OMG I did it!-report from Birmingham 10k

[CandyCool]

Sorry for the long post

I cannot believe I am posting this but I’m a 10k graduate! Today I ran the Birmingham Simply Health 10k.

I started my running journey in my 60th year. I did C25K at my local park and then did a Hospice Santa dash and last April a 5 k Resolution run. Then I sort of stopped, lost motivation and enthusiasm really.

But in a moment of absolute madness I applied for the London Marathon (yes I know!!) imagine my terror when I got a place! Luckily you can defer it for a year, so in 2020 on my 63rd Birthday I’m running 26 miles 😬

So today’s race. I was nervous (thank you for all the supportive messages) but #teamUoB were very friendly. Although the majority were at least half my age if not a lot younger. I set off far too fast (despite trying hard not too) I got to 2k with the 50 minute pacer. Luckily I then slowed into my own rhythm. The underpasses were very steep up and down, it was slightly disconcerting to see the elites at 8k when I was at 3k, I forgot my drink and was very dry by the time the water station arrived at 6k. Luckily I met a lovely girl at 6k who is a swimming coach at UoB and not really a runner (about 3 weeks training!) and we challenged each other to the next set of traffic lights, the next flag...

I set myself 90 mins, with the hope of 80 as I did about 8.33/k in my training. I got 1.14.14 at 7.34/k oh the power of running mates and the crowd.

Key points...try not to set off too fast...remember a drink...and believe in yourself. If I can do it anyone can.

Much love from a 10k Graduate

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations, you are now OFFICIALLY a graduate10 runner, go out now and celebrate with with your favourite bubbly. 😊 🏃 🎓

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done u 😀😀😀

[molly1973]

Congratulations! What a great way to get your 10k graduate badge! I hope you are treating yourself this evening x

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Well done CC, fantastic achievement! 🏃‍♀️👍🎉🏅👏👊

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Congratulations! What a wonderful way to run your first 10k!🙂👏🏅 Super time too - amazing what all that adrenaline and great course support can do to your pace! Brilliant!😀

[damienair Administrator]

Fantastic. Many congratulations to you for your great achievement. Brilliant, I’m delighted for you. Isn’t it amazing how a crowd can pull you along.

Damien

[Rubinstar Graduate10]

This is a great post CandyCool, well done 👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

That’s a lovely inspiring read, onwards and upwards to London 🍾

[CandyCool Graduate10 in reply to Rubinstar]

Thank you x

[Lavender1962 Graduate10]

Congratulations! It sounds like it was an amazing race for you.

[Decker]

Congratulations, so happy for you! Best of luck for your London training next too!

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Whoop whoop 🎉🎈🍾💪 well done and congratulations on all achievements! That's brilliant.

[Crawlhome Graduate10]

Amazing race CandyCool and well done on a great time.

[Rebounder]

Well done CC - as someone who celebrated my 60th birthday last month this is a truly inspirational read. You’ve inspired me to keep on keeping on - sore knees or not x

[CandyCool Graduate10 in reply to Rebounder]

Apparently running is good for knees as it increases the blood flow to the joint...or so I’m told!! It’s my hips I’m a little nervous about. 😬

[Rebounder in reply to CandyCool]

That’s very interesting. Think it’s a lot about how much you strengthen the surrounding muscles. Good luck with your hips. X

[Couchpotato2]

Well done that is amazing and thanks for all the tips which are definitely useful!!