Running...after 10K what next?

[Deleted User]

Are there any runners out there that can offer any advice?

I started with couch to 5k, following which I completed a 5K race for life. I initially did it for charity rather than for fitness/sport, but as it turned out, I enjoyed it, and really got a lot out of it personally.

I'm now just about to complete a 10K, and I'm not really sure what to aim for next. I find aiming for a specific race really keeps me motivated and I like to challenge myself. I'm definitely not ready (psychologically or physically) for a half marathon, but I can't find anything in between, and ideas?

Thanks in advance,

D9

PS Based between SE and EMids so any events within about an hour/hour and a half drive from there would be ideal.

bluenoseam

If you're not ready for the step up to a half marathon then I'd consider sticking at the 10k for now - rather than motivating yourself to go further, how about a change of perspective. Aim to raise a bit of money for charity with your next run maybe, or if you've done that with this one aim to go for a "double" of beating not only your time, but your sponsorship total?

[Deleted User]

That's not a bad idea bluenoseam, I didn't even think of those. I was really focusing on distance only.

Thanks,

D9

notanewuser

There are organised 10 mile runs you can enter.

JemmaBe

"Running doesn't get easier, it gets faster"
You have quite a few options. You can run 10km, but how fast? Do you want to train to get under a certain time in your next race.
You could train for some of the stranger distances, 8miles, 9miles 10mile races do appear if you don't want to do a half marathon.
What about 5km races and parkrun? It'd keep your stamina up and build speed.

How about entering more races to keep the enthusiasm and determination going?

Lizling

I agree with the post above.

I think a lot of new runners have the approach that once they've done a 5k, the automatic next thing to do is a 10k, then next to tick off is a half marathon, then a marathon, but it doesn't have to be done like that. You can just work on improving your 10ks if you'd prefer. A good approach, without getting too serious about it, would be to get comfortable with that distance by gradually running slightly further and start including some hills (if you don't already) and include some runs where you go faster for a shorter distance.

Personally, I've run a marathon before, but mainly I run half marathons and my current target is my HM time, not running further still and doing an ultra. My least favourite distance is the 5k because you have to run so much faster and I find that really hard!

[Deleted User]

I probably should have said, I do a 5km Park Run (nearly) every Sat morning, and I run a couple of times in the week (usually, but not always at least one of which is 10km).

I think I'll try working on time.

i've looked but can't seem to find any 9 or 10 mile races to enter near me - maybe I'm looking in wrong places?

D9

Lizling

Runners World has a searchable list of events. I think you have to register on the website to use it, but that's free.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/

dandelionclock30

Do a mini triathalon, theres clubs that will take on beginners. I'd like to do it but you are expected to be able to do front crawl and I've never been able to do it.
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/running/training-schedules/8-weeks-to-your-first-mini-triathlon-beginner-plan/

Emma_N

I would say run a few more 10k events before moving up to the 10 mile/half marathon distance.

After my first 10k, I worked on improving my speed by adding interval training into my training schedule. I then used a 2-mile route near home to get an indication of how my speed was improving.

Another website which is good for running events is http://www.fetcheveryone.com