That extra hour in bed ....?

[Thealbs]

Having graduated C25K 3 weeks ago, I've been consolidating my 5k runs, 3 times per week and getting down to the 30 minute mark per run.

All was pretty good, considering I am the wrong side of 50, bordering on the NHS's overweight/obese threshold and hadn't done any real exercise (pre C25K) since I discovered beer, females and the stress of work in my late teens / early 20's.

But ... and here was my next challenge .... having proudly managed the slog to 5k, and it was a slog at times, the targets of 6, 7, 8k seemed a little less inspiring. I was genuinely struggling with what to do next to keep the momentum.

Then came the start of winter and that extra hour. This morning was the coldest morning of year so far, so I got my woolly hat, running gloves and a one-hour podcast (James O'Briens' Unfiltered interview with Jon Ronson worked a treat) and set off with no objectives other than to try and run for an hour if I could.

Steady pace, immersed in the podcast, seeking out interesting but relatively flat routes... and trying not to constantly check progress on my watch. I took in the local town centre, market, ran round the golf course and gradually made my way back home.

Well I never... 10.1k in just over 30 mins (EDIT: I meant an hour!). Personally, I still found the 2k-4k stretch the hardest bit and, after that, I just kept plodding along. If I can do it, anyone can.

My plan now is 2x5k during the week and another 10k at the weekend. Question for the more experienced runners... does that sound like a sensible mix?

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Say what?????? 10.1k in 30 minutes? 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳 👍

[Thealbs in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Ooops - I meant just over an hour !

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Thealbs]

Hahahahaha, oh I’m so relieved! I was feeling even slower than usual! 🐌🐌🐌🐌😅😅😅

But an hour is still awesome though, so very well done you! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[Thealbs in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheekychipmunks - and sorry to inadvertently set the bar at Farah-level !

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Thealbs]

🤣🤣

[Deals1 Graduate10]

I just thought that too! Wow 30 mins!!!?!? 😂. But an hour is fab too!!! Well done for just getting out there and running.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

That is a really good run. I find the second km the hardest normally, plus whichever km the hills are in. Isn't it nice when you get the good bit where you feel you can continue for ages? I wish that bit would last for longer though