Hello...I’m doubting again....read on....

[Mummycav]

Hey my lovely running family,

So sorry, I feel m neglecting you all but this time of year is mental with school performances, sports days, school trips, craft afternoons...phew, it’s all going on!! Really, it is ALL GOING ON! I actually ran 8k on Tuesday evening...8K I tell ya!!! That is just short of 5 MILES!! I could barely run 5 MINUTES this time last year!

When I prised myself out of bed on Tues morning I was a little bit relieved when I opened the door to let Monty out because it must’ve been 7 degrees cooler than it was the day before & a little bit overcast....perfect running conditions, yesssssss, 8k, here I come. “After that, Mr weather” I thought, “you can go back to scorcho, but for me, this morning, stay like this!” So, my plan was to run after the school run....but then my phone pinged...it was my friend reminding me that we had a coffee date at 10...oh pants, run cancelled, it’ll have to wait until this evening.

The day got warmer as the hours ticked by...honestly, I’m a proper weather watcher now!! Tea time came & it was a little bit cooler but humid. I’d been drinking water throughout the day knowing my big run was imminent....so, after everyone had been fed & watered, I pulled my Lycra on, laced my trainers & headed out...I had a bit of a route planned but didn’t really know where this 8k would take me...

I started on my now usual route away from my house towards the canal...I went a different way & ran on the main road for the first 2k until I reached the opening to the industrial estate that leads to the canal...I will run a couple of bridges & turn around, that will cover quite a distance, so I kissed the cobbles over the bridge with my feet & off I went....the freedom of being able to run blew through my hair with the breeze...3k ✅ I was told by runkeeper that I should “squeeze my buns or no-one else would want to!!” I kept my pace steady...the coolness of the evening disappearing with every step, I was boiling!!....4k ✅ half way....can I run the same again?? Well, won’t know until I try it...5k ✅ ....that was what seemed the longest 5k so far & I think it’s because it’s not the end....not even near the end....whew, syatrting to flag a bit...”come on Bev, you’ve run 5k before, just keep going” ....but then my legs decided to slow down....to a halt...I just needed a little walk, just 10 seconds....not to get my breath coz I wasn’t breathless, but just to breathe in the next 2.5k....deep breath, my lungs opened up, my head opened up...only 2.5k to go...i started again...then, it happened...”Lip up fatty!!!!” I’d decided on Hidden ’s new Ska/two tone playlist & Bad Manners has delivered....they’d delivered just what I needed to hear....I was off....inspired by the lyrics, they’d put a new spring in my step...the next 2.5k took me into the industrial estate at the other end of the canal, I ran past the odd barge with the smell of sausages wafting past my nose, past a beer garden, the perfect setting next to the canal, “what I wouldn’t do for a pint right now!!” At the end of the industrial estate, the car auctions & up towards the motorway, I turned around towards home, 6.5k ✅...I could’ve stopped...but what’s the point now?? I was absolutely pushing myself....it was like running through treacle....7k....✅....I’m there...on the edge of the park...7.5k, into the park I caught up with a fellow runner, as I passed her she stopped, that was so tempting but empowering at the same time, I carried on....”time 1hour 7 minutes, distance 8.01 kilometres”.....I have just run 8k!! I was soooooooo elated....I punched the air. Crikey...could I have run another 2k which is my goal?? Not at the moment....am I ready for 10k?? Should I be sticking to 5k?? “ Sadie-runs sounds like she’s running on air when she’s out” I thought...I feel like I’m being dragged along like a carcass!! Should it really be this hard? Should I really look like a strawberry sundae when I’m done?? Should I do that run again before I move on or should I just move on? ju-ju- what do you think?? What does anyone think? Answers on a postcard please!! ....really though, what should I do??

[ch3lsea007]

Morning mummycav! Bloody well done! You are wondering what you should do next!!!! Bask in your glory of managing to get yourself to 8k!!! Well done you👍😀

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ch3lsea007]

Thank you ch3lsea007 ...haha, I never thought I’d be tucking an 8k run off a chart in my LIFE!!! but I have....the gremlins we’re watching though x

[orangeguy Graduate10]

I think you should do what you feel on the day or on the run . . . set out to do another 8k maybe then if you feel like going further do it. For me adding a little extra distance on your route really works, for example - I set out to do my first 9k yesterday (week 6) but planned it so I was still 1k away from my car at 9k so I would have to walk that last 1k. I was pretty tired by 9k but I could see the carpark in the distance and just kept going and made my first 10k.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to orangeguy]

There’s all sorts of ways to up distance isn’t there? I suppose, like you say, it’s about what’s best for you...thanks orangeguy

