So, I woke up this morning instantly regretting the couple of 🍻 I consumed last night 🤕 and I was quite happy to take a third consecutive rest day.
But then I started reading #WorldMentalHealthDay posts and thought how easy it is to lie in bed and feel sorry for myself. Too easy. Not today Satan - not today!
Starting C25K saved my already sensitive mental health - giving me something to focus on when there was/is no routine. I owed today a run 🏃♂️ to say thank you 🙏🏻
I laced up and promised myself a calm 9K jog. If I clocked in a sub 54 mins (Ave. 6 mins per K) then that would be a bonus but I wasn’t going to burn myself🔥 out striving for it.
I listened out for the Strava markers each K. I’ve cemented 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 & 60 into my brain 🧠 Informing me whether to maintain the pace, pick up the pace or accept it’s just a run 🏃♂️
I’m going slow, I’m controlled, I’m singing 🎶 and even adding in a bit of voguing 💃 to relax my arms. Posture is good, shins are ok 👍 and all my K’s are coming in below the above 6 minute per K markers (above).
I reached the 7K point and the heavens opened ⛈ but rather than throw me - I found it refreshing! I even had enough gas ⛽️ to pick up a bit 🏃♂️
I reached the runs 9K target sub 54 minutes and I thought 💭 why not go for the 10K? I doubt I’ll be earning any PB’s today so it will be nice to clock the distance and a new badge 🏆
So I did just that 💪
10K sub 60 mins ✅ (59:27)
Room for improvement but super happy 😃
I even ran a little bit further on the Nike Run Club app to push my time over 60 minutes. So does this mean I get two badges?! 🙏🏻 🤔 🏆
Happy running all! 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️
Remember #BeKind
Written by
PhoenixRise
Graduate10
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What a lovely run for you and well done for kicking that ‘stay in bed’ gremlin into touch!
I hear you about the mental health aspect of running, too. I had a breakdown and started running in the lockdown just to beat the loneliness for a while and get outside. I never expected to graduate and am surprised every day at what I’ve managed to achieve. It continues to be a huge focus for me, together with this wonderful forum! I still struggle every day and my future is unknown, but on World Mental Health Day, it’s the perfect time to acknowledge the benefits to mental health that running brings to us, whatever our circumstances.
Reading your post, it’s great to see that you know your 6 times table 😀, I prefer my watch, which just tells me what my pace was for that km. when I used Strava, I just got confused and couldn’t work it out while I was running 😂
Well done for the sub 60 minute 10K and indeed the 60 minute run 👏👏👏👍
Sorry to hear you had a breakdown. But pleased to read running has been your saviour and that you’ve exceeded your own expectations 💪
Same, I too struggle every day. Even more so in this ‘new normal’ but I know that each day is different and new and running is helping me so much.
Funny, I don’t think I did know any times tables at school 🤭 I run with my phone and just listen for the markers - adjusting accordingly. Hopefully (when I’m deemed ‘viable’ again) I’ll get a Garmin or Apple Watch ⌚️or I’ll win one of the many challenges I enter on Strava🤞🏻
I’ve had a steaming hot bath 🛀 and I’m resting myself to whatever I want to eat today! 😋
Thank you. I’m (mostly) a lot better than 2 months ago, mainly thanks to the running.
Hopefully it won’t be too long before you get your watch!
I’ve just got back from an unsuccessful shopping trip looking for a bike (There aren’t any bikes!) and it’s cold. So a steaming hot bath is an excellent idea 😀
What a great run! Well done you for getting out there👏👏👏
A sub-60 minute 10k is an amazing achievement. I think the Graduate10 badge trumps the 60 minute badge!!
I agree with the mental health benefits of running. Even though I've been much more fortunate than others with a good, relatively secure job and a 100% supportive employer, taking up running definitely saved my sanity during lockdown and beyond. It got me out of the house, and gave me the freedom and headspace I needed.
Well done PhoenixRise !👏👏🏅 So pleased for you - and you went sub 1 hr - just as I knew you would!🙂
Its great to read from both you and Jools2020 how much running has done for your mental wellbeing. I count myself part of that group too, having lived with anxiety for many years. Running has helped me manage that massively.
As for the badges - you can only have one showing at a time. Depends whether you wish to celebrate the distance or the time! Usually people collect the 60 min badge on their way to the 10k. 10k tends to be the bigger milestone.
Totally agree, I feel I have a good circle of supportive friends, which is weird really as I'm presuming most of us have never actually met??!! 😁🏃♀️🏃♀️
Yes, once I’ve completed the Magic 10K plan in two weeks time I’ll look to a HM. Not sure where to look or what the training plan would be but I’m sure GTFC and others can signpost me 🤞🏻
Maybe London Marathon next year? 🤷♂️ 🤔
Mad to think that back in May I wouldn’t run for a bus 🚌 🤭
Oh wow, sounds like a great run! Well done. I'd love to do a 10k in less than 60 mins. My 64 min run this morning got me 8.5km , so I'd be delighted with your time!
It really does take some determination sometimes doesn't it to get out there, but we'll done cos you did it!!🏃♀️😁
I too suffer from mental health i am a recovering alcoholic 10 years sober
I did the couch to 5k two years ago but took a fewvmonths to complete. Never ran in my life before (big boobs dont help)
I now run about 7k in 45 minutes but dont seem to be able to increase it. I miss the structure of c25k. Joined a running club but was too anxious with lots of faces. I have persevered on my own and find it helps me so much mentally also ive lost over three stone
Congratulations for being 10 years sober. What an inspirational and amazing achievement.
Well done for completing C25K two years ago and for sticking with the running. If you are trying to increase your time/distance have you tried the Magic 10K Plan? Or the C25K+ Stepping Stone podcast series?
I have been thinking of joining a running club but like you - I think I might prefer to run on my own 🏃♂️
Hey, you've done amazingly well by the sound of it. I was just writing on another post about how it feels like there's such a supportive community on here. I love it. It inspires and motivates me so much to hear other people's stories!! 😁🏃♀️
Congratulations on getting a sub 60 minute 10K on your first 10K run, all those split 1K's would be around 5.57 per Km hence your wonderful sub 60 minute time of 59.27, excellent, I hope you celebrated your wonderful achievement.
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