This morning I ran 10k. Say what? 💪😀

[cheekychipmunks]

I’m a little numb. How did that happen? 🤔😀🤔😀🤔

On June 11th this year I set out on my C25K journey and was thrilled to bits to be able to run for 1 minute 8 times. I graduated on August 10th. 🏃‍♀️🏅

Slowly but surely I worked my way to 5k, became a parkrun addict, started building my distance through 6k, 7k, 8k and 9k, with no dramas at all. Just lots of snails. 🐌🐌🐌

My snails have made this all possible, so today I rounded up my most trusted slow 🐌 and headed out. It was dank, grey, on and off rain and still mild enough to wear my bonkers running lady vest and crop leggings. No jacket required (hi Phil Collins 👋👋).

I can truthfully say I found the run almost easy. Not one gremlin, never a doubt in my mind I wouldn’t complete it. My breathing wasn’t an issue at all. 👍

Almost 3 circuits of my regular 3.7k route. Slightly tired legs from 8.5k onwards, but nothing really. My music gave up around the same time, so there was a momentary panic that MMR might have stopped too. Thankfully the friendly lady piped up that I’d run for 8.75k and I was able to trot merrily to my goal. I uttered a rather loud “yessss” and did the obligatory fist pump at 10k just as a gazelle streaked past me!

I kept running to get back to my car, retrieve my patient dog and take her for a celebratory walk, curtailed a bit by the heavens opening big style! 💦 💦 💦

Clearly I could run faster (not even breathing heavily at the end), but do I want to? I love my runs. I enjoy trotting along taking in the familiar lovely scenery, and I have no competitive streak at all, just with myself sometimes. So I’m going to start ju-ju’s plan next week and get to 10k all over again - see what happens. 😀

I’m volunteering at parkrun this weekend. My little pins might grumble after their effort today! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃

I’m grinning widely. I’ve run 10k. I really have and it’s all pretty surreal! 🎉🏃‍♀️🎉🏃‍♀️🎉

Sorry this is so long. I was meaning to keep it concise. Fat chance! 😅😀😀😅

You guys have helped massively with all your support, so thank you all! ❤️

[Tartancat Graduate10]

Yeeehaaaar!

Massive well done Cheeky. Isn't it the most fabulous feeling?

Go get that badge and wear it with pride. You may have been nervous in the run up to this (excuse the pun), but none of us doubted you for a second.

So so pleased for you!!! 😁🏃‍♀️🍾

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Thank you TC! Oh yes the feeling is amazing. Something I never ever dreamed I’d be able to do! 😀👍

[uncle_wiggy]

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!

Soo happy for you cheeky, I doth my recently acquired 🎓 to you!

You have been a continued source of support & encouragement for so many others, but more than anything you are a bright & shining example of running just for oneself and the pure joy of it!

Enjoy your well deserved celebrations 👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎊🍾🎓🎓👏👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Thank you so much Wiggy! I love these forums and get so much encouragement from them - which I love passing onto others! 😀😀😀🏃‍♀️

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Brilliant! just brilliant! I can see your grin from here Massive achievement. Congratulations

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, yep, still grinning! Might last a while longer yet I feel! 😀😀😀😀😀

[Beanjo]

Oh cheeky whoop whoop whoop. 🍾🍾🍾🍾 I’m in awe- well done you.

I’m delighted to be able to run 5k so you must be ecstatic. Aren’t our snails 🐌 fab ?

Bet you’re still on a high on Saturday 👏👏. Enjoy every post run minute 😘😊😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beanjo]

Thank you Beanjo, yes snails are the best! I never knew how much they’d assist, in fact without my snail brood I’d probably have been disheartened and given up. Go snails! 🐌🐌🐌

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Yay, fabulous run, very very well done 👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🍾🍾🍾

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks so much Sandie. It’s still unbelievable to me! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀

[roseabi]

Woohoo!!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Eeeeek!!!! 😀

[Crawlhome Graduate10]

Wow cheeky, look at you go😁

What a fantastic achievement, you must be on such a high and rightly so!!

