30 minutes to 5k, then Parkrunning, then trying out other types of running - speed, tempo, fartlek etc.

The continual challenges plus learning more about running were the key. Now I don't need the guided runs so much though I still use them from time to time.

Ultimately, find what it is you enjoy about running and try and do that bit while steering clear of the other bits. I didn't like the walk-run approach once I'd done C25K, but much prefer the longer runs where I can get into a rhythm so that's what I concentrate on. I also like intervals, I enjoy the challenge.

Good luck and I hope you manage to carry on this time

[Cmoi Graduate]

I can only repeat my reply to a similar query a couple of weeks ago: For me there were two keys to not giving up running: 1, realising that completing C25K isn't the finish, it's the start, and 2, identifying what I enjoy about running and doing that.

[Jayrunner Graduate]

well done - I’m about to start again having had too long a gap. Think it will be my fifth time . Last time I got to follow on runs using the Steve Cram encouragement . Ended up doing mostly the interval runs because they were the shortest but made no improvement really.

Recently have had several months break because have had a painful uncomfortable neck problem.

Needless to stay I have put on weight again which I had fought hard to lose. I keep saying to myself I will start tomorrow!

I’m inspired by your repeated efforts!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Thinking on why you began and what those goals were. Have they changed?

As Cmoi says, the C25K is just the beginning of a whole set of runs to follow... and it is, certainly for me, about the enjoyment and total feeling of well being, physical and mental, that keeps me on track or after time out, coming back !

On you go !

[Jancanrunagain Graduate]

Here’s a set of suggestions but bear in mind I dropped it too, but if you want to do it you will, it’s just finding your own recipe

Do the run types you enjoyed whether long or short or intervals. Find a buddy to run with it could be a virtual one on here and check in with each other. I hate letting others down do that helped me…

Make a date in your diary for each run

Give yourself a treat - like new socks headband or whatever at a milestone you set.

I’m thinking of signing up for the Map My Run 2025km challenge in 2025, not necessarily to have to achieve the distance but more to achieve the running commitment. Like the Nike app there’s plenty to choose between

Park Run not so useful where I am in Italy nearest one is a 40 minute drive away but it is chock full of happy runners- usually there are plenty to choose from. although best to ignore the quasi professional speedy Gonzales types as that can be off putting

The best way to be sticky as a runner is to do what you love when you love doing it…

[MintT Graduate]

You are out there. It’s the 5th time, what does this tell me? You are someone who doesn’t give up that in itself is amazing. For me, how many times, how fast or slow doesn’t matter. Keeping returning to it, is what matters.

When is your next run? Looking forward to hearing how you get on. Onwards