Today's 9k run... and why I love running.

[EL82]

So happy to have completed a 9k run this morning. I started out following a 5k pb of 32.52 two days previous, and a little over excited I did the first two km very quickly. I slowed the pace down slightly as I feared I would crash and burn before even getting halfway. Managed to keep a fairly good pace and ran 8k 2mins faster than before. The last km was hard but I could see the end in sight. 9km completed in 1:02:40 hooray!

This week I have been reflecting on my running journey. I stated c25k in June now I am a week away from completing 10k and I can't believe how far I have come, not to mention losing almost two stone! And I start every run half convinced that I can't do it and won't complete it. Every run is a battle of wills with myself and it feels amazing to keep challenging yourself, never competing with anyone else only focused on what your next steps are. It's a lesson in determination and resilience. So glad I started running!

[jeffbird Graduate10]

Nearly there! I love what you say about resilience and determination, I'm exactly the same. You can see the 10K trophy from here...

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Wow EL, fabulous achievement! 👏👏 I too started C25K in June and I’m now eeking the distance up on one of my runs by 0.25k per week. Today I did 6.25k and it felt awesome (except the first 6 minutes which of course never does in my case!)

So you must have headed out on the ‘distance’ journey a little while ago. Bet your so excited to be close to 10k! 😀

[EL82 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks I remember seeing you on the 5k page alongside me. good luck on your distance journey I am following ju-ju's 10is the magic number plan which I have found great but after that I will just take each run as it comes and just try to maintain fitness. and yes I agree the first part of the run is the hardest... I'm never sure if I might just stop after 30secs! 😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to EL82]

Haha, yes I start off and think to myself ‘What? Surely not again?’, but within a few minutes I’m in my groove and I just chug along! 🏃‍♀️😀

I’m doing my own 10k plan - 1 x 4k, parkrun and my long run. It’s working so far. Cannot believe how much I love running nowadays! Look how far we’ve come! 🏃‍♀️👍😀

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Well done on the 9K and on the weight loss! Brilliant achievements 👏👏

[EL82 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks 😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done on your first 9k EL. You have done brilliantly. Such a good time too. You are nearly there now. 🏃‍♀️👏

[EL82 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks 😀

[Runsome Graduate10]

Well done EL82 on you 9K great achievement. I’m the same as you and CC a June starter and what a way we’ve all come and through a nice cool summer too☀️☀️☀️☀️How fast the weeks have flown. All the best for the rest of you running journey 😀

[EL82 Graduate10 in reply to Runsome]

Thanks. I am much happier running in wind and rain than the summer heat we had this year! Congrats on your well earned 10k badge! 😀

[Runsome Graduate10 in reply to EL82]

Thanks 😀 yes it was a scorcher. I wonder how the thought process happened for me, perhaps something like:-it’s the hottest summer on record I know I’ll start to run. It seemed like a perfectly good idea at the time. Give me the cool for a run anytime. Mind you give a couple of months and I’ll be moaning about how cold it is 😊