You can run 10k!!😁😁

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Crawlhome]

Thanks CH - I know I can run 10k! How is that even possible? Unbelievable! But it’s certainly an amazing feeling! 👍🏃‍♀️😀

[Dragonflies]

Cheekychipmunks you are an absolute star ⭐️ and such an inspiration! Congratulations on your 10k 👏🏅👏🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dragonflies]

Awww thanks Dragonflies. I’ve had so much positivity and encouragement from these forums and like to pass on any tips I can to others! 👍👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[telford_mike Graduate10]

Yay, yay and thrice yay! Absolutely fantastic - another champion of the class of 2018 😀 I must say I found 10k a bigger personal achievement than C25K, simply because it seemed so utterly unattainable at the beginning.

Not just a 'proper runner' now Cheeky, but an actual athlete 👏👏👏👏👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to telford_mike]

Thanks Mike! Yes I agree - never in my wildest dreams would I imagine myself running 10k ever. Not even a possibility. But this amazing C25K programme and these forums are proof that anyone can do it. 👍👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃😀😀

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Congratulations cheekychipmunks! Fabulous achievement 😁....

10k is 10k in whatever time it takes, and its a long way😊xx

I know you will be buzzing and smiling......You did it!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks BBR, I certainly am still buzzing and smiling. I can’t see the feeling diminishing anytime soon either! 😀😀😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Whoohoo! Great job cheeky! The long slow runs are quite enjoyable, aren't they?

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks Sask. Yes absolutely right. I loved every moment and because I wasn’t gasping for breath at any point in the run, I was able to appreciate how far it was and how far I’d come to achieve it. 0k-10k in just under 5 months! Crazy! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀👍👍👏👏

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Hoorah Cheekychipmunks, I’m so glad that you didn’t let those 🦋 🦋 🦋 get the better of you. I knew you could do it. It does look like a nice green place to do it too close to the River Avon .

I think you should claim a graduation badge for your trusty 🐌 🐌 🐌 too.

Have a few days off and celebrate the fact that you did 10k. Yay! Do enjoy your volunteering at Parkrun on Saturday.

🏃‍♀️🐌👏👏 😃🏅⭐️💫🍾🥂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy! Yes I think my snails all deserve badges and several days off! They can snooze while my dog and I go volunteering at parkrun on Saturday! 🐌 💤 😀

[Dralimc]

Huge congratulations! Well done!!!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

Thank you so much Dralimc! It’s down to you guys that I achieved 10k! 😀😀

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

Hi Dralimc 👋👋👋

[Dralimc in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Hello! Still here, still running! Back to 30 mins 4ks. 🏃🏻‍♀️😘

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

That’s pretty much my speed Dralimc! 😀 I was slower than that yesterday, but ordinarily that’s my benchmark for a good 5k - a slightly under 30 minute 4k. 🏃‍♀️😀

[Dralimc in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I don’t go much faster than 7.5 min kms, which is fine. Getting some confidence back after 3 weeks out late summer, but I do have a 4K 30 min mental block. Booked in for 5k Santa run, which will be my first public run.

[Lorijay Graduate10]

Brilliant Cheekychipmunks, huge well done!! 10k is a wonderful achievement, hope you are celebrating as you deserve to

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

Thank you Lorijay, oh yes, big celebrations! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 It’s still pretty unbelievable to me. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Hidden]

You did it! YESSSSS! Huge well done cheeky!!! 😍🔥🌟👏💐🥂💐👏🌟🔥

What you can achieve in only 150 days ...eh?! Pretty damn incredible! 😁

Well done you, the whole forum will be very proud of you. A big thanks for all the support that you give us all along the way 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

I'm going to read everything that you write from now on in a Bristolian accent... even if you don't have one...! 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hahahaha TS, I don’t have a Bristolian account but I can do a good one. Awrite me babber? 😅

I love posting on here and passing on tips I’ve picked up. These forums are incredible, and I’m pretty sure without them there would be way less people running and enjoying it. Doubt if I’d have got this far for starters! 😀🏃‍♀️👍

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Right it’s happening already... I’ve read several comments written by you an I imagined each of them in a strong Bristolian accent - there’s no going back now cheeky. 😁😁😁 especially that comment the other day when you said topsy-turvy!!! ⚡️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Just call me Vicki Pollard! 😅😅😅

[Runsome Graduate10]

Oh yes what a fantastic achievement you did it and you enjoyed it too well done and welcome to the club. You’ve done an excellent job I’m so pleased you got there. Now you can just enjoy. Brilliant 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Runsome]

Thanks so much Runsome! Next stop some bling when I can find a nearby race that will accept snails! 😀🐌🏃‍♀️

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

Well done! 👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks Jay. You realise you got me started on the road to this don’t you? 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Me? What did I do??

