10k event completed

[Lizzisforliving]

I made it to my first ever 10k this morning, and I’m delighted! Thank you all on here for your advice and encouragement.

I knew the location for the run really well, and a short section of the route is on my planned parkrun circuit, but somehow I had completely ignored what I knew about the terrain. It is really steep in places, very rocky, with loose stones and tree roots, as well as exposed, stepped limestone bedrock. The first 1k was a bit of a trudge through the beautiful mediaeval town until the runners started to spread out, then into the park and down a steep flight of steps to the valley floor. As we headed up the hill out of the valley, I had to stop and walk because the path in front of me was full of other participants and looked like those shots of people queuing to climb Everest. Once we reached the top the views were magnificent and it was a gorgeous, sunny day. I enjoyed running once it was less crowded, and I never felt like I wouldn’t make it. It got very steep in places and no one ahead of me was running those so I walked up then too.

I genuinely enjoyed myself, and learnt a lot about tactics for a future run. I decided that with the terrain, I was aiming for sub 1h30, so I was happy to get an official time of 1.25.14, although I forgot to stop my watch and when I did it only made it 9.66k. So, I don’t think I’ve actually done 10k yet, but I can and I will.

No bling, but it was for breast cancer. One part of the route went past the place where I went for a tentative 500m walk three days after my surgery for breast cancer in 2016. I could hardly move my arm that day, and today I ran 10k! Yay!

[Irish-John Graduate10]

Go Lizzie!!

That is a real milestone Congratulations

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations, great run for you today, go celebrate 🎉

[grumpyoldgirl]

Go Lizz! That's got to feel good hasn't it? Well, maybe it will when you've got your breath back. I'm 12 years post surgery, and I wish I'd found running then.

But I can tell you it wouldn't have occurred to me to run 10k three years after surgery, I salute you, such an achievement 😊

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thank you, it does feel great.

Cancer’s a bugger, isn’t it, but so happy to hear you’re 12 years and counting. Lots of publicity yesterday saying 72% of breast cancer patients are alive 5 years on, and I want to scream ‘that’s not enough’! I want much more than 5 years, so stories like yours give me great hope. Well done for finding running when you did. I feel good just knowing I can get out there and do it. Xxx

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to Lizzisforliving]

It's a right sod. I was signed off at 5 years, the consultant told me that my chances of getting cancer again were now the same as anyone else getting it for the first time. So the 5 years isn't so much a target, as a gateway through to the rest of your life. Keep going, lovely, and enjoy this moment 💐

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

My doctor told me the same - I’m not sure whether I doubted her or simply forgot! Thanks for reminding me. Xxxxx

[backintime Graduate10]

That must have been a good moment - to add a good memory to that place.

That sounds like a hard route you did, I don't blame you for walking somee of it !

Well done !

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

I only realised exactly where I was as I ran, and it did give me a huge boost. I was unfit and did no sport back then, so my life really has changed. Xxxx

[Knittingrunner Graduate10]

That’s an epic 10k. Well done. 👏👏👏

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

A really upbeat post although the run must have been pretty emotional. A huge well done to you, it sounds tough. But you’re clearly tougher 💪💪

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you. Xxx

[alisonx Graduate10]

Well done Lizzie - so glad you enjoyed the run

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

I did - I even liked the slight ache in my thighs today, not something I get after my usual run. X

[AliHC Graduate10]

Congratulations Lizzisforliving

What a beautiful post! A huge mile stone on so many levels ❤️

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to AliHC]

Thank you so much, AliHC. I genuinely wouldn’t have done it without the support of people on this forum. X

[skysue16 Graduate10]

What a lovely post. Congratulations for completing your first 10k and not easy either with all those hills!! Very well done 😀

[Lizzisforliving Graduate10 in reply to skysue16]

Thank you, skysue x