Well, compared to my slogging 4k on Monday, my run today felt epic! I was quite nervous actually. Usually I’m excited before a new distance attempt, but 8k is getting up there and I really didn’t want to fail.
So I started off at my tiny trot pace and that’s how I remained, running along for fun on the most beautiful day imaginable. Sunny and crisp. My breathing was no trouble at all, my legs carried me in their usual small way, and I loved every moment. ❤️
I got an astonished look from a lady runner who was dressed for the Arctic, and there was me in my usual running vest (and very warm I was too thank you!) 😅
My time was 1hr 4 minutes ish. I’m pleased with that as all my splits were pretty consistent. 👍
My only slightly sad thing to note is that I didn’t run with my dog today and I missed her. I’m thinking 1 hour plus of constant running can’t be that good for a little Labrador. She’s only 6, but I was reading up about it and even though she’s fit, of course dogs naturally run, stop, sniff, run again etc and it might not be fair. So she can still accompany me on my short runs and obviously to parkrun, but not for the longer ones. 🐕❤️
Just walking her now, then off home for brekkie! Happy running everyone! 😀❤️
Written by
cheekychipmunks
Graduate10
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Thanks Jay, hope yours goes well! Sure it will. 🏃😀
It dawned on me yesterday that for now (at least) my quest for 10k will include one weekly run of over an hour, and I just had to make the call for her sake. Thing is, she’d do it willingly, but it can’t be a good thing surely. 🐕❤️
I religiously followed ju_ju_’s plan last time apart from not repeating the 8k and 9k weeks, I went 8, 9, 10 in three weeks straight and collapsed.
This time, and sharing some learning from @Ripcurlrana72 , I’m adapting the runs from ju_ju_ to make the midweek run longer and the distance gap to the weekend run shorter. Rip’s physio suggested the jump to the big run might be a little too much.
I’m also going to try to be more disciplined and run two 8k weeks and two 9k ones and not be so impatient to reach 10k. And I’m thinking about how to go from 10k...
My plan looks like:
4 5 6
4 5 7
4 5.5 8 (this week)
4 5.5 8
3.5 6 9
3.5 6 9
3 6.5 10
I’m then thinking of a couple of 3 7 11 weeks then a couple of 3 7 12 ones.
That looks a good plan. I got impatient at the end too, mainly because I’d spent time on the IC (so I should have been more patient). I only missed out a 9k though. It’s a great feeling to get there - never thought it was possible..
That’s a good looking plan there Jay. I’m faffing as to whether I should run 8k again next week, or go for 9k if it feels right. 🤔 Is that silly? I know my route and I know where I’d be at 9k.
Not silly. Your call. I think first time through we are impatient. I would advise sticking to your plan as it consolidates the distance. But it’s your run.
Yay Sandi, hope you smash yours! 💪 And how great to thinking about entering some races! 🏃♀️👏
Can you actually believe we’re talking about running 10k soon? I seriously thought I’d just about be ready to run the Severn Bridge 10k next August! 💪🏃♀️🏃♀️💪
Superb distance! Wonderful that you enjoyed it! Lovely that it was a beautiful day! Enjoy the after glow and all the very best for your next runs! 🍾🥂🏅👏🏻😊🎉☀️👚🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Thanks so much 61! It couldn’t have been a better day for running if it tried. Almost no wind, bright sunshine and the air was as crisp as can be. Gorgeous! ❤️
If the forecast is to be believed, it might be a mighty chilly parkrun on Saturday. 😳
Well done, such an encouraging read that. I’m about to head off out myself now, not sure how far, but this reminds me that I can do it. Thank you
Good run cheeky.... I'm not particularly rapid but my pace tends to be fairly even too.... Hope I can build gently and follow your example. I've no desire to go past 10k at all, but if I can consolidate 5k fairly well over the winter months, building to 10k might be next years challenge!
Cannot wait for first PR Saturday, wonderfully terrified for no reason whatsoever!
Thanks Uncle, I’ll never be quick, but then again I have to admit I’m not really trying to be - I’m never gasping for breath. in fact I don’t even sweat a great deal (just turn into a 🍅 ) 10k is going to be fine distance-wise for me too. If can do it quicker over time, then great. If not, who cares? I just love running. 😀
Enjoy parkrun! You will LOVE it, it’s such an amazing atmosphere. Will be looking out for your post of course! Good luck! 👍💪😀
Yes pretty much. My only other foray into running was a total disaster and I ran a 5k ‘fun’ race with virtually no training about 22 years ago. Fun? Noooo, hideous, which is why I hated running after that!
My school didn’t even have running, so C25K taught me everything. 👍👍👍
I’m so glad to read this cheeky. Particularly after your last 4km when you weren’t feeling great. You tootled (Well not too slowly after all), the sky was blue, you enjoyed it. Great 👍
Thanks Katnap! I can’t see me going longer than 10k (not enough hours in the day for a 🐌), but once I’ve reached that goal I’ll consolidate it and see if my time comes down by osmosis! 😅🏃♀️
Brilliant run and good time too. I am trying to psyche myself up for this afternoon's run; too much going on! Calm walk with our Old English on the beach this morning. I don't take her for a run as she is far too interested in other people, playing with other dogs, and smells. Somebody said that the smelling bit is like us reading a newspaper etc. At 35k weight, If I put her on a lead we would end up going her way! Nice that you can take your lab on some runs.
