Magic 9k - oh wow, that felt amazing. ❤️

[cheekychipmunks]

I’ve just completed my W6 9k. It was so lovely and I feel totally serene. ❤️

The weather was perfect for running, grey and cool with virtually no wind at last. 👊 I adapted my parkrun route as planned and the long hill wasn’t bad at all! I did the hill twice, but I’m thinking of tweaking the route again next week and doing it 3 times! Really? Me?! 🏃‍♀️

I surprised myself whilst running laps around the lake by doing a gazelle spring past a chap walking his dog. I had to get by and I dreaded it, but the power I felt in my legs surprised me! It shows I could (should probably) be running faster, but I love my runs so much and don’t want to ‘ruin’ them by being all out of breath. Don’t laugh - ridiculous aren’t I?!!

Anyway, I shaved 32 seconds off the 9k I did the first time round and a whopping 2m 50 seconds off the 9k time when I actually did the 10k. I’m very pleased with the slow but steady progress I’m making.

Enjoy your running everyone, and anyone who doubts their ability to run longer distances - well you can! The Magic 10 Plan makes it possible for everyone! 💙 I’ll be doing it again next time round! 🏃‍♀️😅

[Tartancat Graduate10]

Superb Cheeky!! You're nearly at 10k (again!)

And there's nothing ridiculous about keeping it slow and enjoyable. I've just started working on speed, and shocked myself by sprinting up part of a hill that I usually plod up (the app said I had to sprint at that point so I did). But I know there's no way I could keep that up for long! A time and a place for everything, and working up to 10k is a time for steady!

But isn't it nice to know that strength is there, just waiting for the right time? Go you!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Thank you! You’re absolutely right TC, all the miles/kms in our legs are making them stronger each run - as we were told would happen during C25K - and feeling the effects is so rewarding!

Get us, almost embracing hills nowadays! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️💪💪

[onemdc Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Hi well done can I ask what app you’re using? Love an app🎄

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to onemdc]

It's actually a training module on my Garmin watch app - Jeff Galloway on improving your 5k speed. It may well be available elsewhere - worth checking out!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Oops, sorry just found that I replied to the comment directed at you TC! Nosy chipmunk! 😅

[Tartancat Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤣🤣🤣

[onemdc Graduate10 in reply to Tartancat]

Doing the magic 10 now and might be getting a watch from father Xmas! Thankyou for the tip and Happy Christmas to you 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to onemdc]

Hi onemdc, most of us use the the Magic 10 plan devised by one of our lovely admins, ju-ju- It isn’t an app, but there’s a pinned post on here about how it works. There’s a new one starting soon, so take a look, it’s fab! 😍🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to onemdc]

Sorry onemdc, nosy soul that I am responded to your question to Tartancat! Ignore me! 🙄😅

[onemdc Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hello there I’m on the Magic 10 now but like an app for the short runs to help try and speed me up Thankyou for the reply and Happy Christmas to you 😊

[Katnap Graduate10]

Happy days! 😸

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Indeed Katnap, thanks! 😀😀

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Way t'go Cheeky!! Amazing! 👊🏃‍♀️ Happy running 🦋

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thanks Flara, running makes us just that - happy! It’s fabulous. ❤️❤️❤️

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Totally serene, sounds wonderful! Well done you! May those good feelings last and last 🏃‍♀️😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you 61, it was such a lovely run, and I’m sure the fact I’ve done 9k before helped. Pressure off, just running for fun. 🏃‍♀️😀

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I am currently doing two 30 minute runs and a longer slow and steady run of 1 hour, so the dizzy heights of over 8km are not happening. That's for another time. 😊🏃‍♀️ So well done again on your impressive 9km! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Well that sounds fabulous too 61, and you will definitely reach over 8k in under an hour at that rate. I’ve yet to achieve that goal too, but I’m in no hurry - just as well hey? 😅😅

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I seriously won't reach 8k! My slow is slow! I reached 7.14km in 1 hour yesterday and just very happy with that. I listened to Desert Island Discs and enjoyed joy of running and the views. Whereas on Saturday I treated the Parkrun as a park race (with myself) and didn't run at easy conversational pace. Actually the state I was in it wasn't easy anything pace! Can't believe how many different things there are to learn about to do with running. Happy running to you! 😊🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

But I bet you’ll do what I’m doing, and by degrees the times will come down. Mine fluctuate, but the general trend is quicker - not that the word quick and me go well together you understand! Have fun. 😀🏃‍♀️👍

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Sounds wonderful cheeky; I wouldn't change a thing. Running your long runs at a conversational/easy pace is a great idea. Now if you were working on meeting a certain time or trying for a PB or preparing for a race with a faster goal time, then you might want to work some speed intervals or harder effort short runs in to your week, but to run for the joy of running, slow and steady is perfect! That is essentially what my winter running is all about - just building and maintaining a base and running for fun and mental health benefits.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Aww thanks Sask. I guess now I know I have more in the tank when needed, and my recovery is instantaneous on my longer runs, I know that when I choose to up the pace a little, I’ll be able to. It’s such an amazing feeling and I’m loving running more than ever! 🏃‍♀️❤️

