What are your intentions?

[raodrunner]

Just wondering what people are planning to do when they graduate and how often they are planning on running? I gradauated about 3 weeks ago and have been sticking to 30 minutes 3 times a week. With the children off school it has been a struggle getting out 3 times, just wondering if it would do any damage just going twice?

[mrqwest Graduate]

I graduated nearly 2 months ago now (blimey!) and at the moment, I'm going out 3-4 times a week as I'm training for a 10k in October... but that's only a recent thing.

Between Graduating and beginning of August, I went out 2-3 times a week with no hassle. Then I went about 3 times throughout the first 3 weeks of August and then really knackered me. First run back after 2 weeks and I think I managed 2.5k before walking home.

It is surprising how quickly you lose (or at least I lost) fitness. To be fair though, it's taken me about a week or so to get back to fitness (ran 6k this morning) but that first run after 10 days off was a nightmare.

Now that I've said that and hopefully not put you off, running twice a week shouldn't be a problem at all.

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Twice a week is better than not going at all!

Here is an interesting (I hope) article on frequency/intensity of exercise.

mayoclinic.com/health/aerob...

I admire anyone who runs a household with children and manages to get out running at all Maybe before too long your children will be your running buddies!

When I graduated I was enjoying going out three times a week and trying to run a tiny bit faster or a bit further each week but then I sort of lost my focus. So I signed up for a 10k charity race and downloaded a free training programme from Runners World website (the follow on podcasts were not available at the time).

I enjoyed most of the plan (realised I cant do speedwork on my own but have since joined a friendly informal group to do this once a week!).

I like having a goal, as it ensures I am never tempted to miss a run other than for illness and once I am out there of course I love it!

Good luck.

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

I think I only love it once I've finished lol!

[swanscot Graduate]

My intentions are to be able to run! I'd love to effortlessly* run a few miles along a forest track or trail. When I started I never intended to participate in races or events, but am thinking I may go on to follow a 10k schedule and actually try a 10k race.

*Will the effortlessly running ever come?

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to swanscot]

I too would love to run 'effortlessly' or at least make it look a little easier than I do now!

Go on register for a race you know you want too! (I can say that coz in a moment of madness I've signed up for on in October!)