As most of you know, I am now a 10k runner...see my shiny badge?? I have polished it every day since Friday, I am so proud of it, my heart skips a beat when I see it!! Thank you so much to everyone who liked, commented and just enjoyed celebrating with me, after such a long wait my smile is still big, cheesy, smug...all those things that these kind achievements do to your face!! Haha. So, after my longest run I thought I'd have an extra rest day so that meant running this morning, so, because I haven't run on the canal for a bit, that's where I headed off to this morning...i got out of the car and started my warm up walk on what felt like a pair of different legs! They were strong and a little bit cocky...after 5 mins I set off, nice and slow...and decided that I would do Laura's speed podcast, just a little fun run, just because I can...so that's what I did and it felt great, really strong legs, what is going on??!! Finished the podcast and decided to turn around and run back to the car, all in all a 4.2k run in 31 mins...if I'd have realised I could prob have beat my 5k pb...what was I thinking?? Anyway, that's by the by...what I wanted to ask is...has anyone else felt like this, is it all in my head? I feel like I've broken a barrier and feel so much more capable?? I am so looking forward to messing about with my distance now and am signing up for some virtual longer runs...I said I was going to run a virtual run per month this year...I have run one for dementia through Jan/Feb that I've raised a bit of money for...so I've been able to enter one, and finish a 10k in March because of my run on Friday...so I shall be signing up for one in April...and will be flashing my bling on here!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I can feel your support with every step xxx
MC x
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I found that the long slow(er) runs were strength builders, and, of equal importance, they were confidence builders. I was so full of it that I did a second but faster 10k three runs later, sticking to the week 8 pattern. So the change is permanent! Only one word of caution, I have had a couple of calf strains lately....could have been caused by anything. They were bad enough to take me to the physio, and I now have a set of daily exercises which, over a few weeks, have left my legs feeling really strong again. So I think that half an hour of the right exercises on "rest" days is something I need. Enough ......enjoy yourself up there on the crest of your wave mummycav, you really deserve it....keep flying 😊😊😊😊🥇🥇🥇🥇
Aw, thanks Beachcomber66 , wise words about potential injuries...I do worry about not stretching or strengthening enough, but so far so good, maybe have to have a look into some extras for longer distances. I'm def going to throw some speed and stamina podcasts into my runs too as they never fail to make me feel confident...thank you for your encouragement x
I LOVE this post. 😍And that badge looks fantastic on you!
To answer your question, yes! Once I had reached the 10k mark, I went from strength to strength. I have theories (of course). Running for longer builds mental stamina and resilience, as well as stamina on the ole legs. But for me, it was the mental stamina that counted most, and the confidence that reaching 10k gave me. I truly started to see myself as a runner. I kept up the distance, building in a 10k run at least once a fortnight, and over time, got quicker at that. I also ran happy 5ks, and later, introduced intervals (yay!) But mostly I just ran for the joy of it. And still do, really.
Do you want the good news? Keep up this running lark and you will continue to see great improvements and find new joys! I graduated the 10k programme last summer, and this winter I achieved my first sub-30 min 5k! Made a few tiny changes (more strengthening exercises, drinking less wine, eating a wee bit more protein) and saw more improvements. I have been really happy running 10k once a week for the last 6 months or so, but now am feeling ready (as soon as I shake off this stupid cold!) to run further...so that's my next personal challenge. 😁
Basically, what I am trying to say here, darling MC, is that the world is your running oyster now! Mix things up, but don't push too hard…challenge yourself with new distances, or speed…but never too much too soon. Just enjoy. Always listen to your body, always do calf raises when brushing your teeth. 👍Virtual races are a great idea! And, well done on your fab interval session this morning! I swear doing intervals with Laura for at least one of my three sessions a week has contributed hugely to my sudden burst of speed!
Thanks Sadie-runs , I'm proud to wear my badge and I hope that I go from strength to strength just like you. You have been cheering me on for yonks, always there when I post whether that's on here or strava, I've looked up to You on that podium and now I'm up there myself, I can't quite believe it but I really enjoyed my run today it was a bit like a victory run!! And those calf raises have made such a difference xx
Thanks Dexy5 ...I feel so enthusiastic again, just like when I graduated c25k!! It's the affirmation of being a runner I think. I'm surprised those ducks don't stick their feet out and high five me they see me that much!! X
Hey my friend, that's fabulous you achieved the 10k,no doubt whatsoever that you couldn't.
