What's next - longtime lurker with a running question

I had a major NSV over the weekend.  I started the couch to 5k program on New Year's Day.  I ran in an 8K this weekend in VA Beach and my plan was to run @ 3 miles and walk/run the rest.  Well unbelievably I was able to run the whole thing with the exception of the two water stations.  I was totally stoked - last year I could barely walk a few blocks to watch my daughter compete in the same race last year.  I almost started crying when I crossed the finish line.  My time was 1:11 - not great but I'll take it.  I've been a long time lurker on this board and have gotten so much inspiration from all of you.  What I was wondering was what I should tackle next?  I eventually want to work up to a half marathon but that's still a little while away.  I seem to work better when I have a reachable goal in sight.  BTW - to brag a little about my 7 year old granddaughter - she beat Nanny by 4 minutes and ran the whole race.  She was bound and determined to beat me!

Thanks for any advice you can give me!   Julie

 Way to go!!!  I ran that same race!!!!  It was a lot of fun and everyone was supportive!!!  As far as your time, your time was great!!!  You finished!!!!  If you are from VB then there are a ton of races to sign up for....just keep plugging away at it.

Again, Great job!!!  I love the Shamrock!!!!  Shamrock On!!!!

I also am more motivated when I have a specific goal to work towards.

Look for some local 10Ks to start training for, and then a 10 miler, and then a half!  just keep building!  It's also aways fun to run a 5k, and see how your time improves from the last time!  You can work to run further, faster, or BOTH!

High five for your granddaughter!  she's off to a great start!

congrats!  that's awesome.  just keep plugging away and if you work better with a specific goal in mind sign up for a race or two or better yet, map out a full season/year of races and/or goals and begin a training plan to reach those goals.  best of luck and stop lurking and start posting!

Thanks so much to all of you for responding.  I loved the Shamrock!  It was my daughter's first race so I wanted it to be mine as well.  My son-in-law is stationed in Norfolk so I'm down there often visiting.  We're gonig to run a 5k in a couple of weeks on Norfolk Naval Base - I'm not sure what it's called but it's to support the troops.  I have to admit that the VA Beach area seems to have a lot more races than Maryland but I just may not have looked closely enough at MD.  I think I'll try to find a 10K for some time late spring, that should give me time to build up to it.

One question, how to you handle post race running.  I ran this morning for about 30 minutes and my thighs were really sore and I struggled a little.  I was going to try and increase my time by 3 to 5 minutes each week.  Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks!

depending on the length of the race, I take at least the next day off from running, if not a few days.  I might walk instead, just to keep the blood flowing, but nothing strenuous.

 CONGRATULATION!!! 

Like the others have said, it is good to have a goal.  Find another 10K.  Sign up for it and work toward your next PR.  Or, pick a 5K and work to improve your speed.  In the word of Nike..."Just Do IT!"

And...have a blast!