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Original poster

What to do after Couch to 5k?

21 replies

Squishedpickle · 13/06/2020 15:31

I am nearly finished with the couch to 5k app and was just thinking about what to do next. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really enjoyed having a structured approach and am slightly worried about being left to it.

Thanks

OP posts:
TolstoyAteMyHamster · 13/06/2020 15:33

With one week to go, I’m following this with interest. My plan was to keep doing the final week for encouragement but try to get a little faster (so stick at 30 mins). I’m not sure I’m going to be covering 5km by the end of next week so probably still have a way to go.

MrsRexVandeKamp · 13/06/2020 15:49

If you look on healthunlocked.com, (C25K forum) there is lots of advice about what to do after completing C25K, like consolidation runs, or a 5-to-10k plan. The forum's been brilliant for me, so much advice

MrsRexVandeKamp · 13/06/2020 15:53

healthunlocked.com/couchto5k

Original poster
Squishedpickle · 13/06/2020 20:06

@TolstoyAteMyHamster ah that sounds like a good plan. I'm not sure how close I'll be to 5k either!

@MrsRexVandeKamp Thank you for the link, I will take a look.

OP posts:
Slowturtle · 13/06/2020 21:12

I second the healthunlocked forum, it's been brilliant for advice during c25k. I finished a few weeks ago and have been using the Nike Run Club app to consolidate the 5k...Coach Bennet distracts me enough by asking questions and giving encouragement every 500m and you can still listen to your own music.

katy1111 · 14/06/2020 10:02

I second the posts above. Healthunlocked gives lots of good advice. I graduated the C25K on Friday and the general advice is to consolidate for 3 weeks, which means continuing to run for 30 mins or 5k (whichever one you achieved during C25K) 3 times a week, without trying to go faster or further. Then after that you can aim for a longer distance, faster time or just carry on the 30 mins.
I have also downloaded the Nike run club app. I really like the guided runs. The coach talks a lot more than on C25K and it really helps pass the time on the run.

Original poster
Squishedpickle · 14/06/2020 12:37

Thank you. I will check the Nike app too

OP posts:
Washinginthetimeofcovid · 14/06/2020 19:03

There is a progression to 10k I think?

I just increased gradually then joined a running club (pre covid obvs).

Just ran 13.1 miles today for fun Grin

I remember the first week thinking it was IMPOSSIBLE.

I think C25K is the greatest programme ever.

chilledteacher · 14/06/2020 19:05

Watching with interest. I've got some way to go (just finished week 3) but was wondering what comes next...

Karlkennedyslovechild · 14/06/2020 19:10

I applied for a London Marathon ballot place and got it! Shock
Not sure that’s advisable. There’s a continuation to 10k or I just started exploring routes further afield.

PaulRobinsonsWoodenLeg · 14/06/2020 19:17

I downloaded a 5k to 10k progression app and then once I reached 10k I entered a local race which I really enjoyed, much to my amazement! After that I went on to do a couple of half marathons. I now do a couple of 4 mile runs a week and 10k at the weekend when I have more time. I recommend C25k to everyone!

MrsRexVandeKamp · 14/06/2020 19:34

I'm just about to go into week 7, and I'm loving it! At every stage I've thought there's no way I can do the next bit, but somehow your body just responds.

Original poster
Squishedpickle · 14/06/2020 19:48

Oh my goodness! You are all so inspiring! I have a loooooong way to go before I consider 10k, never mind a blooming marathon!

OP posts:
Kay1341 · 14/06/2020 19:58

@PaulRobinsonsWoodenLeg do you have the name for that app? Sounds really good!

Washinginthetimeofcovid · 14/06/2020 20:03

@Squishedpickle honestly I was exactly the same. It took time and patience but was within reach all along.

One point of caution though is that this is prime time to get carried away and get injured. Think about good footwear and technique once you increase distances. Most new runners don't and it sets them right back Sad

Original poster
Squishedpickle · 14/06/2020 20:22

Thanks @Washinginthetimeofcovid I'm hoping to get to a running shop for some decent shoes as soon as possible!

OP posts:
LadyGAgain · 14/06/2020 20:39

Hello OP!
Well done for getting to the end of C25K. That's phenomenal,
I am not very inspiring but, I did the same and then upped to 10k. It wasn't that hard. Once you can do 5 you can up to 10. I then did the race for life and never ran again. So, I'm shit but, you can totally do 10k and if you keep that up, 15 etc. Good luck!!

PaulRobinsonsWoodenLeg · 14/06/2020 20:50

@Kay1341 it was by Zen Labs, think it was called 10k trainer or something like that. It's a couch to 10k programme but I started from 5k. You can play your own music and it just beeps to signal when to walk or run.

Original poster
Squishedpickle · 14/06/2020 21:52

@LadyGAgain it's really interesting that you didn't find increasing to 10k that difficult - did you follow a system or did you just do it yourself? What made you stop?

OP posts:
LadyGAgain · 15/06/2020 16:31

No system just kept running for as long as I could and it built up really quickly.
I stoped because I'm not a natural athlete and i didn't really enjoy it!
Good luck! GrinGrin

LadyGAgain · 15/06/2020 16:32

*stopped

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