Those legs are getting stronger and stronger, you've done so incredibly well and I'm routing for you on every run you do. Yeh, goooooo Bevvvvvv 🏃🏃😘😘❤️😁xxx
Aw quirkybee , it's always lovely to hear from you on here! I can't quite belie e I've done it, it's taken me ages , probably the longest in history!!! Yay, I'm still smiling xxx
I remember my first 10k clearly. I was elated and half dead all at the same time. Now I do a 10k every Monday and enjoy every one of them. You'll be the same I'm sure
The shorter runs that I do for the rest of the week feel very short!
I know, your running has gone from strength to strength, your pace, distance & everything! It's good to watch...and to top it off, you enjoy it! It's great that we can get so much pleasure and satisfaction from something we love doing!
What an inspiring post,MC! Just what I need as I approach my first 10k run this weekend. I hope it has the same effect on me as it has clearly had on you!
What I’m definitely noticing is that the two shorter 4K and 5K runs each week are getting easier and (slightly) quicker.
Keep up the good work - your enthusiasm is infectious! 😁
Ooo Cazza26 , how exciting?? I am sure you will nail it...and be prepared for your face to ache when you've done because you will be smiling for days!!! Must admit, this mornings run did fly by, i thought it must be all in my head but we'll see next time out?
I'll give you a hand up onto the podium after I've given your badge an extra polish....go girl xx
Yes, I found making that distance and all the build up really gave me confidence and I did feel strong and invincible afterwards. A 10k run is a long one ( as you know😆) and I remember feeling very positive about my running once I had run my first one. (Mine took me an hour and 27 mins)
Enjoy playing around with your distance now, and those Pb's will happen... also relax and enjoy some runs... just because....
Its up to you Mummycav, I used to carry a drink but it became uncomfortable so I stopped. I do get thirsty though, especially in warmer weather. Some people doing a there and back run *hide* their drink to pick up on the way back, but I'm not sure that's a good idea.
Maybe a polo mint would be nice, some chew gum but I wouldn't want to choke.
I think its best to be well hydrated before you go (not something I'm good at either)
See how you get on with carrying a drink, there are hydration vests if you want to go down that route too.
Happy long distance (and shorter distance) running!😊xxx
Haha...when my face disappears into a cloud of midges I can see bits of polo or a clump of chewing gum suddenly flying out of my mouth as I try and release them out of my nose and throat!! I’ve done the ‘there and back’ thing with my clothes, not all of them, just a jacket (!) but not sure I’d drink from something I’d left for a bit...I’ll just take a drink in the car...I’ve managed so far without and when I run near home or hairdressers (!) there’s usually somewhere I can call in with my emergency fiver, thank Jan xx
Yes if you know you can run 10k then 5k (or 4.2k) is going to feel a lot easier than if the most you have done is 5.1k. Both psychologically and physically I would say. I’ve only done 10k or more about four times (and the first was in October so I don’t do it regularly) but it means when I set out to run 5k I know it’s well below my longest distance and I’m certain I’ll finish it, whereas when I first finished C25k keeping going to 5k was a big challenge. 4k is what I do now if I’m tired and don’t feel like running, yet in week 8 if C25k it felt like a huge achievement.
Thanks ArthurJG , I know what you mean about the 5k at the end of C25k, I found it quite disheartening when I struggled with 5k...or 30 mins...but since graduation, which was Oct 2017 or there abouts, I have just got used to running, doing something that I never thought I’d be able to do...and just enjoying it. I’ve had my ups and downs but never given up or fallen out with running. My mojo went astray at Christmas for a bit but other than that I’ve just gradually built up...I’ve run in all weathers, done park runs, tourist running and I’ve enjoyed it all. If 4K is manageable to you and you feel good when you’ve finished than it’s better to end on a high like that than to set yourself say a 6k run and not quite manage it. Running is fantastic no matter what distance x
Yep, in the winter I had a 4K route and a 6k route that stayed in lit areas and I did the 6 if I felt good and had time but the 4 if I wasn’t feeling it or was in a hurry. Occasionally some speed intervals or easy hill repeats just to get me used to them because I knew I’d want to do them in the summer. Now the clicks have changed so I’m back in a structured programme working towards the EMF5K in May. But in winter my only target was not to forget how to run
Sorry, bit late to the party (as usual!)! Fantastic MC, loving the shiny badge 😁
Yes!!!! I was there last week, I had the best running week of my running life last week! I broke that barrier and then some. I think it’s was the nicer weather, it’s brought out the best in us solar powered runners 😁
I am paying for it this week though, but it was worth every mile!! It’s no good, I’m going to do a separate post for it because I haven’t yet...
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So here we are again ☺️ A Tuesday Morning 10k… 👋🏼🏃🏻♀️🐌🔟
Am I in the right place?
5K and I Jeffed it again 😊
Am I finally a runner🤔
Just did 10k! Am I nuts? 
