Completed Couch to 5K – What’s Next? Looking for Tips to Keep Running!

[2iceblest]

I have a random question for you runners/joggers
I have always hated running but for some reason I decided it was finally time to dust off those lockdown running shoes (worn maybe 3 times in lockdown before the gin and banana bread took over me being healthy

)
I started the couch to 5k app and it’s going well. I’ve decided I’m never going to be one of those people that overly enjoy it but I like the feeling of accomplishment and let’s be honest 30 minutes out the house away from everyone can sometimes be a god send.
My question is when Ive completed what happens then?!!
Do you increase the running time you do on your own? Do you just decide a route you want to run and go for it? Do you just stick to the 30minutes?
Just looking for advice so I can keep up with my runs.
Tia.

 

[asonic]

Set yourself a target, download the next app to get up to 10k, or book yourself into an event I picked up running a couple of years ago after saying no no no so many times beforehand. Love it now.

 

[frane81]

Good luck with couch to 5k it is totally worth sticking with
- like you I was absolutely not a runner until the lockdowns hit me hard. C25k was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
Once I completed it, I carried on running regularly, sticking to 5k and trying to get faster at it.
I found signing up for charity events where you try and cover a total distance over a month helped to motivate me through the winter months, as well as raising money for good causes

 

[hiskid47]

Add on 10% every week. Take one week easy out of 4, run a marathon next year!

 

[pgooch]

The first 5k of any run is the worst- I never got over that feeling- then you start to settle into it- I have never been a natural runner but got up to a half marathon distance. Well done for doing it- I can’t wait to start again when I sort my ankle out!

 

[dibyafra]

Most people would increase the distance ran. If you are free on a Saturday morning I strongly suggest coming to parkrun. Free timed 5k runs all over the country.
You could always sign up to an event like a 10k or even half marathon. These are always great targets to help you puah on ans they are fun event's.
You may find you start to enjoy it!

 

[habbukuk]

Book a 10k race around your local area. They are great and you get a medal and usually a T-Shirt. After that you'll be like "well if I can run 6 miles I may as well try a half marathon " anf on it goes. I'm now training for my 3rd marathon

 

[rosalila]

Do gym instead!

 

[abouttimebornagain]

I would strongly recommend looking to see if you have a running club in your area. They will have different levels of ability. Mine has 5 groups and the lowest does 5k. When I finished C25K I joined them in group 1 and ran in this group for months and eventually got good enough to move to group 2. It’s nice to run with others, especially in winter, and you meet other people.
Also park runs on a Saturday morning - these are 5k, and free. If you do them regularly you can try to increase your time.
If you run alone, you can either keep your distance and increase your speed slightly, or increase your distance slowly - or a bit if both, over time gradually - until you are doing a distance you want or have time for.

 

[youthpastor10]

Come and join Lonely Goat Running Club - Chat - online running club. Great for runners of any sort. Great supportive group - and keeps you motivated

 

[themerc]

See where your nearest parkrun is - free every week

 

[eternitywithjesus]

All of these lovely words of encouragement are fantastic, it is also perfectly acceptable to have a 5k route you know and just build 3 runs a week into your routine and stick at that, building up to a longer distance is great if you have the time not everyone can escape for an hour plus three times a week whatever works in your life is the answer, well done on getting this far

 

[franklin111]

If you like having something to follow and the motivation I recommend Nike Run Club. It’s a great app with lots of guided runs

 

[fionab]

Running shop worker here and someone still suffering from Sundays marathon . When you finish just enjoy running 5kms and if you feel the need to push yourself further go further and you may find at some point it's actually quite addicting and after telling everyone a marathon is way too far and you'll never do one believe in yourself because you might just be able to

 

[drumrchick]

After I finished I slowly worked up to 10km couldn’t push past the 10km for ages can now quite comfortably run 10 miles just over 16km I think as a single mum to 4 it gives me time out the house clears my head I do my best thinking when I run good luck

 

[gailmax]

Parkrun, there’s almost certainly one within a short distance of wherever you are. It’s a free 5km (for all abilities) 9am on a Saturday.
Local running club?
Solo or with friends? Have a natter and decompress your day
And if not, fuck it, it’s your call at the end of the day.
I’ve been running for 6-7years and still don’t really like it. Hurts like fuck and have still never had the “runners high”. Not exactly salesman of the year!

 

[stephenbagot]

Find other people to run with! Maybe try a different running sport e.g. orienteering.

 

[kapp]

Keep going, you will find all sorts of beautiful places you never knew were there ...

 

[pepperzk]

Keep running it will give you a positive mind set and an amazing figure! Try to do your 30 minutes in 27 minutes or increase your distance and go for 40 minutes x

 

[faithworship]

You can do 5k to 10k if you really fancy? I’m like you, hated running. Now I just strongly dislike it but it always makes me feel great! Started on couch to 5k. Now I try to do anywhere between 5-10k 2-4x a week. Mainly so I can eat what I want. It’s really up to you!