Parkrun parking got me again, but I’ve crossed the Bridge! 11k 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽💪🏽❤️

[Fabulous450]

Hello Runners

I’m on a major high right now! Those of you who know me well, know there’s often a little adventure on my runs! Too much adventure really, but we won’t talk about it! 🤪🤫😂

Today was no exception. I did leave much earlier to try to secure my parking spot. Half an hour before Parkrun starts is still not enough time. So I’m toying with another park to run on my own by 10 past starting time. But I decide to try the parking at another entrance much further away. I get a spot, but I’m not risking causing Parkrun chaos so I decide it’s a run my way today. Well, actually, that’s every run really! 😂 Good job too! The obstacles do keep testing me! But, when I’m in the zone, I couldn’t care less! It’s all just a bit of fun!

And that’s where I was today! After finding myself running on the grass against the Parkrun flow of runners, a quick wave to Equi-Geek in her lilac number (very nice Equi, you look amazing!🤩)!, I head off across field, so as not to put others off their run. I find another trail and I’m running. At some point, (I know not when), I notice that my chest is free, open, relaxed and there’s no struggle in my run. My body feels great and I look at my phone and I’ve done nearly 6k! 😱!

So, I think another 2k and I’ll equal my furthest run. I’m sure I can do that. But what about 10k? I think 💭🤔! But Fabulous you’ve only just got back running after 6 weeks of no running! But a very kind comment from UnfitNoMore rings in my ear. “Remember, when you have doubts that you’re a strong woman and achieved such a lot”! (Thank you UNM 🤗🤩😍) And that’s it, I’ve decided, it’s 10k today. I hold a vision of my Graduate 10k badge, as I run on smiling and singing🗣. Because no-one can hear me. A bit of dancing jogging going on too! 🤣! Adele and Beyoncé are safe! No competition here! 🙇🏽‍♀️

I don’t know how I’ll feel tomorrow, but that was the easiest 10k I could ever imagine doing! There’s was no pushing involved, no endurance required (as you can see from the time!🤣), it was slow and mindful! I was just enjoying the freedom of running!! Now had I been running with others, it might have felt more pressured, so I’m proud of my 11k! On my own, doing it my way!

Now I truly feel that I’m back! The rain and the dark will still be a challenge! But never say never! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate10]

Oh you wonderful, wonderful lady! I was so pleased to see you today, even though only fleetingly and I hung about for a while afterwards chatting with Dressagerider33 and others and wondering if you'd stop by - but then I spotted you as I was leaving the park and thought 'oh my, S is still going, and looking FABULOUS!' Congratulations on your 11k it's so well deserved! XXX

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

Aah thank you!! It was inspiring seeing you too! You do look great Equi! Fantastic! 🤗❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

11k! Woohoo Fab, that’s absolutely amazing! You sound so happy too. A new year, a shiny new Graduate10 badge to admire! Sounds like you might have been able to go further? Are you HM-bound do you think? 👏🏃‍♀️💪👍👊

My kind of running too. Stress free. Go you! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hi Cheeky!! 😍 Thank you so much! HM? 😱! I don’t know 🤷🏽‍♀️! I can’t see myself doing that, but I couldn’t see myself doing 10k either. The thought doesn’t scare me, so I guess that’s a good thing! 😂! ❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

I’m in the same boat. I’ve done 10k twice so far and have signed up for 3 races this year, but anything beyond that sounds like a step (lots of steps) too far. But never say never eh?! 😅😅😅

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Never say never indeed! It’s this kind of unexpected that feels so amazing!! 🤩❤️

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

If 10k to HM sounds like too much of a leap of faith, there's always 10 miles as a stopping off target ... just saying ....

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Linda, stop it! 😅😅😅😅

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Too late, it's out there. The seed is planted. Sorry, not sorry!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Crawlhome Graduate10]

Way to go Fabulous540. You're definitely back! 😁😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Crawlhome]

Thanks so much!! 🤗 Everything just came together today! Great feeling! 🥰❤️

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Yay! Fantastic! I ran better after a month off too. I think the rest gives time to recuperate. Glad you're back though, I enjoy your posts 🙃

👏🏅

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thank you BTP!! It’s feels so great to be back too!! 😁❤️

[uncle_wiggy]

What a great run, and a great surprise when you only expected a 5k 😊 And there was me thinking those ones only existed in my dreams.... There's hope yet! Fabulously well done fabulous 👏 👏 👏