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

There certainly is, its also how you feel on the day as well, I've just done 5k this morning and found that a bit tough going yet a couple of days ago I did the 10k. Well done with 8k by the way, you are very close now

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to orangeguy]

Thank you...I can almost feel the badge round my neck 😉

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

That's the spirit! 😂😂😂

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

Runs don't have to be easy to be rewarding, if anything real progress is made through the runs where you have to endure rather than breeze through, surely becoming an endurance runner is in part learning to deal with a little bit of pain and discomfort and pushing past barriers both physical and mental. If you are finishing the runs then it is safe to move on, don't let the gremlins defeat you. In time it will get easier, but you will fill that gap by getting faster so in truth it never really gets easier, runners just get quicker

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

I think it is exactly that..the gremlins making you think that any distance over 5k is impossible...I can hear them now!! Building up stamina & strength all adds up to endurance...it’s when the legs & lungs are doing well but the nagging starts upstairs...I try & brush those thoughts aside but sometimes they just get louder & louder...at least I didn’t stop altogether & call it a day, I carried on...& on...& on...phew, it seemed a long way!!!

[MikeJones68 Graduate10]

Nicely done, Bev. You've run 8k, and it's only another 2k on top of that. You can do 10k no problem, but believe me it is MUCH easier on a cooler day. I try to run a 10k once a month, and the one I did this week was far easier than the last one. I think last month it was about 28c when I went, and this week was "only" 23c. It made a huge difference. I still had some life in my legs at the end, whereas last time I felt I was running through treacle for the last 3k.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MikeJones68]

Thanks MikeJones68 ...It didn't feel very nice when the doubts crept in!! :-/….I was wondering this morning while writing this post, what I'm actually going to do if I ever reach 10k, will that have to be my run every time I step out of the door?! Well now I know...I can just do a 10k once a month. I was worried that once I'd done 10k if I didn't do it every week I would lose the stamina that you need for such a long run, obviously this isn't the case, I know that now. I honestly cant remember the last time I ran in a suitable temperature...& I'm going to France next week for 5 weeks, the 4thy week of which is in the South & every morning on the weather map on telly France is bright red with the heat!!! I'm going to have to jump in the outdoor pool before I set off at this rate!!!!

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

One 10k a month is more than enough for me. My time has improved with each attempt (by 2 mins each time over the last 3), so my three 5-6k runs a week are obviously keeping my stamina up.

5 weeks in France?!? Nice!

[sarah65 Graduate10]

Dragged along like a carcass !! 😂Such a great description and a feeling I am familiar with !!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to sarah65]

lol....I can be quite descriptive when it comes to describing myself!!!! They'd have never seen the likes of me before if I'd have stopped for a beer in the beer garden, good job I had no money on me or that would've been it...infact, I'm surprised & slightly disappointed with my fellow Brighousarians that no-one actually ran after me with a drink!!!!

[sarah65 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

😂😂 I ran passed an stationary ambulance a couple of weeks ago - I was looking behind me to see if they were following with a crash trolley 😱

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to sarah65]

hahahahahahaha...That's hilarious!!!

[sarah65 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

I’m sitting in the vets with my dog still laughing to myself about “being dragged like a carcass” it will make me laugh all day!

[Hidden in reply to sarah65]

😆🤣😂

[Lorijay Graduate10]

You did it Bev regardless of how difficult it may have felt, well done!! Hard run, easy run doesn't change the distance and 8k is yours, in the legs bank. No need to repeat it unless you really want to.

You will be at the 10K podium very soon, you're a great runner with sheer determination and I admire you and love your posts!! Enjoy the 8k success today, have a beer or two.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

Thank you Lorijay ...That's really lovely thing to say...I shall just carry on to the next week as it is exactly the same runs as this week...I did do it yes...but I think part of it was an out of body experience and I think I was gritting my teeth for the last 2k!!!! I always forget to add to the legs bank myself & this is often something that I remind people on here all the time! Next up is a 4k as I am unbelievably at the start of week 5 but I might actually swap them round & do the park run on Saturday as my run after should be a 5...depends on the weathe...I will DEFINETLY be having a beer or two tonight seeing as I'm not running tomorrow, thank you for the green light!!! :-))) x

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Firstly, huge well done on your 8km run! That is no mean feat, and you did it Mummycav, you did it! 👏👏👏

Secondly, I repeated the 8km run (as per the programme) purely to give myself a confidence boost. Remember, a lot of distance running is a mental challenge more than a physical challenge, so anything you can do to keep mentally supple is worth it.

