Perhaps I can do these longer runs....

[JoP61]

Ran the 7K this morning to complete Week 3 of ju-ju's 10K plan. Dark and very frosty on my way out - spied Venus low in the sky. Took it fairly slowly, as advised. Exchanged cheery greetings with the dog walkers I see every time I run - the dog has a very smart green flashing light.

The sky lightened gradually as I ran - revealing a beautiful sunrise. It seemed a long slog to my turning point, but I then experienced what I think is called a second wind - never happened before! Finished quite strongly, and when I got back I realised that I'd run the sixth kilometre faster than any of the others - I usually fade away gradually during the course of a run, so perhaps the longer runs suit me. No doubt I'll find out if that's true over the next few weeks.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and support as usual - keeping me going! Happy running to all. 😀🏃‍♀️

[Hidden]

Great run! 🙌

It sounds like such a beautiful morning... 💛

... & that second wind was amazing!🙌 Huge well done! I bet you feel super proud! 🤩

Happy Sunday! 👌

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

You are so kind! I tend to be a glass half empty kind of person, so I look at my speeds and think - I wish I was a bit faster. Instead of looking at the fact that I RAN 7k AND FELT STRONG! On reflection, I am super proud. Thank you so much for your support. 👍🏃‍♀️😀

[Hidden in reply to JoP61]

I’m guilty of looking at my speed & thinking that too sometimes... but we are strong & we can do it! 🙌

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Good work! And of course you can do it. 👍😁 Starting slow is always the best way with a long run; then you might find a little speed at the end! I always end up getting steadily faster with each km on my long runs.

Keep up the good work! It was glorious out this morning, wasn’t it?!

Sadie-runs xxx

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you so much! I think you're right - I'm starting off more slowly than normal but this is obviously paying off in the later stages. It was fantastic out there today - such a gorgeous morning. Sunday is my favourite day for running and this was one of the best. Happy running xxx 😀😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done JoP61, and what a gorgeous morning to be out early. 7k is a milestone and you will certainly reach that 10k.

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you! Yes it was fantastic this morning. I'm touched that you have faith in me - it will spur me on to get to the 10K. This week is my 52nd week of running. I would never in a million years have expected to be running 7K when I started a year ago, puffing and panting my way through those 1 minute runs with C25K! Happy running! 😀👍

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done!! Sounds a lovely Sunday morning. And great that u got an extra burst of energy.. happy running

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thank you! It felt great. Don't know where the extra burst came from - was a very nice surprise! Happy running. 😀👍🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

That run sounded idyllic JoP61. Running as the sun rose, wow. 😍😍

And of course well done on 7k too. A lovely distance. You’ll be at 10k before you know it. 😀👍💪

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Oooh do you think I can do it? Well I'm going to give it a good go. Until recently I've been in the doldrums with my running, and since starting ju-ju's plan I've been re-energised. It's the structure I like. And the support of other runners like you - many thanks! 😀👍🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

I definitely know you can do it - and the fact you’re doing ju-ju’s plan is your path to doing so!

I’m currently doing the Magic 10 for the 2nd time back to back, having run 10k ‘flying solo’ prior to that. It’s so much more fun running with a bunch of VRBs so we can all compare notes on here! 😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃😀

Keep going, you’ll be there soon and you’ll have the coveted Graduate10 badge next to your name before you know it! 😀

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Wow! Well you're a really experienced runner. These distances are new for me - never ran 6K before last week or 7K before this week. But so far, so good! It is fun comparing notes with other runners. Really spurs me on! Thanks and happy running 😀👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Thanks so much for saying that, but really I’m not! I started C25K last June and graduated in August, then worked up to 10k myself by November. I ran it again with the Magic 10 on Boxing Day and I’m on W2 for a second time! It just shows you how great these programmes are, along with the fabulous support from everyone on these forums! ❤️

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Well it's taken me a year to get to the stage of trying the 10K challenge, so well done to you for progressing so fast. 👏👏👏😀👍

[Bridget007]

Well done 7k! With a second wind too how lovely 😊 You can definitely do it!

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Bridget007]

Thank you! The second wind was an unexpected bonus. Hope your running is going well. 😀👍

[lexi6 Graduate10]

Awesome JoP, I did my 7k last Thursday but had nothing left, so brilliant you 👍 👏🏻

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to lexi6]

Thank you! It's not like me to finish strongly - probably helped that I went off a bit more slowly than usual. Great to hear that you're doing the 10K challenge as well - best of luck with the runs to come, and I will look out for your posts about your progress! Happy running! 👍💪😀

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to JoP61]

Thanks Jo. I did my short run today, but will try for the 8k on Thursday, need big breaths for that one. Good luck with your week 4 too 👊🏻🙂

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to lexi6]

Thanks! 😀👍

[Razouski]

What a lovely run report. It sounds like you really enjoyed that. These longer runs give you time to find your happy pace and just enjoy running.

Enjoy Week 4. 🏃🏾‍♀️

[JoP61 Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

Thanks so much! I did really enjoy it (having set out feeling a bit uncertain). I certainly found a good rhythm in the second half, which felt great. Hoping this is not a fluke! Happy running. 😀👍