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Aah Uncle, if I can do it, you can too! It wasn’t the plan, but that’s what made it so great! Just letting it flow! My body told me I was ready! The head had nothing to do with it!! It had checked out I think, so was taken by surprise! 🤣🤣❤️

[uncle_wiggy in reply to Fabulous450]

Hah, sounds like the opposite to when I started c25k, body checked out after that first minute run and head constantly queried what I was up to! 😂 But I'm def getting there, or at least heading in the general direction!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Ah that was just today Uncle!! My head played a number of tricks and the “gremlins” were on my back far too often, but I just keep going out there! They still come around......the beasts! 😫! But I’m still finding the courage from somewhere to give it a go regardless! And thank goodness I’m still slaying gremlins! 🥋🥋 🔨 🔨! 😉❤️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Whoop whoop...Congratulations Fabulous450!

Brilliant acheivement, especially as it was unplanned. That shiny badge will look great on you! Well deserved😊xxx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you so much Bluebirdrunner!! 🤗 All of a sudden, I had the possibility of the badge in my minds eye, so I ran on! Thinking omg I would love to see one next to my name! Moi? 10k! 🤪, and now it’s true! 😁😁😁❤️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Ask for it here Fabulous450...

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

😊xx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Done!! 😁😁😁😁 Thank you!! 🤗❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

It's there! YAY! So pleased for you XX

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

I know!! It was an emotional moment seeing it Equi! That’s me! 😱🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽🤗🤗❤️

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

🤗🥰

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Fabulous run, congratulations on a great achievement! What a lovely surprise when it wasn't planned. If 10k to HM sounds like too much of a leap of faith, there's always 10 miles as a stopping off target ... just saying ....

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Aaah, thank you Linda!! 😍! It is such a lovely surprise. I keep wondering why I’m not feeling it too. Nevertheless stretches and a hot bath has been administered!! Euphoria no doubt! 😂

Mmmm....10 miles? Who knows? I’m definetly open to more surprises!! ❤️

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

10 miles is only one parkrun away from your run today

Very achievable I'm sure

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

That’s a great way to look at it!! Thank you Linda!! 🤗🤗❤️

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Just Wow!! That's incredible Fabz 🤗 Really happy for you, be proud 🦋❤️🦋

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Aah thank you so much Flar!! 🤗🦋 And thanks for checking in during the break searching for the mojo too! It’s so appreciated!! 🥰❤️

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Oh this makes my heart sing, Fabulous! What a brilliant run! It sounds so joyful too - and that’s what running is all about. 💕 Well done on your 10k. It’s a lovely distance, especially when you take it gently and go with the flow. Very proud of you. Congratulations! 👏👏👏

Sadie-runs xxx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Aah thanks so much Sadie!! It was so gentle, it took me by surprise! When I woke up and realised I had run for quite a bit further than expected, I decided to do just that, go with the flow! Great feeling! 😍❤️

[Beanjo]

Well done Fabulous. Go you 👍👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Beanjo]

Thanks so much Beanjo!! 🤗 Really feels fantastic to have done it without planning to go for it! 😍❤️

[Shakywakey Graduate10]

Wow. That’s amazing. Well done 👏👏

Brilliant- never give up and never say never 😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Shakywakey]

Thank you Shakey!! It’s a brilliant day for so many today!! It’s just great to be here amongst you great runners after my dip! But like you say, never give up and never say never!! 😉👌🏽❤️

[Sybilw Graduate10]

Oh that badge so suits you!! Congratulations. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

Oh Sybilw!! Thank you! 😭It feels fantastic! That’s me? 😱🥰❤️

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Well done Fab! Sounds like a great run! 🎉🎉🎉😃❤️🏃‍♀️

And never say never to the HM seed... I’m amazed to find that the more longer runs I do, the easier they seem to feel. I’m really starting to enjoy my no music, long runs. I’m enjoying the solitude of just plodding along at my own pace and watching the scenery. 10k was a target not long ago, but after lots of repeats it seems much shorter now. Just saying...😃😈❤️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

😁😁🤩! Thank you so much! I so enjoyed that run mountaindreamer. I hope to have that feeling one day too!! ❤️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Holy wotsit! Way to go on that first 10k n another k run!

I’ll message coach Bennett as he needs to drop some new guided runs in for you now! Your legs probably gonna need some TLC tomorrow but the aches will just remind you of that run. You should miss parkrun more often 😂. Great job.