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

You pointed me in the right direction when I was floundering after graduating C25K. I basically copied what you were doing at the time! 😀

[Runsome Graduate10]

I’m sure that there will be one along soon and then you can start your bling string 😀😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Runsome]

Ooooooo 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Woo hoo!!! 👏🏃‍♀️🎉💫 Congratulations Cheeky!! We knew you'd do it 🤗👊🦋

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thanks Flara! It was so much fun. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀❤️❤️

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Brilliant Cheeky! We knew you could do it - no need for those butterflies at all! Well done!!! 😃❤️🏃‍♀️🏅🥂🍾😃❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thank you MD! I think butterflies are good for me, as I’ve had them each time I’ve gone for a new distance. 🦋 and 🐌 are clearly my friends! 😀👍

[Walshy3 Graduate10]

Say what!!! Say bloody well done cheeky👏👏👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Walshy3]

Thanks Walshy! I’m having to pinch myself every so often! But yep, 10k in the bag! 😀😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍👍

[Walshy3 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Onwards and upwards now, the body’s capable of so much, it’s our own head we have to convince! I’m absolutely made up for ya,fantastic achievement 👍👏

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Walshy3]

Indeed, our bodies are amazing! I’m going to work through the Magic 10 plan now and see what the 10k is like at the end of that! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Walshy3 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You’ll be running the world 🌎 😁

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Walshy3]

Or running round the world. That might take me a while! 😅

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽!! Fantastic! I’m grinning widely with you!! 😁😁😁😁

Go Cheeky! Very well done you!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😍❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fab! ❤️😀👍 I’m unbelievably chuffed and have already bored my whole family! 😅

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I would be doing the same!! You’re a star Cheeky!! 😁😁😁🤩🤩🤩❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

As are you of course Fab! A great inspiration! ❤️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

☺️! Thank you!! Kind words! 🤗❤️

[jayval70 Graduate10]

Aw that’s brilliant. Your story is so inspiring and reminds me to concentrate on enjoying running - for me, not anyone else. Enjoy your celebration 🍾🍾🍾

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to jayval70]

Thank you jayval. I personally don’t want not to enjoy a run. I’ve had a couple that have been a bit meh, but the vast majority have been a pure delight and I amaze myself each time that I’m actually running! 😀🏃‍♀️

[jayval70 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Me too. I’ve only had one real slog so far. Sometimes I laugh in disbelief afterwards at how far I’ve come. I’ve also become a total running bore and talk about it all the time - who’d have believed that 9 weeks ago 😲😲😲

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to jayval70]

I think quite a few of us are running bores! 😅

[sunshinefish Graduate10]

Absolutely awesome Cheekychipmunks!! So pleased for you. And what a place to be in, totally happy with what you have achieved and how you have done it, your way. Congratulations!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to sunshinefish]

Thanks so much SSF! Yes I always intended to take it slow, but I didn’t realise I’d take it slow and thoroughly enjoy every minute. Means I have more in the tank should I want to tap into it one day. 😀🏃‍♀️👍

[Becky1606 Graduate10]

WELL DONE I WISH I COULD LOVE THIS!! So pleased

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Becky1606]

Awww thanks Becky! ❤️ I’m crediting all you guys for my achievement. These forums are so encouraging, more than any other I’ve visited. In fact these are the only two I visit nowadays. 😀👍

[Katnap Graduate10]

Well done Cheeky!

20k by Xmas?

