Oh my word 😳 9km ✅

[Equi-geek]

I’d only eaten a banana and had 2 cups of coffee all day and after a 5 min walk warmup this felt like (almost) the easiest thing in the world!

I think setting my breathing rhythm to my cadence from the get-go is the secret for me. Average HR was 175bpm, which was 10 less than normal, even with 60m elevation gain - 15m more than usual due to the added leg.

The 8th km was the fastest 😳 and I could have run on but it was dark. We only had phone torches so we were being sensible!!!!

It has become apparent I have muscles in my legs and bum because they definitely needed a stretch - who knew?!

Its the big one next week, but a 4K and 5k to do before then. One step at a time, but I am now so excited I feel I can do 10km 🤫😉.

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽! Go Equi!! Absolutely brilliant! You certainly can do 10k! You almost did it today! So pleased for you!! 😁😁! Well done! 🤩❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

🙏😘thanks Fabulous! We were both running in the dark tonight!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

Well you certainly did run well!! 🤩🤩🤩! Brilliant! 😍❤️

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Yay!! 9k, well done EG! Sounds like it’s going great! Good luck for the big 10!! 😃🏃‍♀️💥❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks mountaindreamer, so nice when things start to work again after being in a bit of a slump 😁👍❤️

[BlondeAmbition72 Graduate10]

Awesome!! You were so close to 10k today!! 👍

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to BlondeAmbition72]

Tempted! But trying to be 😎 Loving your progress too - gobsmacking! 👏👏👏

[quirkybee]

Wow this is fab, this has certainly brought you out of that slump. You've done wonderfully well, well done my lovely xx 😊👍

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to quirkybee]

Aw, thank you! 🙏 😘

[Runsome Graduate10]

Wow excellent. How is it when we expect the least we gain the most, jolly well done. You will cruise your 10k best wishes👍😀

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Runsome]

Thanks Runsome, weird how it works sometimes isn’t it 🤣👏

[Mayanow]

Amazing!! And so are you. You give novices like me hope and inspiration! Good luck with your 10k. You.will.rock.it!

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Mayanow]

Thanks Mayanow, I’m still a novice too but we’ll get there won’t we? 😁👍

[Mayanow in reply to Equi-geek]

Oh thank you for including me (i've got a long way to go still!) Yes we will all get there and even further

But from what i read around here and in articles on the web, i've understood there is no hurry. It's like sailing. I will enjoy the journey! And stay injury-free! 😁

Will look out for your news after the 10k run! Happy running!!!

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Mayanow]

You sound like my mate, Fabulous450, but I totally agree, and I was speaking with someone this evening who ran marathons a while ago - she was talking about that zen place where you don’t feel that hurry but feel you could run all day. Think I got close to that today 😁👍

[Mayanow in reply to Equi-geek]

Yes that is for me the most important milestone (after graduating c25k). To run in rhythm with myself. No struggle. Pure enjoyment.

So today must have been so special! What a gift!!! I'm happy for you. Well done!

[jeffbird Graduate10]

Sounds like your body is tweaking itself into 10K mode. You must be raring to get cracking on the 10K. woop!

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to jeffbird]

Just a bit excited now,🤣 thanks! My running buddy thinks I have turned a corner now, and I tend to agree 👍

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

9k equi, you are so close to the big one. Enjoy your nice short recovery runs first. 🏃‍♀️👏

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Will do, soooo close I can almost touch it 🤣

[Ang33333]

Wow that's amazing! Well done!😁😁

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Brilliant run - so, so close

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Yeah..fab run Equi-geek, really pleased for you, it feels like my running has clicked too so I know how excited you feel...

Good idea to do the build up runs before taking on the 10k to make sure you are at your peak... there is no rush.

From what IP says we are using the right bits now for optimum efficiency.👌

Happy running 😊x

[CarolineLou71]

It’s so good to have spotted this post and read through a bit of your back-story, thanks EG.

My efforts beyond c25k have been haphazard and I’ve been wanting to establish consistent disciplines, but all sorts of random things crop up (such is life).

Reading of your adaptability, in the face of all manner of challenges and still achieving such results is so encouraging. I appreciate that you’ve worked hard both mentally and physically - so realise I might take longer or maybe never achieve the same understanding or outcomes, but it’s good to read ... and hope. Your comments about having faith in yourself and your legs, overcoming fear of failure seemed particularly pertinent to me and I also especially liked a comment you made about fear being the same physical response as excitement - might have to remind myself of that in other areas of life!

Words can’t express at times, how much I appreciate this board and the heart felt efforts to share learning that go into it.

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to CarolineLou71]

Thanks CarolineLou71, what lovely things to say 😘 I’m so glad to have helped. There are some amazing runners on here that have inspired me, by sharing what they’ve learned and experienced but also encouraged me and cheered successes. This forum is brilliant! ❤️

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate10]

Fantastic - well done you! You’ve done so well and must be so proud. X

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Dizzysmum17]

Thanks Dizzysmum! I don’t think I’d have even gotten this far without the help of everyone here - and certainly not in any kind of style 😃👍

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

I know exactly what you mean

[Razouski]

You can definitely smash 10k Equi-geek , you were so close in this run and you made it sound so easy. Go you...

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

🤞🏻 Next week 🙏 thanks Razouski!

[Hidden]

Fantastic, well done you!!! And you have three legs?

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

🤣 yes, roundabout, back, main road, back, end of the lane, back... not very imaginative but we are trying to stay on familiar ground when we go further 😁👍

[Hidden]

Oh, and there was me thinking you had a spare for when the others get tired 😂

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

🤣👍

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Fantastic run Equi- geek! You will nail that 10k next week! 🏃🏽‍♀️🙂

[Hidden]

Ah great EG. You will really enjoy your 10 km. Hope you eat a little more than a banana beforehand though. I’m planning pasta tonight before 9.5km tomorrow