A month ago I ran my first 10k, and on Saturday completed my first 10k race: 6 months on from completing C25k. I promised I’d write a post about my journey across the Bridge and how I used ju-ju’s Magic plan, so here it is!
In October I bit the bullet and started C25k, completing it in 10 weeks as I found week 9 tough so did it twice. I am very overweight but enjoyed the structure and progress of the programme, and although I didn’t lose any weight I felt fitter and proud of myself. I knew I needed something to spur me on and maintain the structure, so at New Year, as I graduated C25k, I signed myself up for a virtual ‘run the year’ challenge, committing to running 200miles across the year, raising money for charities along the way. I consolidated 5k and started varying my route, finding new places to run (including trails!) until I felt ready to start increasing my distance.
I came across here to the Bridge and lurked for a while, learning from you lovely people and about ju-ju’s plan, and started it in earnest in March. I didn’t start with a group but just followed it at my pace, initially starting with the timings but shifting to distance after a few weeks as I am very slow. I had entered a 5 mile race in April and a 10k in June, so these were my targets. I enjoyed the structure of the programme (there’s a theme developing!) and the varied distances across the week. I personally found work commitments hard to manage at this time and didn’t always get three runs per week in, and so sometimes skipped the short run, but I enjoyed mixing up the pace when I did do them. I found I progressed through the first half of the programme well, but hit a plateau and stayed steady at a long run if 7-8km for a few weeks. I hit 5miles (8k) two weeks before my April race and found it tough but ok and chuffed to have my first medal! Eventually, I progressed through the second half of the programme to complete it all in 3 months exactly. I have to confess to needing to take some walk breaks over around 7k, and this still continues at present. I ran 10k in training twice before this weekend’s race: the first time in 1hr 40, then 1hr 36 two weeks ago and on Saturday in 1hr 31. I am still aching!
As you see, I am still very overweight and slow: I still need walk breaks and I am currently struggling to pace myself properly to go slow enough not to need to walk, but I know I will get there in time. I have been really reluctant to post this race image of me from Saturday, but I do so to encourage others like me. My photos are usually head & shoulders only!! I am now focusing on eating better to tackle my weight, keeping running 2-3 times per week, clocking up the miles for charity and consolidating at 8-10k. I have a couple more 10k races booked in as I like to have targets to keep me focused, and at nearly 6 months I am proud to have run over 150miles and raised over £500 for Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of my brother. Fundraising switches to Alzheimer’s Society from July onwards: I’ll need a new t-shirt!
Sorry for the long post, but I hope it can be helpful to others: the plan is flexible but still works amazingly, and although I am still not running every step of 10k, I’m covering the distance and I’m fine with that - for now! This forum, just as the C25k one was, is a fantastic source of support and advice: I’m sorry I’ve been quiet in recent weeks. I’ll try to be more active in my posts and support to others!
Happy running, folks x
Written by
molly1973
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Fab post. I graduated c25k at Easter and have started Ju Ju's planto get to 10k yesterday but right now can't imagine ever running that far. Thanks for the inspiration 😊
Thank you. I think the key for me was to be able to be flexible and make it work for me. I knew I wouldn’t get there in 8 weeks but that’s ok. Good luck!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this... (you’ve raised a little tear of respect from me here!!). You’re amazing - and a complete inspiration too x x I hope you are VERY proud of your achievements! X
Thank you: I am starting to allow myself a little bit of pride! The reason for posting was to show how flexible the plan can be and even if you’re slow and hefty you can get there! 😊
Don’t be afraid!! And let yourself take a walk break if you need to: your only competition is with yourself and even then overall it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. Enjoying it is all that matters 😊
You’re amazing and you look amazing too!! We are all different and that’s what’s so great about running. You sure can run. I respect you have a personal goal, but be oh so proud of that photo!! You have so much to be proud of. An amazing inspiration! 🤩🤩🤩🙌🏽🙌🏽❤️
Aww thank you: what a lovely thing to say. Put a little tear in my eye. I am trying to be proud of myself, which is partly the purpose of the post, but hopefully also to show that we can all give it our best shot and as long as it’s enjoyable, that’s all that matters. Self esteem is gradually improving, and this forum is certainly my safe place and a huge support. Thank you again Fab xx
Oh it’s so true molly!! I don’t see what you see. I see a woman smiling and moving!! That’s just so wonderful. It will take you to wherever you want to go, but know that you don’t need to change a thing!! Keep smiling and moving!! 😉❤️
Well done molly1973, you have done brilliantly and well done for raising so much for charity. You just run how it works for you, it’s far better than sitting on the couch.
That's a great post. Seem to be doing great as far as I can tell AND you look like you are enjoying it. This forum is indeed very supportive . You have inspired me to see if I can get a photo of me looking like I am doing something which I now love doing. Thanks for that and keep on running.
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My next journey
Bridge to 10K for the over-70's
Week 2 Bridge to 10k done ✔️
My First Post on Bridge to 10k
Crossed the bridge 😬👍
