Made a decision and can’t wait to give it a ... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

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Made a decision and can’t wait to give it a go .... 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10
53 Replies

I don’t usually run on Wednesdays as I go and visit my elderly mum, but because yesterday was hoolacious and wet I put it off until today.

I was due for a longer run of 7k or more, but with the limited time today I couldn’t do more than 4k, so I popped up to the common with my fabulous trail shoes on. Dog was pleased with this option - lots of fun smells - and she could run free. 🐕

Duly started running and the gremlins thought I was nuts. Blowing a hooley, first run since coming back from hols ..... “stop you fool” they were saying. I slayed the lot of the them and soldiered on, duly completing my 4k uphill, downhill, headwind (cheers Gareth), tailwind (I like Gareth) - the lot. It was fabulous fun (of course!) ❤️

The beauty of the common is that you can mix up the trails as you wish. Incorporate plenty of hills, which all have lovely downhills attached, stay on the flat, gnarly ground, flat ground - the possibilities are endless.

So here’s my plan. Next week I’m going to do my 10k up there. Mix it right up. I’ll go early so avoid as many dog walkers as possible (although it’s easy enough to divert onto an alternative path if needs be.) It means my dog can accompany me off the lead, and I do enjoy her coming along. 😀🐕❤️

I don’t really know why you guys needed to know all this. I guess it’s because I like writing down my ideas, plus I don’t want to let you down, so I’ll feel accountable. 😀

Happy running with Gareth if he’s with you guys! 🏃‍♀️❤️🏃‍♂️

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cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks
Graduate10
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53 Replies
grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

Welcome back to balmy Britain, cheeky! 🌬️🌪️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Hahaha, you’re funny GOG! But thank you! 😀

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Good post from you cheeky, that is a very good plan and route for your 10K next week, by the way, next week after a few more rainy days this week, the weather is to settle down to be nice and sunny. 😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Good, I hope so! It’ll be beautiful running up there in the sun. ☀️❤️🏃‍♀️

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10

You’re so good going out in this weather! I’m arguing with myself at the moment as to whether it’s ok enough to run outside or go on the treadmill at the gym...decisions...decisions...

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Run quick to beat the rain!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toKatnap

Yes, go on TC! 😅

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

I’ve decided, categorically, that I’d rather run in any weather than run on the treadmill. It’s the heat ... and the boredom! I only use it if the weather is truly torrential or icy. Today’s was strangely pleasant! Go on TC, give it a whirl! 😀😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

In a strangely, totally masochistic fit of nutterdom, I ran for 83 minutes on the treadmill 😱. I will post about it probably so I can share the trauma 🤭. Next time, I’m going out in the wind and rain 😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Eighty three minutes???? 😱😱😱😱

TC, here, take these. All of them. 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅

You are made of strong stuff! 💪

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thanks cheeky 🤗😍

Beanjo profile image
Beanjo

Good on you cheeky. I had very good intentions for 3 runs this week but afraid I’ve given in to Gareth 🙄 💨

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBeanjo

I was faffing a bit Beanjo, I must admit - but the moment I got out there I was pleased I did! But we didn’t have rain and you might ......

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggy

Good fun and a great plan.... Cheeky the gremlin slayer 🙅‍♀️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply touncle_wiggy

I told them what for Wigs. They didn’t stand a chance! 😈 🏃‍♀️😈 😅

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate10

You are good Cheeky! Im just waiting for Gareth to bugger off. He's getting his coat on and is halfway out the door. Go Gareth, you've outstayed your welcome!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTartancat

He’s leaving us now I think TC - in fact it’s quite a nice afternoon really. Hope he bogs off soon and leaves you in peace! 🤞🏃‍♀️

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thanks Cheeky, he's finally got the message. Just a stiff breeze now - funny how it gets stiffer the moment you start to run! Still, job done - you inspired me!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTartancat

Excellent, and well done! Hope it was a good run TC. 😀😀👊

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Just a 3k as I can't leave new pup alone for too long. Can't wait till we can run together like you and your girl!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTartancat

New pup! ❤️❤️❤️ What breed? 😍😍

It’s such fun with a running buddy and especially fun when they can run off the lead. 😀🏃‍♀️🐕❤️

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

He's a boxer. Our last one had bags of energy so this one should love running. But it's going to take a while - I might start him on C25K when the time comes! 🐕

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTartancat

Oh my word, you need to post a pic! 😍😍❤️❤️ Boxers are adorable and although I’ve never owned one I know a family who had a puppy who was bags of fun! ❤️❤️

Good idea with C25K. Little stints of running will help him get the idea of what’s going on. 😀🏃‍♀️🐕

alisonx profile image
alisonxGraduate10

Well done cheeky! Great that you have a multi option common to run on - keep it all in the mix :-) Good luck and hope the weather stays dry! Love that you are slaying gremlins to!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toalisonx

It’s a revelation Alison. I’ve lived here for 12 years and I’ve always walked my dogs up there, but I only began running on it a short time ago. It used to look daunting with all its hills and differing terrain. But now I have trail shoes and have tackled bigger hills, it feels fantastic running there! 👍🏃‍♀️

And yes, those gremlins left with a whimper having tried to get their grimy little claws into me. Not today guys, sorry! 😈😈🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍👍

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007

Welcome back! 💨 ☔️ of course we need to know 😃 sounds like a brilliant plan! And your dog will be most happy 🐕 I ran with Gareth this morning and he was not kind with a tail wind so I went into the little forest area and ran 4 of the 5k in there going round and round in a 1/2k circle ... where there’s a will there’s a way 👍🏻🤣🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBridget007

That’s the way, Bridget. 👊😀 Us runners do what we’ve gotta do! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Yes, not quite so pleasant here as in sunny Tenerife. I’m trying not to remember how hot I was just a couple of days ago .... oh well! ☀️☀️☀️☀️/💨 💨 💦 💦

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10

Great that you can still be enthusiastic in this weather ☔☔🌊🌬.

I'm still lurgified, so I am going to wait till Friday to do a short tester I think.

Welcome home 🤗

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJell6

So sorry you’re still not well Jell. ☹️ But you have picked a good week to miss running-wise, looking on the bright side! 👍

I enjoyed today’s run - hope you enjoy yours on Friday. 🤞🏃‍♀️😀

Wimborne profile image
Wimborne

How’s the washing going? 😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toWimborne

Know what Wimborne, my final load is going through right now! I’m on top of it! 👍😀👊👏

Thanks for your concern! 😅

Wimborne profile image
Wimborne in reply tocheekychipmunks

Ok I admit I am impressed 😀. Final load too. That’s some impressive determination. But I knew that already of you. Have a fabulous 10k Cheeky.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toWimborne

Thanks Wimborne! I can’t wait for the 10k - either Monday or Tuesday. 👍😀

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Welcome back Cheeky! We will be cheering you on next week 😀

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Thanks Jonathan, I’m looking forward to a fun 10k. My first and third were 3 circuits of my regular route - nice, but gets a bit samey after 5k. My second 10k was an out and back along a pretty tow path, but not that inspiring knowing I had to retrace my footsteps! I’m not fast, so I need to keep it interesting as I’m out there for quite a while! 😅

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

May the fourth be with you! 😀

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

I like what you did there! 😅👍

Jundal profile image
Jundal

Well done, cheekster! Gareth has been a very bad guest so far, I didn't honour today because of him, but I'm going out tomorrow! I'm pioneering a new route, but the problem is, I don't know how long it is so I might have to have some walk breaks... something tells me it's further than 6k...

