Did my first 10k (or doesn’t it count?)

[HinchleyMum]

Decided after a fabulously slow paced easy 5k on Tuesday that I’d see how far I could go this morning, knowing I couldn’t do Parkrun so wouldn’t exceed my 10% on-top of last weeks 16.5km total.

I set off at an easy 5:50/6:00 min pace along the Thames towpath, deciding to run 5k before turning round. If I felt capable of running a while 10K then I would, but if not would get as far as I could and walk the rest of the way home.

All started well, I was listening to the radio in my super new bone conducting headphones, in my stride and in the zone and just at the 5k mark when I answered a call. It was a bit of an emergency that couldn’t be dealt with on the hoof so I stopped, took the call and sorted out the situation ( all good now ), which took a good 10/11 minutes. I wasn’t walking at all, just stood. After sorting things out, I turned around and ran the 5km back home. So 10K in total running, just over 1hr 8mins total time but that included the stop.

So 10K in total or 2x5ks back to back? I wasn’t planning on stopping, and wasn’t at all tired as I was at an easy pace, so think I could’ve run the whole 10K in one go.

Somewhat annoyed, but these things happen and are out of our control sometimes. I’ll try again next week...

[molly1973]

Ooh I think that’s definitely a 10k! Glad you were able to get going again after a 10 minute stop: not sure my legs would have started again!

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to molly1973]

Thanks Molly! That’s made me feel better! I too am a SW member and took up C25k after reaching target. It’s slightly addictive isn’t it!

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to HinchleyMum]

Running that is....

[molly1973 in reply to HinchleyMum]

Yes! My food intake has gone completely haywire since running though.

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to molly1973]

And mine 😩😂

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Well done on your 10k! I'm sure you will be able to do it all over again next week! 🎉😀

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

Thank you and let’s hope so🤞🏼

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to HinchleyMum]

Congratulations, you could now, but if you feel that once you have ran 10K without stopping, tell the administrators that you have ran non stop 10K to get the badge and the word GRADUATE10 next to your username on the April graduate10 pinned posts.. 😊

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al I think I’ll wait til I’ve done it nonstop to be safe 🏃🏼‍♀️

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I think you must be a natural born runner HinchleyMum. You only graduated C25K a month ago! You’ll be aiming for half marathon next month. Maybe a bit of consolidation might be an idea after you’ve done your non stop 10k. But very well done. 🏃‍♀️👏🏻

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Haha I don’t think so! There’s a huge jump from 10K to HM in time not just distance. I think I’ll just try and redo the 10K and consolidate as you suggest. I’m too old to run for too long without “facilities” so don’t think I’ll ever go further than a well planned 10K 😂

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to HinchleyMum]

I know what you mean. I don’t know why, I always need to go to the loo when I’ve got my running gear on. Is it the motion of running when in snug Lycra? A wild pee has become part of my vocabulary 😂

[steviej99 Graduate10]

68 minutes Inc a 10 minute stop? Wow, what fuel are you on? That's amazing, you'll beat plenty of 10kers at that pace. 😊😊

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to steviej99]

Just a small espresso 😂

It all just felt easy yesterday for the first time - that’s why I’m so frustrated I had to stop mid-flow. Hopefully it’ll feel good again on another run 🤞🏼

[Deals1 Graduate10]

I'd say that's 10k in the bag 😊😊

Well done you

Speedy too. Excellent

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks Deals 😊🏃🏼‍♀️

[theoldfellow]

I think the decision to award the 10Km is up to you. If you think you did it, claim it. If you think the 10 minutes on the phone was a rest, then don't. But you won't find any of us arguing with you. My 7Km+ runs always have a few walks in them, usually the uphills, and then there are the stiles...

Very well done, whatever.

👏❤👏❤👏❤👏❤👏❤👏❤

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to theoldfellow]

Thanks Oldfellow. I don’t feel it was a rest as it was a stressful call and my heart rate stayed high, but I don’t think I’ll count it sufficiently to “graduate” this time - but pleased to have done it nonetheless 😊

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Wow, I long for the day when I can call 6:00 an easy pace. Your 10k time with the stop was about the same as mine. Very well done!

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandy and congratulations on your 10K race!!

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

The only thing you did wrong was answer the phone …….

Under my rules, if you wish to apply them , you would certainly be entitled to claim 68 mins as your PB for 10k for future reference - "wild pees" as my OH Dexy5 calls them, stops for calf rubs or photography, and walking chunks of the route are all allowable in my record book, as long as you don't stop the clock running, so emergency phone stops are certainly OK.

But no, in the situation of you being on the Bridge building towards a first 10k, I wouldn't claim this one as your graduation run. Mainly because you yourself obviously doubt whether that would be fair, and what you think is what matters most, but also - why graduate with a 68 min time against your name, when you'll clearly do it with a time inside that magic 1 hour target within a week or two?

[HinchleyMum Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

Haha I like your thinking UTS!