Going up to the BIG school... and no laughing...

[Oldfloss]

Because that is exactly what this feels like.

This is the first post I have been bold enough to put on this forum...

There are so many, simply amazing folk on here, completing all manner of awesome things!

I read their posts and race reports and am in total awe. Really inspirational.

But, this morning inspired by some of my friends on Couch to 5K forum, who post on here also, I thought.. why not ?

I would like to increase my distance, and have set myself that target, but, like so many us, I have been smitten with the dreaded bronchial bug... which will not disappear. So, just been plodding along, mixing and matching podcasts, doing my own thing and not worrying about distance or speed.

I set out at 7.45 this morning, a bright day, clear and not cold. I determined to run for thirty five minutes, and see where it got me; I also determined, not to spend too much time gazing around, losing myself in thought and waxing lyrical. ( This, as many of you who read my ramblings, on the other forum, will know, is possibly harder for me, than running )!

I decided to shake it up a bit and composed a different route. Up to the big roundabout after my decide which way to go, point... round the roundabout..(ha- ha..different, usually go up the hill,) and then back down the little hill to the village. It was really busy this morning on the main road, but a friendly Fire Car personage let me cross! Up the hill past the wood, (did not even glance at the rooks) carried on up the lane and reached the Steam Engine station. Climbed over the farm gate opposite, (I had not got the strength to lift the opening bar...it is a very big gate...), then a different route again, along the top of the field, by a new narrow copse of trees and down the field, keeping close to the hedge. Usually there is a great pile of manure here.. fortunately for me, this has been used on the fields!!!

Have not run this way at all before, (walked many times ), the view was great, but I had to keep concentrating. Joining the track way from the other lane I ran back across the huge open field. Back on familiar territory and running easier now. I had been struggling a bit breathing wise... maybe left over lurginess; and, I've said it before, but I'll say it again... where do all these blinkin' hills and inclines and slopes come from???? So... over the steam railway track and then down another side of the field, along by some broken stored rail carriages, canary yellow and green, broken wheels and old sleepers, ( concentrate Floss) ! Along the bottom of the field, jumped the muddy bit of the brook and back up the field. At 35 minutes I stopped...had a quick look at distance.. 5.2K... I carried on running, ( still a bit of a way from home).

Along the track, to the lane, (still potholes again.).. and down to the main road, across and stopped halfway up the hill, after nipping through the little back way round the station, another 1K, by the time I stopped... but slowwwwwwwwwwwww

In total I ran for 43 minutes...6.2K.

I think my run was haphazard to say the least; no idea of pace or speed, I was slow on the hilly or uneven bits and faster on the downhill or flat bits. I really need to learn to fly my watch, properly and not press things willy-nilly!

So, a really long way to go, to improve my distance...but I have posted...!

Talk about a tiddler in a giant fish pond!

No giggling at the back of the class

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate10]

You show those hills who is boss, floss! Sounds like a great run you put in there.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Well... they ain't going anywhere, so might as well slog up them!

[misswobble Graduate10]

The journey from 5 to 10k is an enjoyable one, and perhaps the most useful move you'll make, in running terms that is.

I simply applied the 10% rule, got the Sami podcasts and went for it. 6, 7, 8, 10, k. I did get stuck a bit four weeks in but just kept plugging away. I wouldn't set a time limit as you want to be injury-free, so just take your time and enjoy the journey ☺

Have fun!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Thanks for the advice... I will be taking a look at those podcasts...I really have no idea how to move myself on...

I think I will enjoy it

[JoolieB1 Graduate10]

I just slowly increased run times too. I do 2 X 5k and 1 long run per week, keeps me injury free and fits in well with the rest of my life too. I am up to 12k but still feel tired after that so not going to keep increasing distance, will settle until that feels ok. Julie

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to JoolieB1]

Thanks for the advice... that seems do-able... I am feeling quite excited about starting this new journey

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss- and welcome to your new class! It's really not so scary over here once you get used to it😉! I think misswobble gave good advice - I used the 10% rule to increase to 10k on one longer run a week, whilst keeping the others at 5k. Seems to work well for most and only increase when you feel ready!

I like to hop around between forums - love the mix of posters on c25k, but the experience on here is so helpful too. Good luck with the next stage of your running journey!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Well thanks..it was your post on the Couch to 5K forum that made me visit!

I won't neglect Couch to 5K because I have made so many chums, but I do need some guidance and advice for moving on! I will try what you suggest.

I feel very excited!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10]

Hah, found you - sneaking off with the big boys!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

You did.. what fun eh?

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate10]

Welcome to Bridge to 10k!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to simonwilliamstutor]

Thank you... progress will be slow...but then, I thought Couch to 5K was impossible !

