Feel like I'm actually starting to move on from C25K

[SavageMyrtle]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on the Bridge to 10k forum since graduating from the NHS C25K prog at Easter. I've been trying to consolidate a three-times-a-week running habit with varying success (too hot, too humid, too summer holidays...) but nevertheless signed up for a 10k on 22 October to motivate myself.

I've created a MyAsics plan, and followed that more or less over the summer hols, with the odd break. At first it felt like I was taking a step back from what I'd already achieved, given that it started off with 2-3 k runs, but in fact I enjoyed the excuse not to push myself too hard. Now I'm back over the hump, and all my runs henceforth are longer than 4k.

Yesterday was when I really decided it was time to get serious. My programme said I had to run 4.8k, which is further than I am now used to. This required some careful preparation. I've been using Laura's stepping stones quite a lot - I like the gradual increase in bpm but the music is getting a bit old. I've also used the Stamina podcast regularly but I'm not sure I can hack that music any more - is it me or is it basically two songs for the entire 35 minutes? with two variations on the lyrics - "I want to be free-YAH" and "I just wanna dance the night away-AH". So. Fired up the Spotify, chose running playlists, flicked along until one caught my eye - Funky & Soul I think it was. Set it to 155 bpm and away I went.

It was great. I even kept going after my obligatory 4.8k and ended up doing 5.1 k - the furthest I have run since I completed my first and last 10K in 1995! I did find myself wanting to increase the bpm towards the end, but I'm not sure I trust myself to keep a steady pace on my own. My breathing settled down quite quickly and even at the end I found I wasn't gasping and coughing like I often am.

I think one of the reasons I found it so (comparatively) comfortable was the temperature - it was drizzling gently and around 17°C which is much nicer than the humid 25+ we've had for a few weeks.

My next run is a 4k, then it's up to a slightly scary 7.2 k. But after yesterday's outing I am confident I'm capable of it.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Sounds good! I find the effect of music on running quite fascinating. If the beat's too fast then you can go like the clappers but today I had a sad song come up on my playlist and I got a bit emotional which really slowed me down!

It sounds as if you're really enjoying your running 🤗🏃🏃🏃 Good luck with the plan and for the race. Is there bling?

[SavageMyrtle Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks Irishprincess . Enjoying is a strong word but I suppose I am appreciating it... I think there may be bling involved, and pretty sure there's a t-shirt too

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to SavageMyrtle]

Forget the t-shirt, the bling's the thing 🙂