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Aah thank you!! Today I don’t feel a thing in the legs! Can’t quite understand it, but everything came together so perfectly! You were definitely a big inspiration today! A massive thank you to you!! Sometimes we don’t understand the impact our words have, so I thought I’d let you know!! 🤗🤗🤗❤️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

The words only help you see the reality... that’s always there.

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Help is always to be appreciated! We all need it sometimes! 🥰❤️

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Wow Fabulous - what a way to crack 10k! Well done 😀

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Thanks so much Jonathan, it’s been such an unexpected, but great day!! 😃❤️

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Way to go Fab. Brilliant, well done 👏👏👏 Back and better than ever. You were obviously destined for bigger things than parkrun this morning. Isn’t it amazing what our bodies can do when our heads are in the right place 😃😃

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

It sure is Sandie!! Thank you so much! I think the head was asleep for the majority of the run today! 😂! I hope it does that lots more too!! 🤩❤️

[Little-runner]

Wow wow wow!! Way to go!! I’m a little bit in awe of you. What a comeback! 👏👏👏👏

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Little-runner]

Aah thank you so much Little-runner! I’m still trying, but it’s a great adventure! 🤗🤗❤️

[Dralimc]

Bloody hell, that’s brilliant!!! So pleased for you! Go girl 🏃🏾‍♀️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

Thanks so much Dralimc!! 🤗🤗! It was an amazing surprise! I’m really pleased that I didn’t plan it, but it just felt like the right time to try as I was inventing my own little version of Parkrun!! 😂❤️

[Bridget007]

Wow 😃 and just wow again 😃 not just 10k but 11k 😮 well done that is fantastic! 😃😃😃 xxx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Bridget007]

Thank you Bridget! 🤗 I honestly think the first 5k was run in a bit of a trance! I certainly couldn’t have planned to do that so soon! I’ve surprised myself so much today!! But, it feels great! ❤️

[Ang33333]

Oh well done! So pleased for you! I have to get my act together. My aim this year is 10k...some way off but got a 5k PB today! Still slow but under 40 mins now..! 🤪

[Dralimc in reply to Ang33333]

I’m just trying to maintain 3x a week, and seem to struggle to get beyond the 4K barrier. Did 5k Santa run, but if I thought a year ago I’d be running 12k a week, I would never have believed it. Happy just to be out there 😊🏃🏻‍♀️

[Ang33333 in reply to Dralimc]

12k is great! 👟👟😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

More than anything I’ll be very happy to get back to 3 runs a week too Dralimc! Well done to you!! 🤩 I really do hope I can achieve that! That’s my main goal right now! ❤️

[Dralimc in reply to Fabulous450]

You got this! 👊😘

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Ang33333]

Aah thanks Ang! Well done on the PB!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🤩I’ve no doubt that you’ll do your 10k!! 😉🤩

Have you seen that time? 🐌 🐌 I was slow! But I was so comfortable! It was a really slow run around the park. Funny what you think about when you’re out on your own in the fresh air! 🤔 At one point, I looked at those bare leaved trees and thought actually, my running journey is a bit like that! It’s taken some time to grow, but I’m stronger for it!

My challenge now, isn’t about longer distances, it’s getting out in the darkness or rain or both🥴! I really hope to do that again sometime! ❤️

[Ang33333 in reply to Fabulous450]

That's not slow! I like running at that pace though I can run faster now. I like long slow runs. Can't imagine running 10k at 5k pace!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Ang33333]

🥰❤️

[Becky1606 Graduate10]

Wow Fabulous, that is... well, fabulous! So well deserved!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Becky1606]

Thank you so much Becky!! 🤗🤗 It definetly feels pretty wow! Still not sure quite how it has happened if I’m honest! I just got to a point where I knew I could just carry on!! That’s how I hoped it would be, but wasn’t confident it would happen that way! I’m just so so glad, that I’m back out running again!! 😀❤️

[lexi6 Graduate10]

Its all been said, but just want to add my WOW! Amazing Fab👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to lexi6]

Thank you so much lexi!! Very much appreciated!! 🤗🤗❤️

[CatMo13]

🙌⭐️👌💐 This is great news! I’m inspired!!! You could just do your long runs at the weekend and shorter ones in the dark I guess. Big congratulations to you Fabulous 🥇🏆

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to CatMo13]