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Thanks Katnap - oh, and no! 😅😅

[kwell39 Graduate10]

Way to go Cheeky!! I am so excited for you. Time to celebrate!!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to kwell39]

Thanks kwell. Oh yes, celebrations are in full swing! 🍾👍😀🏃‍♀️

[Hidden]

Awesome! Well done Cheeky! Such a massive achievement 💛👌

You are amazing!!! 🤩🙌

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much Dreams. It proves it’s achievable for anyone, but these forums helped me 100%! ❤️👍

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Well done to you cheekychipmunks on your easy 10k!!!! Many congratulations! 😊👏🏻👍☀️🎓🥂🍾🏅🎉🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️ Enjoy your time on the podium and all the very best for your onward running journey. If you can wait there a fortnight, I may be able to join you, but I think that you will be long gone by then, 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks 61. Hey, I don’t mind hanging around on the podium for as long as necessary. Just as long as there’s a constant supply of 🍾 😅

[hudsondoglets]

You are amazing!!! I hope I can follow in your footsteps. I’m working towards it. Well done and so pleased you really enjoyed it!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to hudsondoglets]

Aww thanks HD! Of course you’ll be able to do it. Take a snail along. 🐌 He’ll help you on your way! 🏃‍♀️😀

[Tinker5393 Graduate10]

Massive congrats to you. Must be a fantastic buzz. 🍾🍾🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Tinker5393]

Thank you Tinker. Yes it feels epic and very surreal. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀👍

[Oldlady57]

Wow,wow,wow!!! Fab achievement cheeky, 10k!!!! Blummin fantastic 👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Oldlady57]

Thanks OL! Proves even a snail like me can do it, and I’m still grinning! 😀👍🏃‍♀️

[Deals1 Graduate10]

👍😁👏🏃🎉

Yay!!!!! Well done cheeky!! I'm so pleased for u!! Bet you feel fab. Enjoy your time in the podium. U deserve it. 😁

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thank you Deals! It does feel pretty epic! 🏃‍♀️😀👍

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That's cos it is really EPIC!!! 😁

Hopefully I can step up to the podium in about 4 weeks

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

❤️

[TailChaser Graduate10]

Oh wow Cheeky, you and your 🐌 are amazing! Congratulations 🤗👍👍👍🎉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TC! I credit my running to all of you guys - we spur each other along which is priceless. Also my ability to embrace my inner snail and utilise that feeling to get me through pretty much any run thrown at me! 🐌❤️🏃‍♀️

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Well done cheeky - a fantastic achievement! 😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Aww thank you Jonathan! This time yesterday I was in the middle of my run. My legs still have that lovely mildly fatigued feeling, knowing they’ve done good! 😀

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I know what you mean! I managed my 2nd 10k yesterday - a little faster than the first 😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Ooo well done! How long after your first one did you wait before running 10k again? 🏃🏃🏃

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks - 8 days. I did a 5k and a 6k in between, and ran my 10k route the other way round, which was better because the climb to the finish wasn't quite as steep!

[Millsie-J]

Congratulations cheeky, great achievement !

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks Millsie! I’m still floating around in a daze of happiness! I’d love to see my badge ...... pretty please? 🏃‍♀️👍 I did ask politely on the grad post too! 🤞

[MandiV]

Well done CCM great result and those snails have done you proud!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to MandiV]

Thank you Mandi. Yep, me and my snails make a great team! 🐌🐌🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[alisonx Graduate10]

Wooo Hooo! Well done cheeky you are awesome!!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Aww thanks Alison! It still hasn’t really sunk in properly. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Couch to 10k in what? 5 months!!!!!?

So impressive. Congratubloodylations!!!!!🍾🍾🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤩

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

Thanks Jell! I know, I can’t believe it either! If you’d have told me I’d be running 10k in that time back in June, I’d have thought you were nuts! 🏃‍♀️😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀🏃‍♀️

[MutleyShuffle Graduate10]

Hoooge congrats cheeky! There ain't no stopping you now! Where's that badge?! Must be so heavy the admin are struggling to lift it up onto the podium! 😁🏅🏃👍💪

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to MutleyShuffle]

I know MS, I’ve been dropping friendly hints reminding them ..... admin, helloooo!!??

It’s very exciting. Thanks for all the support you’ve given me! 😀🏃‍♀️

[Flyingred Graduate10]

Congratulations and enjoy that wonderful feeling of having accomplished your goal. We started C25K around the same time, so it's been great to follow your progress. You've been very sensible and patient in how you have developed as a runner and your enthusiasm is infectious! Have a great day!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Flyingred]

Thank you FR, yes I remember you from C25K. It seems like a long time ago judging by how far we’ve come, but it’s only a few short months. Pretty amazing that programme! 😀👍

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Yay! Congratulations 👍💥🥇

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks Baddie! It was a lot of fun. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍👍