My 10k journey (and beyond!)

[SadieHU]

Hello fellow runners!

I just wanted to introduce myself and share my story.

My name is Sadie and I work at HealthUnlocked as a project manager. I have always been a lurking member on the c25k forum, as I have an interest in running. Since I did not use the programme I didn't actively participate, but I am interested in everyone's experience moving beyond 5k.. tips, problems, training plans, etc.

Before 2015 I had barely ever run more than 5k (most of my running used to come in football matches) and I struggled with pacing myself over long distances. I would run a few kms and be exhausted. My new year's resolution was to complete a half marathon, so I signed myself up for the Hackney Half in May. I didn't use a training programme for this, I just gradually increased my distance and ran 3-4x a week. It was a definite struggle.. I found that I had a lot of excuses for not going on my training runs.. I was too tired after work, it was raining, it was too dark in the mornings.. But I had to keep going and I used support from my family and friends when I was feeling down.

I ran my first 10k through training with about 8 weeks to go until my race. Because of the gradual increase (5km to 5.5km to 6km and so on) it didn't feel too difficult when I got there. In hindsight, I wish I would have used a training programme like Asics or on Garmin, mainly just to log my progress and see my improvements.

I did complete my half marathon and I am running another one in Oxford on Sunday! Even though I have achieved my goal, I am always looking for tips and listening to shared experiences of other distance runners!

This forum seems like a great place to meet others who are aiming towards a running goal and I cannot wait to meet you all!

All the best,

Sadie

[Realfoodieclub Graduate10]

I did the Hackey HM this year as well, I have already put in for next year. I have a couple of 10km booked before then and I am hoping to get better with that distance. I need to feel more comfortable with this distance and be able to run at a more relaxed pace. I am not speedy but I am dedicated. Happy running.

[SadieHU]

Thanks very much, Kat!

I think it's great that you are still learning about your limitations and abilities! When I first started running longer distances than 5k, I didn't think I would ever be able to run further, but I found gradually increasing my distance and not worrying about speed really helped me a lot. Even if it was running a little further than 5k, walking for a bit, running, walking, etc.

Do you have a goal in mind or are you seeing where your legs take you?

All the best and nice to meet you!

Sadie

[Legion]

Lovely to see this new community. Appropriately, a group of c25kers are also running (and supporting) at the Oxford Half this weekend. Hope to see you there.

Health issues in the last year have impacted my running, so although I'm booked for OH too, I expect to be walking most of it. But thanks to c25k (and the HU community) running has become a part of my life, and my target is to get well and get back to running again, and I look forward to reading posts here.

[SadieHU in reply to Legion]

Hello Legion,

I am sorry to hear about your health issues, but really admire that you are still taking part in the OH this weekend! That is inspiring!

I wish you the best of luck this weekend! Looking forward to hearing about it, and the rest of your running journey.

Best wishes,

Sadie

[BethC Graduate10]

Hi Sadie

I'm participating in the Oxford Half this Sunday too. I hesitate to say running as in the last 10 days I've been struck down with shin splints so have been resting. I will be plodding along somewhere near the back hoping to finish.

Good luck to you with the race!

[SadieHU in reply to BethC]

Hi BethC,

Nice to meet you! That is great that you will be at the OH as well! I'm sorry to hear about the shin splints, it's great that you are resting them.. it always seems like injuries and niggles creep up on us right before the big event! I have a slight ache in my hamstring that I'm hoping will be gone by Sunday.

Wishing you a full recovery by race day. Good luck and happy running!

[poppypug Graduate10]

Hi Sadie !

I have just found out about this site , Aargh another forum to become addicted to ha ha

All the very best for your HM on Sunday, looking forward to reading your write up ! xxx

[SadieHU in reply to poppypug]

Hi Poppypug,

Welcome to the site! I definitely agree that is easy to get addicted to. I check right away every time I get an email notification haha

Thank you for the luck, I will definitely need it! This is my first race in 6 months and I am feeling the nerves!

Where are you at in your running journey??

Best wishes!

[poppypug Graduate10 in reply to SadieHU]

Thanks Sadie, I have been running since April 2014, and graduated from C25k in July . I have done 3 x 10ks so far , really enjoy the distance but am looking to progress to HM distance next year. I found running and everything to do with it fascinating !

It has completely changed my life for the better ! xxx

[SadieHU in reply to poppypug]

That is an amazing accomplishment and a great goal for the future!

I agree that it changes lives for the better, I only seriously started running in the beginning of the year and definitely wish I would have sooner!

I think this will be a great community to help you on your way to a HM.. I am looking for different tips and training plans to help me on my next one (depending on how the one this weekend goes!)

Happy running!

[poppypug Graduate10 in reply to SadieHU]

Thanks Sadie and all the very best to you too ! xxx