Thirdly, I find 5k really hard now! Honestly. The first 5k are the hardest, and as long as you keep slow and steady, after that 5k, another few km is totally possible, as the oxygen flow really has had a good chance to get going and feed your muscles.

Fourthly, as you are running in the evening when it is hot,take water, and with every couple of km you can reward yourself with a drink and a 10 second walk to drink. I have been adding an electrolyte tablet to my water in the heat - really helps.

Fifthly (!), I do not run on air, I run on the ground like you other mortals! Between 3-5km I always feel like I am dragging my sorry arse through the run. I find it hard a lot of the time. Plus my face goes a fetching shade of ripe tomato, and stays that way for at least an hour after my run. 😊 But, my mindset is set to “determined” most runs. You got that too, you have proven you are determined.

Finally: keep going my love, it may not always feel like it, but you ARE nailing this.

Big love,

Sadie-runs xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you Sadie-runs , I know I have to repeat the same runs next week, but what I was thinking was should I just stay at 8k for a couple of extra weeks seeing as I found this so difficult, except the part where 'Lip up fatty' came on!!! that sure got me moving!! You are so right though, if I set off without my determination button set to maximum I have lost it by 5k....I end up all jumbled in my head, if that makes sense?! I think on Tuesday it was set to high...but not Max. Next run then is 4k...or like I said to Lorijay, might swap the next couple around so I can do the parkrun, weather permitting, on Saturday. As ever, you've given me a gentle push in the right direction...and seeing your graduate10 badge has made me want to join in with this new fashion statement!! x

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Dearest Mummy, it matters not if you found the run hard! You completed it, that is the main thing. I have found every run hard. But that really is okay. 😘

[icklegui]

The programme has us repeating this week - it's as if ju-ju- knew that we'd appreciate the option for the mini consolidation at this point. So go out next time and see how you feel - you can do the programme as it is now, repeating this week and its 8K, or you can move to the next week (I believe it used to just be the six weeks, but now the 8K and 9K weeks get repeated).

I chose to "repeat" but I pushed the 8K to 8.5K the second time. Slowly creeping up! I know you can do it xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Thank you icklegui ...that's a good idea.Yes, on the programme I will be repeating this week but I might just add the extra onto the 8k ...phew, I'm shattered thinking about it!! ju-ju- definitely knows how to operate!! xx

[icklegui in reply to Mummycav]

She's a marvel!

Honestly though say if you did get 'stuck' at 8K - how's that for an achievement! My brother runs regularly but it turns out he doesn't ever go more than 5 so he was amazed when I said what I was doing. Of course, you will progress though because you have grit and determination in spades!

[Hidden]

Fantastic Mummy! Great run. Everyone is different so don't get bogged down worrying about it. Also, it's easy to think everyone is doing so much better. You are doing brilliantly and personally I don't see any need for a re-run. I suspect the heat and stresses of work will have contributed to your strawberry sundae glow! Have an extra rest day and take on next week. You CAN do this 😘

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hidden ...I felt a bit of a cheat because of the stops but hey, I still carried on, I didn’t stop all together I suppose...I am determined to get there...I’m going to have an extra rest day before my next 8k x

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

If it's a few short stops to catch your breath I wouldn't sweat it. If you're popping to the chippy for a half-time treat then that's another story ... 🤣

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

🤣🤣🤣...or a couple of pints in the beer garden??!! X

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

See you there! 🍻🍺🤤🤣🤣

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

😘

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

I’m only just about to start my 10k journey, so can’t offer any advice. But it sounded like a great effort today, and a great result. Well done! 👍😊❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

All I can tell you is...DONT RUN AT MIDDAY!!!! 😬

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

Well done. That’s some distance. Great description - you know it’s a good report when you can feel it in the legs and in the head.

Your circus, your monkeys but based on that run I don’t think you need extra goes at 8k. But I needed several goes at 5k to be confident to start the 10k programme so you need to do what’s right for you.

Enjoy the next one x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks Jay66UK ...I def felt it in the legs!! 10k here I come...I am determined to do this 💪🏻

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Then do it you will 🏅

[Decker]

Well done Bev! With 8 in the bag you’ll be at 10 in no time. The heat makes a huge difference I find. Your body uses deeper reserves in the heat. If you can get your next runs in the early morn, it might pay off nicely. I had to go out at 5:30am last week just to get around the weather. I’m going to look into some Ska to add to my playlist now too. 😎

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker ...this heat is cruel!!! I love it though, just not when I’m out pounding the ground!! I’m an August baby & ive always said that I was born to live somewhere warm & sunny...but now, well, let’s just say, that was before I starting this running thing!!!