Thanks so much CatMo! 🤗 If I can just get 3 running days per week, I’d be a very happy lady!! 😁😁😁❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Wow wow wow!! This is a fab post...I can feel strength oozing from your post...setting no particular time or distance obviously worked for you...and you performed beautifully...not surprised you’re on a high, I would be too...well done Fabulous450 ...makes me want to run like Forrest Gump this does!! 👏🏻🏃🏼‍♀️💪🏻 Xx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Oh thanks so much Mummycav! 🤗🤗 It was definitely a Forrest Gump moment for sure! Thanks to everyone with their warm welcome back, it felt great to be back out there seeing all the other runners having fun 🤩🤩. Albeit I wasn’t quite running with them! 😊❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Well, you're never alone while you've got us lot behind you xx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Yes!! 🤩 That’s what’s so great about the Forum!! From so much fun, to don’t wanna run!! But never alone! ❤️

[Hidden]

⬆️ This is amazing!!!! 😆 ...Well, what a mini-break comeback this has become! 🤩Congratulations, the new badge looks ace and you well and truly aced that run...

Absolutely Fabulous 💛⚡️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Oh thank you Thundersloth!! 🤗 It was so good running without a care in the world!! 😁😁❤️

[Hidden]

This is absolutely fabulous, Fabulous #AbFab

Well done- it's great to have you back!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much Helen!! I decided that I wasn’t wasting my well prepared warm get up and it was so nice to see so many different people really enjoying themselves. I still have to master getting to Parkrun much earlier! 😂❤️

[Tinker5393 Graduate10]

Fab, just fab massive congrats. I have not run for 5 weeks , you give me hope that I'm not going to fall in a big messy heap. 😁😁😁😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Tinker5393]

Ah Tinker!! Thanks so much! 🤗 Well I really expected that too, but I took the same approach as Day 1, just go out there and see! I was prepared to walk if needed. For me, after that lull, just getting out there was always going to be a big win!! I think you’ll be great!! Go for it!! 😃😃🤩❤️

[Hidden]

Nice one young lady. Keep it up. 👍 ☺️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much Gazloc!! 🤗🤗 I’m certainly going to try not to let it be so long again!! ❤️

[Hidden in reply to Fabulous450]

It doesn't take long to let it go.

I've settled into 3 5k runs a week.

It just keeps you on the better side of life. Stay safe. 👍☺️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

That’s great news Gazloc!! I really do prefer the park and I just hope I can get out 3 times, even if for short runs. ❤️

[LoungeLizaard Graduate10]

Hey Fab - sorry for the late reply, I was away over the holiday period but kept the email notification for when I got back...……….and I am so glad I did! That is truly amazing.

I am so happy for you😍 - I've had my own share of obstacles over the last few months, but I've resolved to get back into a groove in Jan....not quite a NY resolution, but you know!

You must me soooooooo chuffed (I am for you!) I remember when you didn't want to get on the bridge and I was trying to pull you on, but you stuck to your guns and did it your way, and that is what this is all about. Your way is the best way! You can always take advice and listen to others, but you are your own coach and its never about you against anyone else..... just you verses you and better tomorrow than you were today.

Well done Fab and sending some virtual love n hugs! 💕❤

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Aaah LL, I can’t tell you how much that means! 😍 Thank you so much! 🤗 I was very scared of the bridge, as I just couldn’t see myself running that far! And then being constantly on the move with my new job, well things just felt overwhelming.

I’m so pleased that not only have I done it, but my body doesn’t seem to have realised that I did! 😱! That’s what’s really taken me by surprise! No aches or pains. I did it! 🤷🏽‍♀️ I was back out for my morning coffee run this morning 3.46k and then had a very nice walk back sipping it and listening to my audio book!!

2019! I’m feeling good! More please! I have quest to run 3 times a week in January! I do have some winter challenges to break through - darkness (7:30am seems just about right at the moment, but that will need some adjustment sometimes so I can back and be ready for work/meetings) and the rain (this nice dry spell has really helped me to get going again), but I’m getting there. 🙏🏽

Let’s make January a great month for running!! Go you!!❤️

[Katnap Graduate10]

How did I miss your post!?

Fantastic news. And over-achieving too 😁😁😁👏👏👏

😸 Katnap 😸

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Aah thanks Katnap! January has been a great month for so many, there’s been lots to celebrate! Im so glad to be back out there with you all! 🤩🤩❤️