Running after c25k

[airballoon]

To chat about completing/ having just finished the c25k programme and what we are doing next.

Last year I got a few things off eBay for winter. Actually got a SW thermal running top pretty cheap. I also bought a new but cheap pair of under armour thermal leggings. It depends where you live but here in Scotland I only needed to wear them a couple of times. I was glad I had them but wouldn’t purchase anymore than 1 of each. I also got some gortex running shoes. Again I’ve only really used them a couple of times when it was icy. I’m glad I have them but they only get used occasionally.

I am in the SE and I get the £7 fleece lined leggings from primark

Great tips - thanks.

How is everyone getting on?
I want to say, without exaggerating, that since I started running, I really feel a sense of achievement that I haven’t felt in a while. It’s been amazing for my self-esteem. I may not be fast and don’t even think of myself as a runner (yet), but I never thought I would be able to run or jog for 30 mins continuously.
Can’t wait to go out tomorrow again.

I also am feeling quite energised with a new challenge and enjoying pushing myself. I’m only in the early stages but it does give you a great sense of achievement!

I am running the C25K in my MAF heart rate zone to build stamina over time so I accept I will be slow, but this reduces your risk of injury as you aren’t going too fast. And I’m ok with that!

This is exactly how I feel..still after 18 months of running. I still find it incredible that my body can run. I always thought of myself as ‘not a runner’ and to see myself do it and enjoy it is such a buzz.
I’m not fast and I’m not competitive but I run at a pace that suits me and I love it.

I’ve done couch 25k before and gave up after because I was only doing 3k - so I was annoyed at myself. This time I’m doing it with a friend and being far less ‘all or nothing’ about it. We’ve just finished week 5 so ran 20 mins straight yesterday which was great! It feels so much easier when I’m less hard on myself 😁
Our plan is to repeat week 9 forever for maintenance and then gradually add on an extra K etc to get up to 10k. Weekly park run too. Here for more ideas!

I do in the mornings and I can’t think of a time I have felt so energised… it’s so weird how it sets you up for the day? Really didn’t know why people were all out running at 7am but now I know! It’s also gorgeous out there this morning I saw a big rainbow!

I did join the gym tho for the treadmills when things are too wet outside

I’m not judging it is just an observation but this morning I was out in my ugly leggings, ugly running jacket, big headphones, sweaty face and hair, and this woman comes around the corner in a lovely (expensive looking) matching tracksuit, with perfect straight hair, face full of make up, no sweat just walking swinging her hair around and I was like oh my god I looks such a state, do I need to glam up out here 😂

Can I join? I need motivation! I dropped out of C25K as the audio was too jolly and yeeeha for me. I carried on running though and an on my 17th Parkrun.

I’m still run/ walking and need motivation to get out during the week and get my running intervals longer rather than just killing myself every Saturday.

@fairybatmanHi! 17th ParkRun sounds amazing!
I have Jo Whiley on the c25k and her ‘just one foot in front of the other’ has become my absolute mantra.
I’m using Nike Run Club too but haven't done any of the plans there - just have it on to see how fast/slow I’m going and how far. I think seeing your data in one place, your streaks, your pace + distance can be really motivating.

@RiverzI saw the big rainbow too! And the sunrise was so lovely this morning. I haven’t gone out that early yet but I can imagine it’s really having a positive impact on the rest of the day. And no - haha, makeup doesn’t appeal. It’s liberating to be out in ugly tights and sweaty face and hair :)

@ResusciAnnie Well done for giving it another go. Sounds fun to have a friend along. I think it’s important to keep it fun while challenging yourself just the right amount. I am doing 3k in my 30mins and cannot imagine getting to 5k in 40 mins or anything less…

@GirlintheframeMe too! I hated running as a child because it meant embarrassment from coming last. I actually took it up because I saw the same thing happening with my child. I want to inspire him and run with him. The plan is to sign him up for junior ParkRun and do it with him as soon as I find the courage/ chance/ time.

I have come down with what feels like a throat infection so no running for me. In this situation should I repeat the week I finished if I have to have a forced break?

