You’ve completed the ‘Couch to 5k’ – HOORAY!

Firstly – can we take a moment to think about how fantastic you are? It takes some real determination and hard work to get to this point. You pushed through all those times when you didn’t want to go but you went anyway, those times when your lungs felt like they were going to explode, and when your legs felt like led.

I’m sure, like ALL of us runners (yes, you are a runner now), you still have moments like the above but that’s ok. I’m here to keep motivating you to get out there and most of all, help you enjoy your running because if you enjoy it, you want to do it. Running should always be something you treat yourself to and not as a form of punishment! So always make sure you are having fun with it…if you aren’t we need to think about how to get that joy back!

So what’s next?

Well, to be honest, the world is your bloomin’ oyster right now. You’ve opened up a world of opportunities with your new favourite hobby! The most important advice I can give, is to focus on what works for YOU. Don’t go signing up to events or challenges just because you think you should or because your mates are doing it – you need to make sure the next step is right for you. The last thing you want to do, is to go down a path which puts you off running entirely or makes you compare yourself to others as that is NEVER good!

So have a think about what it is you enjoy. Is it the routine? Is it the distance? Is it exploring new areas? Is it pushing yourself out of your comfort zone? Is it the comfort of not having to think about what you are going to do and someone telling you what to do next? Or is it the run selfies to show off to everyone that you’ve been for another run??

A little something from me to you

For those of you who do like the structure of a plan and the ease of someone guiding you through what to do on each run, I have created a ‘Couch to 5k’ Graduate plan! The plan is designed to keep you motivated and get you trying some different running sessions. In keeping with the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme, there are 3 runs a week but in this plan I introduce you to varying the intensity and length of each run, over a 4 week period.

The plan will introduce you to the world of speed (don’t be afraid, it can be fun and the endorphins are even more MEGA I promise!) and how to have a play around and find your inner ‘gears’.

I also include a few top tips to help you learn how to vary the intensity of each run and…you’re not going to believe this…encourage you to run more slowly and take walking breaks if you need them!

So without further ADO – here it is!