My first 10k - done - drop the mike! 🎤

[Slothgoesrunning]

Running report:

Having followed the weather reports closely all week I had to decide - one more training run or sack that and rest another day before taking advantage of the only dry day of the week to go for my first ever 10k. Realised I had to go for it if I didn’t want to be sloshing about and ankle deep in mud for the entire run. So off I set just after sunrise. Warm (14c) and dry so no need for extra layer or cap. Pinned my race number on. First 1.5k a bit muddy but the farmer had at least moved the sheep off the path and back into the field - I bid them good morning ladies as I pass and they nod in encouragement. Hit the tarmac for the next 1k leading through woods to the lake. I’m not feeling settled yet but things are going ok and I’m warming up nicely. A couple of fishermen setting up and some swans and squirrels to distract me. I’m listening to French and Saunders new pod cast ‘Titting About’ - it’s hilarious and like being out for a girls night only minus the booze and relaxation! I hit the lake and know that I have to go three times around today (this is the only real psychological barrier on my route as I don’t like doing laps - boring). Still the girls are keeping me amused and sometimes laugh out loud funny. 3k and 4K done. It’s not about pace today I just want to finish this but Garmin tells me I’m actually doing ok (for me). This helps as I being to realise that the logo on the arch of my running socks is starting to rub 😬. Well can’t do anything about it now so try my best to ignore what damage is being done to my feet. Feeling like it’s a bit unfair for the socks to do this to me half way through my first 10k, keep plodding on and then something amazing happens. Two actual real runners who are running a similar route but in opposite direction, come towards me for second time - they shout well done on your race and actually clap me 😊 - I really want to hug them both like a long lost friend (they have really given me a lift) but instead say thank you very much and beam my way to 6k and 7k. Now homeward bound, back through woods. 8k legs are starting to feel a bit wobbly. Tell myself just get to 9K and you know you’ve got it (because I know I will crawl the last 1k if I have to). 9K feeling wobbly decide that I can’t risk a ‘spurt’ for a whole Ik finish so agree to compromise with myself to plod at steady pace till last 500m and then go for it. 9.5k this is it - I am Paula Radcliffe (but I am NOT going to 💩😂), I am a runner and I will make it to the very muddy slippery end of the field path. YESS! The sheep look bored now but I definitely heard them say well done. 😊🏃‍♀️🐑🐿

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

HUGE well done to you for running your first 10K and running in the vVitality 10,000! 👏👏👏🏆🥇🍾🥳🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️💪😘

Loved your run report, too!

How amazing is that! Hope you are doing something special to celebrate, because you deserve it! 😀👍

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Thanks Jools, hot bath then went out for big cooked breakfast with boys. Might even have a vino or two later 😁

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Long interesting post from you, congratulations on completing your first 10K, well done 😀 🏃🏾 🎓 I agree with the 🐑 sheep. 😊 🏃🏾

To get your graduation badge and the word GRADUATE10 next to your username leave a message in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked October Graduate10 homepage and tell the administrators that you have ran your first 10K,

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al - ooh a new badge, thanks for the reminder!

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

Great run and great report! Congratulations on your first 10K 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 🏅

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thanks Frizzbomb67!

[dijep Graduate10]

Love your post 😀

Brilliant 🎉🥂💐

Well done for surviving the mud, the rubbing sock and the wobbly legs to achieve your first 10k. It's a great feeling isn't it I did my first yesterday.

And how lovely to be clapped part way round by some fellow runners 😊

Enjoy your day x

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

Thank you dijep, Yes all in all a great run. Not sure what to do about socks they all seem to have logos or something on the arches..

[JayJay_ Graduate10]

Well done ... bet that feels good

Loved your report!

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to JayJay_]

Thanks JayJay - it does feel good (especially as I had missed a week of the magic plan and was left a little anxious about going for it earlier than planned)

[Sonia52 Graduate10]

Well done on your 1st 10k run and completing the Vitality 10,000!!! 🏃‍♀️👏👏👏🏆🎉 And your cat looks a bit like my Misty who is a blue tortie and likes to be in a photo too 😊

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Sonia52]

Thanks Sonia52! The cat is called Basil and she was very inquisitive early this morning!

[nowster Graduate10]

Well done! 🏆

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Thanks nowster

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your first 10k and virtual Vitality London 10k. Loved your run report made so special with the encouragement and applause from other runners. Have a great weekend 👏👏👏🥳🥳🥳🥳

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy. It really helped me to get that encouragement 🙂

[Hidden]

Great run Sgr, I really enjoyed reading your run report, all that company out there, how wonderful, I hope you’re feet didn’t suffer too much 🤗🎃

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Jr. feet are fine - one small blister and the other foot is just a bit red but no blister.

[Hidden in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

that’s good, rest up have a good day 🤗

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Good luck for today 🍀

[Hidden in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

🙏🎃

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Fantastic! Congratulations on the 10k 👏👏👏

Great run report too! Love the Paula Radcliffe comment 🤣🤣🤣

I didn't know sheep could talk!😁

[Mands50]

Big congrats - well done 👍

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Mands50]

Thank you Mands50

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Oh I missed this post! Fantastic, really well done. The tiredness always kicks in around 8k but you got through the tough patch. I'm so pleased! Made me smile!

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Thanks Roxdog - time for some consolidation runs for a while I think, without any pressure. Tiredness did kick in at 8k but I never felt at any point completely overstretched or in danger of injury (which was my main concern) 🙂

[Roxdog Graduate10 in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

I'm trying to do 2 short runs a week and one 10k or further. I think it's important not to overdo it!

[Runjilly Graduate10]

Congrats Slothgoesrunning on your 10k run. Loved the run report, great reading!⭐🍾

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate10 in reply to Runjilly]

Thanks very much 🙂