I feel that I should be giving an acceptance speech of some sort, because that is how this feels. When I set off on C25K in February this year I never dreamed that 10k would be achievable... in fact, it never entered my mind, but here I am - a fellow 10k'er.
I'd done a couple of 'longest runs' in the last week or so, 7k and 8k respectively. I'd also bought new running shoes, online, then changed them for a size up. They still never felt right, put it down to lack of experience and lesson learnt, and went a got a gait analysis (neutral, as I thought) and a new pair of Asics.
Took a new route tonight, just so that I would be outside of my comfort zone. By comfort zone I mean far enough away from home to give me that extra bit of something that I need, which is the mind to say. 'well you'll just have to keep going now won't you or you'll never get home!'.
I did regret one turning - a long road along which I encountered a few groups of 'yoofs'; in cars, standing around in groups with their Staffie's in studded/spiked collars (shame, they're lovely dogs with a bad rep). Had the odd expletive thrown at me, oh, and a cigarette from a passing car, which just missed...which was nice!
Anyway, 8k came; my previous milestone. I felt good - the new shoes felt good. I was back on a familiar route now. Thank goodness for my Lumefit light, brilliant little investment that was, lit my way along the country lanes. 9k... 'Keep going, you got a rhythm going!', 'Yeah we know it's getting tough', those little mind gremlins were niggling at me. The mind angels though, now much stronger than the mind demons, egged me on, 'Only one more, one more...', 10k! DONE! I felt I could have gone on a little further, but I wanted the longer walk back home, felt I needed it, a brisk, longer cool down walk, head held high, feeling chuffed.
A few days off now I think (though I'm due to play 18 holes in the morning). The extra hour in the morning seems to have come at the perfect time.
Do I get a new badge? 😁
First 10K race done! 
Hamilton 10k done and dusted
10k - I've only gone and done it!
10k done!
10k done!!!!