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Good work, cheeky chops! Sounds like an amazing run! Well done. And I know that serene feeling after a good run, it's lovely. 😍Slow but steady progress is the best kind of progress – protects you from injury and ensures that you enjoy getting out there – both crucial to a long and happy running career. I love the 10k training programme with all of my heart! Happy running to you, CCM. xxx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you so much Sadie! ❤️ I know me, and if I don’t enjoy something I simply won’t do it. So doing these longer runs and keeping them ‘easy’ keeps me wanting to run more. I’m hoping that a few times through the Magic 10 will strengthen me adequately to run a respectable (for me) time at the Bristol 10k in May. My first race! 👍🏃‍♀️😀

[Hidden]

Fantastic! well done Cheeky, that sounded like a very satisfying run indeed 😃Nice to see and feel the improvement in yourself like that over such a short space of time, what was that about a month or so ago?! Hardly any time at all... This running lark is so very rewarding.

😁⚡

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Good memory TS! I just checked back and I did my 10k on November 8th, so pretty much exactly a month! It’s such good fun so I know I’ll jump straight back on board for the next one! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[AllyS Graduate10]

Absolutely brilliant Cheeky! Go girl 💪🏻🏃🏼‍♀️xx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to AllyS]

Thank you Ally! I’m not sure what I did with my life before running! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Great run... and yes the strength and speed is in the legs, but the long run should always be at comfortable or easy pace.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Hi UNM, it’s the first time my legs have felt fresh pretty much to the end of the longer today, and the fact I was able to get past the walker swiftly felt amazing. All thanks to C25K and all the helpful advice from you guys. 👍👏😀

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Sometimes it feels like we could run forever... I love those runs.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Absolutely, and today felt like that to me. The weather, although a bit gloomy, was perfect. 😀👍

[Beanjo]

Well done cheeky. I love the fact that you’re enjoying it so much 😊👍. Slow and steady progress works so well. Go you 😊🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beanjo]

Thank Beanjo, yes it’s good to see progress without needing to bust a gut each time. It’s also good to realise there is an emergency tank to tap into should I need to! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Brilliant CC. Off with 🐌 and on with the 🦌 ....ok so it's a reindeer not a gazelle, but it is Christmas! I did my PB 8k yesterday....I am beginning to think cold weather helps. It was a really relaxed run just as you describe with a sprint finish! Just great to be out there running😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Haha BC, I haven’t shed my snail yet, don’t worry! He’s still accompanying me, but my new friend the gazelle has been asked to come along to help boost me past awkward speed walkers! Nothing worse than creeping past only fractionally faster than they’re walking! 😅😅

Well done on your 8k PB! You’re right, the weather is helping us at the moment, and I was so glad the wind had dropped today. 💨 🏃‍♀️😀 Look at us go! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Hidden]

So 10 will be easy peasy. Did you say you’ve done 10k before? X

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes Flick, I flew solo after graduating C25K and worked my way up to 10k. I ran it in November. But it’s so more fun doing it on the Magic 10 and comparing notes! Can’t wait to run it again - and then start Magic 10 again! 😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Brilliant Cheeky! Running just for the fun of it is how it should be and the fact you were so much quicker than the first time shows we really shouldn’t worry about speed

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie, yes it just shows that leg strength is key, and each run builds on that. My legs felt fresh as daisies (pretty much!) afterwards! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[telford_mike Graduate10]

Great progress Cheeky, glad to hear you're feeling the love 👏🏃‍♀️😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to telford_mike]

Hi Mike, thanks I really am loving it. I enjoy structure so I’ll hop straight back on Magic 10 when the next one starts up, and do it all again maybe even a bit quicker! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[kwell39 Graduate10]

Way to go Cheeky! Springy step and everything. I wouldn't change it one bit!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to kwell39]

Thanks kwell! I know - my legs felt springy and not like lead weights when I passed the walker! Now to see if they’ll spring more often. 🏃‍♀️😀🏃‍♀️

[kwell39 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I bet they will!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to kwell39]

We’ll see! 🤞🤞🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[sunshinefish Graduate10]

I love that word! Serene!! What a great word to use in the same sentence as running!

Glad you had such a great run. And yes, it does go to show that all those kms we do make a difference whether we realise it at the time or not.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to sunshinefish]

It’s so true isn’t it SSF? I even felt strong striding across the carpark at the supermarket yesterday. My legs felt sturdy if you know what I mean! 😅 Can’t wait to run again. 😀🏃‍♀️❤️

[sunshinefish Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Great place to be CCM!

[Runsome Graduate10]

Nice one well done 👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Runsome]

It was nice, thanks Runsome! 👍🏃‍♀️👍