[Realfoodieclub Graduate10]

That sounds like a great run. no need to hide at the back we are all going through the same thing here. We are all graduates moving on to our own personal next level, like C25K it doesn't even have to be as much as a 10km. I think they made the extra site because it can get a little more complex as you go further than 30 min as hydration and fuel come into play a little more. Basically most people can do 30mins without either. I personally can go up to 7km without needed either if it's not piping hot and then I need to take stuff with me but it's all personal and we are all here to help each other out as we answer these questions and many more. Not too much hiding at the back of the class please all input is welcome and encouraged.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks for that..good advice too.

I am sure I will get more confident with a few more longer-ish runs under my belt😊

[MarkyD Graduate10]

Psst: we all meet round the back of the bikesheds at lunchtime. You're invited.... I'll show you my running shoes if you show me yours.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MarkyD]

Sounds like a whole lot of fun

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Fab stuff floss. You're going great guns and you love your running so much I'm not surprised you're going for the next step. Just keep posting about your gorgeous runs on the C25K forum too as I think you inspire so many people. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Hi there...thanks for that....I am just going to take my time, take advice from you people and move on slowly... I cannot believe how much fun I am having... even the wet bits!!!!

I shall keep on posting on Couch25K too, I have made so many excellent friends on there. Not sure about inspiration... more like a giggle at my ramblings.. but hey, giggling is good !

[Hidden]

Great stuff oldfloss , as the saying goes little steps

Stick with the gradual build up and you will be just fine

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I'll be following your lead, Rob... thanks

[Anniemurph Graduate10]

Woohoo, welcome! I often feel like I'm a bit of a fraud, but here as everywhere to do with C25K everyone is wonderfully supportive and helpful. Your run sounds like great run, actually When I increased to 10k (the first time) I just added bits on here and there until there it was, I was running 10K!

Happy running, happy posting, but please, no tiddling in the pool

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Anniemurph]

Tee hee.. I definitely won't be tiddling in the pool.!

Thanks for the welcome anyway... Yep.. I think I am going to take the advice and just build up slowly. and primarily, as with C25K, enjoy the journey.

Some day...I too, may be a 10K er... ( sighs wistfully )

[Slowstart Graduate10]

Ahh, I've missed you Old Floss and now you've shown me this new and exciting forum (new to me anyway).

I've been not wanting to post much since graduation as it seemed wrong asking about post C25K matters, but this is where you're hiding and now your running over 6K you deserve to be at big school.

Lovely to also see so many names on here I recognise, may I join big school too?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Slowstart]

Thank you...Yes.. come and be my running chum! Only just got here, but folks seem mighty friendly in these parts. Lots of old friends too.

I have only run the 6.2K once!!!! I think it was a fluke with a few downhill bits...Ran slower today, but I am not worried about that. I am going to take the advice offered on here and build up very slowly!

It will be lovely having you here..I am still posting on Couch to 5K still too... lots of friends still on their way there!

[Slowstart Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes we need to bridge both communities.

I'm fighting the temptation to go further at the moment because I've only just introduced hills and don't want to push myself too fast and get injured.

How long after graduation did you continue the 5k's before attempting to go further and how did you know you were ready?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Well.. to be fair, I have not really bothered too much about distance, my 6.2 run just happened really, and came naturally.

I did, as all my old posts on C25K say, do all the C25K+ podcasts,after graduation and the dreaded lurgy too...just building up speed, pace variation and stamina.. they worked for me, they don't for everyone, so quite a few 5K runs I think..Now, I am just trying to build up a bit..did that 6.2,( probably, as I said, a fluke! ) on Tuesday then today..just 5K in 32 mins... no pressure.

I am afraid most of my runs involve hills and up hill/inclines/slopes..but, I have a plan for my next run on Saturday!!!

Watch this space.

[mfamilias Graduate10]

I'll come and sit next to you, It's the first time I've had a wander around the big kid's playground too. I do like the idea of jumping over gates - you sound like a right Lara Croft

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to mfamilias]

That is great...you come and sit next to me.

There are a few of us newcomers here now

Although I think, from all your amazing past posts and all your adventures too, that you should have been here a while back

( I think of you every time i have my Paddington marmalade sandwich on my Art Class Day!)

I have been having fun getting to know some of the gang on here, with MarkyD, round the back of the bike sheds at lunchtime, well,I was invited!!!

Yep... always been a bit of a, well, not Lara Croft. more an Indiana Jones ( I was a real tom-boy.. oops, can I still say that..is it politically correct.. eeek!)

Anyway, glad you are here...I think it is going to be fun