Wish you better @Riverz.Just do what feels right. If you think you can manage the next one just give it a go and see how it feels.

I repeated one run after a long break (three/four weeks) in August as the next one felt like a steep jump.

I’ve now completed the programme.
Felt good but hard, still. I am very tempted to do jeffing next but it feels like cheating and going back on all the endurance training.

Congratulations @airballoon 🥳! Well done, hope you have done something to mark the occasion. I remember reading about jeffing ages ago but literally no idea now. Whatever you decide to do you're more likely to stick with it if you're enjoying it.

I've been sticking to my 10k plan but I don't think I'm really enjoying it. I think I've been pressurising myself too much and taken the fun out of it. I ditched my normal run yesterday as I just couldn't face it (an enormous hill in the middle) and ran through central London and it was so much more fun and buzzy. I'm going to stick with the plan for now, but week 4 of the Nike 10k plan is a sudden shift up. If it's too miserable for me by the end of week l might ditch it/go back a couple of weeks and just give myself an out. Reading all the posts from last week has really helped and chimed in with something I saw on instagram too where a runner was criticising himself for 'only' running a 5k, and having the moment of clarity that 5k is a huge distance and something to be celebrated.

I entered a hilly 10k awhile ago, thinking by the end of October I'd be ready for that. I'm letting go of that expectation 😂

Regarding the winter clothes thing I always find (from previous running periods) I get quite warm quickly and thicker running clothes just mean I get sweaty and colder quicker when I finish. I have a thin light jacket I can tie around my waist and if it's really cold I take a lightweight hat and gloves that can be easily shoved in a pocket once I'm warmed up, and put on again at the end. I do live in the south of the UK though, so not all that cold usually!

Thanks :)
I went out one more time just repeating the last run. I was a bit slower because I somehow ended up on a dog motorway! The only people out and about here at the times I’m going out are the dog walkers and theres many of them. (And the occasional pot smoking/ whizzing on a bike teenager 🙄)
I’d love to run through central London!

I think I will try the 10k plan on the Nike app to get me closer to actually doing 5k. I’m running for 30-35mins and covering about 3-3.5km. Well done for sticking with it so far and yes, 5k is huge!

Is anyone doing park run today - good luck if you’re x

I did parkrun this morning, it’s quite hilly with some rocky paths and takes me around 40 minutes to finish. I don’t seem to be getting any faster but I’m ok with that, I’ve accepted that I’ll never be a fast runner but will keep going as I really enjoy it.

@MummyInTheNecropolis you are faster than me. I did my 18th parkrun this morning with a new pb of 42:52 and it nearly bloody killed me. I did manage to run more and walk less so that’s progress.

Finished week 3 today even tho I am not feeling 100% I was determined to keep going and I’m absolutely buzzing and loving this. Bring on week 4 I am looking forward to it

Sorry @FairyBatman I wasn’t meaning to criticise anyone else! Just that I’ve done it a few times now and it’s 40 mins every time - thought I might’ve been able to shave a minute off by now at least!

Not at all. I was trying to cheer you up!

it’s frustrating when you don’t get any faster isn’t it!

It feels great, doesn’t it! It’s a really good plan. Gets you hooked.

Well done @FairyBatman and @MummyInTheNecropolis I walked the nearby ParkRun track on Sunday (with family) and it felt so long. Hills and rough ground etc, it can be so hard. 40ish mins is an amazing time for fairly new runners, imo.

Im 44 and feel my knees are not very happy with my new hobby. I’m scared to push myself too much because they feel a bit delicate. Lol.

@airballoon I feel you on the knees! I’m 46 and have started taking collagen, cod liver oil and a combined glucosamine chondroitin MSM supplement!

Between the supplements and the kit running is definitely not free exercise!

@fairybatmanOh wow! How did you know what you need/ what dosage?
I should book a check-up with bloods etc. I think I was supposed to get a letter at 40 but never did, as it was during Covid. I suspect I’m anaemic.

And re kit - Anyone want to talk trainers? I’m using very old ASICS but planning to upgrade soon.