I can DEFINITELY recommend the Ska playlist...perfect...it’s just hard not to start dancing!!! Hahahaha

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Well run and Well done Mummycav!😊xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Bluebirdrunner ...I am determined to crack this x

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done mummycav 🏃‍♀️👏☀️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 ....I want to sing ‘Come on Eileen’ when I see your name!! 😉

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Yes that’s where it comes from - my real name is Eileen . There’s a midnightrunner on the forum too

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

That’s fab xx one of my fav songs

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Huge well done, you are doing so well!!! Often the runs are hard as you start to be out for longer and that's often a mental thing more than anything else. And it sounds like perhaps you were tired when you ran ( physical/ emotional and mental tiredness all can effect).... so for the next one you could go out aiming for 8 just to consolidate that distance before moving on and also keep the mental gremlins out of mischief?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you ju-ju- ...they are being very mischievous at the moment...every time I tick a run off on my chart, there they are, telling me that I won’t manage the next one!! Pffffft...I need to lure them back into the gremlin bin! x

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Knew you'd do it Mummycav 🙂A big well done to you. There's no hurry is there? So take your time and see how you feel for your next long one. You might want to do 8K again or you might feel you can do a little more.

It's still very muggy out there so when it gets cooler you'll find it much easier.

Keep going, you're doing brilliantly 🤗

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you Irishprincess , sometimes those gremlins are so persistent, they stay with the whole run & make you question yourself...I need to learn to stamp hem out again like I did when I was doing C25k x

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

Well done MC you are doing so fantastically well xx However, I detect a large amount of worry and self-doubt....Some detective! It's written all over your post. Now, here's comes a mild talking-to.... you've been here before remember? Self doubt causes you to grind to a halt and start walking. There's no logical reason for this other than your very naughty brain interfering with the mechanics of your run. It's bored. It needs to be constantly occupied with anything other than running. More or less, we are all the same, so, again, there's no logical reason why I can run 10k (arse-cheek aside!) and you can't .... other than your own self doubt. You also started thinking you needed to repeat weeks back in c25k....

I have one thing to say: PLEASE BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!! Because we absolutely do. We all think that you are fab and perfectly capable of 10k. And if I have to drive down to the South of France and run with you, well then, I suppose I could suffer it!! Red wine, cheese, baguettes.... sigh! (except I might need a scooter on account of the olde bum muscle ). We are willing you on xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

Thankyou Fishypieface ...I need a good talking to now & again...you’re right though, it is all in the head..when your brain is telling you one thing & your legs, lungs & heart are telling you another...blimey, I’d be a blooming machine if they all worked together!!! I might tell some porkies in my posts from France so that you have to come and find me!!! 😉😉😉 xx

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Well I think you're doing just brilliantly! To fit the runs in when you are caught up in the end of term craziness is a bit of a feat in itself! I'm about to do 7km & have a few collywobbles - if I start thinking about it too much I'll end up doubting myself & set myself up for a rubbish run. 'Just do - don't think' should be my mantra! I'm going to Greece in a week so am having a break because I know I just won't cope with the heat. Good luck finishing the plan in France - you'll do it & can celebrate with cheese & wine! X

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thanks Slink...I like your faith in me!!! 😉...I’m sure the 7k will be ok for you, just keep that mantra going...I’ve just got in from the first run of week 5...4K, I have to say that it was quite pleasant...I copied Sadie-runs idea & took a wet buff with me, wrapped in twice round my wrist & kept wiping by face with it, it was a godsend!!!

Wouldn’t be a good idea to run in high temps in Greece, I agree...the first 3wedks of France we are in the Dordogne so it’s green & lush..but the 4th week we are down south where it’s dry & red hot....a completely different heat...I think this year for the first time in my life EVER I am going to be glad of outdoor pools...you wouldn’t normally catch me in them but if I had one in my garden here I would jump straight in it!!! 😂...have a lovely holiday x

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Well I just did the 7k! Slow & steady and very sweaty! I like the idea of the wet buff, I took water today & tipped some on my hair band half way which was good but had to keep wiping my face with the edge of my top! We normally go to the Vendée or the Dordogne -2 years ago in the Dordogne it was 35+ every day. We managed some cycling, canoeing & river swims but I wasn't running then. Have you got that Wild Swimming book for France? It's got some fab places to go for a dip & picnic or hidden café lunch. Hoping I can pick up around week 5 when I get back. Bonnes Vacances! 🏖️🍷

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

We love it...I haven’t got a book on wild swimming but we do go to one place that’s not far from where we stay...I will have to look for a book, I didn’t know one existed! Thanks Slink x