Thanks so much BC! I’d love to run on the beach, but it’s always so windy and I’d end up going backwards or towards the sea!
I’ve always run with my dog. She’s very good and trots along happily at my side on a hands-free lead - too many squirrels and roads to let her run free if I’m not able to concentrate on her. I’ll continue taking on runs up to 5k or 6k as she does love it. But she only weighs 21.5k and I totally see your point with a 35k pooch! 😅🐕❤️
Yay! Well done you! Sounds like you had a great run too. I will be thinking about your great run when I head out in a couple of hours time for another grass/football pitch run with the kids.
It went ok, a bit slower than last time but I had been awake since 3.30 am so was tired. Now done 3 x 5k, so will do that again this week and then increase slightly on the last one.
I was a bit of a zombie yesterday! I think I will stick to the 5k 3x next week, although am back at work so it maybe 2 x 30 m and one 5k, and then increase my weekend run.
Well done, fanrtastic time and you look amazing. I couldn’t run with my lurcher, she would tangle me up in the lead, stop to wee, stop to eat someone else’s poo, try to outrun me (which she could do with ease!) xx
Thanks Deals, but I was so nervous beforehand, especially after Monday’s clanger of a run! I hydrated tons yesterday and even ate a whole banana first thing this morning for energy. I usually only have a bite. 🍌 Maybe that’s my secret now! 👍🏃♀️🍌
Maybe it is!! U smashed it. 😀. Did u do any pre stretching?? I know I should.... And I will. But so far I've just been doing my usual walk. But now trying to go a bit further....
I often do a 7 minute pre-run yoga routine at home and also have a brisk 5-10 minute walk. And when I get home I do a 7 minute post-run yoga routine by the same person. 😀
Hi Cheeky that’s an excellent 8k enjoying it all the way and on such a beautiful day,I bet your on top of the world after that. You say you saw a runner all trussed up in clothes, I just don’t know how they do it even with a chilly start I’m roasting after a few hundred yards.🔥
Congrats on your 8k keep trucking and have a nice parkrun run with your dog.🏃♀️🐕
I have never felt anything other than hot/warm when running. No idea how she could have been wearing a hat, long sleeved jacket and gloves today in the sunshine! 😳😅
It does help, thanks Dexy5 ? How many times did you run 8k? I feel like I could go for 9k next week (after a 4k and parkrun), but wonder if I should consolidate first?
I found the first 8k tough so I did want do it again. Also Jay66UK said that he regretted missing out the repeats. However, when I first did 9k it felt really good (before my trip) and I felt I could’ve done 10k. So when I got off the IC and did my 2nd 9k I think I was a bit impatient. I thought I’ve had a good rest and done some exercises so if it it feels right I will go for it. I cannot recommend that as a course of action to others, it just felt right for me then (actually 9.5 of it did!). I will definitely consolidate now. I don’t intend moving on for at least 5 months, and maybe never. Enjoy parkrun tomorrow!
Ahh ok, so I might see how the week pans out. Now I’m up over an hour of running, I’m taking more care with stretching and warming up, so I’ll more than likely go for 8k on Thursday and see how I feel on the day. I know where 9k will happen I think, so if I think it’s doable I will.
Ooo how exciting is this? 😀🏃♀️😀 Thanks for all your help Dexy! ❤️
Thanks Marcia! Haha, yes I think you might be pushing it a bit with a chihuahua! Although a lady at Parkrun runs it with her dachshund most weeks! 😅🐕🏃♀️
Wonderful cheeky. Great post and sounds like the perfect run! I consolidated 8k this week, still can't believe we can run so far! Enjoy parkrun, I'll be doing it this week too 😁🏃♀️🏃♀️
Me too, I have some new snazzy warmer running wear for tomorrow! By the way another recommdation for doing another week of 8k. I'm not sure of the science but it felt like it worked for me.
I'm afraid I haven't, cheeky! My last run was my 7.5, and 15-16 hour days at work are sapping my energy! I'm recovery running this afternoon, probably 4-5k but Sunday... Sundays the day! I shall attempt an 8k, probably stop there, rather than pushing it too hard. Then I'll be working Tuesday and Wednesday, but then I have eleven days off! I'm planning to get to 9k by the end of that, and then 10k is in sight... A new playlist becons, methinks!
Brilliant, well done Cheeky! 10k in sight. I’ve decided my t-shirt will be too cold for Park Run tomorrow - forecast about 3C but found a rather nice mid layer in Aldi for £7.99. Result!
Thanks Sandie, yes the big 10k is almost within my grasp! 🏃♀️🏃♀️
I’m also toying with what to wear to Parkrun tomorrow. Just checked and it’s meant to be 3 degrees for us at 9am too. Might be my first time running in long sleeves ... or shedding layers on the move with dog attached to waist. Dilemmas! 😅🏃♀️🐕❄️
Thanks Mummycav. Only 2 things would have made it better - having my dog with me to celebrate at the end like we usually do - and of course it being a 10k run, not 8k! 😅😀
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Can you believe it 8k?
Glorious location 8k yay! 
8k - progressing too fast?
I actually ran 8k!!!!😊
