What after Graduation???

[Jojiyo]

Hi I have finished W3R3 yesterday......Now I am going to run the same 30 mins for another few weeks. Any suggestions on what to do after this. Long runs or fast pace???

[tygfuz Graduate]

Hi,

Im trying both . I initial thought that I didnt want to do more than 5k but the other week I just kept running and did 8K. Then I saw the Manchester Great Run (10k) which was awesome. Decided that was a target for next year. I want to do a distance run, a speed run and a 5K run each week. Just now I have started a run faster MP3 program so will be doing 2runs using this and either a 5K or longer.

[henrietta Graduate]

I have found the joys of Park Runs so that will be my so called fast run on a Saturday, then once a week i am going to add .5k onto my run. Time allowing i will do the extended run again in the week then drop back to 5k for the park run on a Saturday. Obviously if my extended run gets a bit time consuming that may only be once a week, not sure how far i want far to be yet, so will just keep adding on until i feel enough is enough.

[Mirella Graduate]

I am also still running W9 podcast but adding an at least extra minute on each run to get me to 5k. Once I get there I will do some work on speed probably fartlek but not too bothered about how fast I run, more that I continue to run at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. Once I can comfortably run 5km I will join my local running club so that I have people to run with on dark winter nights. I am also considering joining a pilates class to increase my core as, apparently, this will improve my running.

There is a book called "Running Made Easy" that has lots of suggestion on what to do next, though I would try to find a library copy than buy one as it has lots of " motivational" people stories that you don't really need to read if you read the blogs on this forum

[Oldgirl Graduate]

My intentions are to do some interval training to build up stamina and speed perhaps twice a week and will still run a 5K once a week, which depending on time / nights out will be a Parkrun some weeks. Will use week 2 of C25K for the interval training and some short steep ups and downs thrown in for good measure.

[mrqwest Graduate]

I've been thinking about this for the past week although I'm not at that stage yet. I started Week 7 this morning and even though it's hard work, it was enjoyable and I do want to keep the running up afterwards.

Like some people have replied above, I'm not sure myself how far I want to be able to run. I'd love to be able to do a 10k run, or even a half-marathon. I suppose they are end goals for next year, but for the immediate future, 5k is great. So once W9R3 is done, I'll concentrate on getting my 5k done at a reasonable time.

I like Oldgirl's idea of using W2 for interval training so might do that to help.

I've also just read a post on this forum about someone joining a running club and thought it was a great idea. A quick google search led me to a local running club who are actually based at a Pavillion right next to my current running route (10 mins from home). They generally run 6 mile runs through some seriously nice bits of Surrey country-side but also up & down some fairly large hills.

Lots of training required but I'd love to join them for a run or two!

[Jojiyo Graduate]

I think i am gonna do do some interval training and continue with 5K for a while.....as oldgirl suggested i am gonna use wk2 for interval training. Thank you very much for all your replys.......