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJundal

Thanks Jundal! 😀 I agree, good riddance to Gareth. 💨💨💨 I think we lucked out a bit in the SW though - but still he was plenty windy enough for me. 🙄

How exciting, not knowing how far you’ll be running on your new route. I hope you’ll report back! Enjoy it. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️😀

EmmaRunning profile image
EmmaRunningGraduate10

Good plan! The accountability thing works for me too - so Im giving myself the weekend off and starting again next week :-)

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toEmmaRunning

We’ll hold you to it Emma! 👍😀🏃‍♀️

Not a bad plan giving this weekend a miss though ..... 💦💦💨💨💦💦💨💨 I’ll be doing parkrun on Saturday and hoping more than anything that there’s no headwind up the hill. Otherwise I’ll be rooted to the spot! 🏃‍♀️🐌💨🏃‍♀️🐌💨😅

EmmaRunning profile image
EmmaRunningGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Good luck at Parkrun I hope Storm Gareth gets behind you rather than in front! :-)

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toEmmaRunning

If he’s in my face I’ll simply be leaning forward and moving nowhere on the hills! 🤣💨🐌🏃‍♀️

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

Glad to have you back on the island CC, raring to go with a cunning plan for your next 10k. The terrain sound lovely. I would love to take our dog with me, but I know that there are too many distractions (people wanting to give her a stroke!) .... she is a total floozey and would go off with anyone for a cuddle and a dog biscuit! ...if it were chocolate brownie I would understand! It is really blowy up here this morning...could be the back end of Gareth(!!!) but I am determined to fit in my 5.5k today so that I can tell the physio that I have done my homework. Calves feel ok, touch wood, I just hope yesterday's fin session in the swimming baths hasn't undone the good work. Only one way to find out!Do what you did and get out there 😊😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

Hi BC, thanks - it’s great to be back (said no-one ever! 😅😅💦💦💨💨)

Yes, get on out there! It’s strangely exhilarating, although I have to say it’s windier here today than yesterday - and apparently this isn’t even Gareth. I think we’re due for some nice benign spring weather now. Please ...... !

Enjoy your run! 👍😀👊💨💦

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10

Of course we want to know. It's a learning curve for all of us so we want to know how others keep at it and succeed. Helps us plan our success, but also goads us on. If you can do it then I can do it. If I can do it then you can do it. I wouldn't have made this journey without you lot. I can't tell you how bored my non-running friends are with my new running obsession, although I think they find the Lycra amusing 😀

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBaddieThePirate

Ahhh thanks Baddie - it’s just that I always seem to be posting and others don’t! I’m glad I’m not boring the pants off all of you! 😅😅

You’re right though, VRBs have motivated me to try more on many occasion, and my non-running friends simply glaze over when I start on about what I’ve achieved/hope to achieve! 💤💤💤💤😅😅😅😅

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

So I had NO intention of running today in this howling gale, but following your post, and Flick mentioning she had FUN running in the windy weather off I went. I only had to do a 2km warm up and then 4 or 5 intervals up my chosen steep bit of hill. All over in 40 mins and showered and back on track. The weather wasn't even that bad once I got out there, I didn't get wet, I didn't get cold, I just got pink and fitter! Thank you for your post 😁

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBaddieThePirate

Fantastic Baddie! I’m so glad my post was helpful (I often wonder if I waffle on too frequently or for too long!)

I think we just need to get out and give it a go as long as it’s safe to do so. Basically any weather except totally torrential rain or ice - whatever it takes to avoid the treadmill! 😅

Well done on your run. 👏👏👏

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thank you!

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10

Sounds like a great plan Cheeky. Much better to go for a memorable 10k than grinding out your usual route. Look forward to hearing all about it 🏃‍♀️😃 Inspired by you, I battled the wind today (although nice sunshine) to do 8k, acutely aware it’s only just over 3 weeks to my 10k race. Felt as though I wasn’t actually moving forward at one point 😫 Roll on Spring 🌱🌷

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toSandie1961

Oh well done Sandie! 👏👏👏 I’m happy I inspired you and others to give it a go! I was pleasantly surprised what fun it was and now I can’t wait for my 10k next week. Maybe a tad less wind would be nice! 😀

Parkrun looks very windy here tomorrow. Me, a headwind and our hill will bring out my herd of snails I fear! 🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

The weather’s looking both wet and windy for parkrun here, so looks like I’ll have to break out the waterproof jacket!

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