First Ever Event!

[motherduckling]

So yesterday I finally completed my first ever running event! I took part in the 10k run of the Fremantle Running Festival, and I am so pleased I made it the whole way! I went with a couple of friends that have helped keep me motivated - we have a little facebook group where we post our runs and keep each other accountable. Got there early enough I thought, but there were already plenty of people about and we had a bit of a walk to the start area, so didnt even have time to go to the loo one last time before the start. That was a bit nerve racking (what if I needed to go halfway through!?!?) but thankfully my bladder and stomach were on their best behaviour...

We also were lucky enough to have perfect weather forecast, a beautiful sunny day, only getting to 25 degrees maximum.

Anyway, we got all penned up, one of my friends was in one of the first waves as he is very speedy, but my other friend and I pulled into the back of the pack. And eventually we got moving along the entry funnel! Started off running slow with my friend, but she is also a fair bit faster than me so after a few minutes warming up she pulled ahead, and then it was just me! Oh and the thousand or so other runners overtaking me aswell

This was my first time running without both my dog, and music, so I had to keep my mind on other things. Turns out I also really love the sound of hundreds of runners feet along the road, it is one of those really satisfying sounds like rain on a tin roof, or computer keys typing. It was hard going, but the course was very flat compared to what I usually run, so I managed to keep a decent pace (for me) - even managed to overtake a handful of people which I was not expecting. But then near disaster - I felt a blister starting to form around 5km in! This was my own fault, I had forgotten to pack my trusty long distance shoes for the weekend, but I had hoped it would all be fine. I did manage to move my foot around in my shoe a bit which helped for another couple of km, but after that I just endured - there is no way I was stopping after getting that far!!

The last 2km stretch was definitely the worst I think. Most of the course was through some nice, shady leafy streets, while the home stretch was one long straight road (out and back) in the full sun - so felt so hot! But then turned the corner and up a slight incline, and then I was done!! In one hour and 14 minutes! So not my best 10k time, but also not my worst

There was a slight disappointment at the end - as they had run out of medals by the time I made it - but my friend was kind enough to give me hers as it is my first ever medal for anything ever, but she is a swimmer and has an entire collection they did say they would post one out later anyway so she wont be without for long hopefully....

And honestly I am just so happy that I did it! Hopefully will eventually get a bit faster but for now I am pretty proud of myself

[RunWillie Graduate10]

Well done 😊 Hope your blister heals quickly.

Fremantle as in WA?

I’m moving to WA in December from Melbourne and I’m super excited to explore new running territory. Looks beautiful ❤️🏃‍♀️

[motherduckling Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Yes thats the right Fremantle! I may be biased but I do think it is very nice over here - there is a series of trail runs over summer that I have signed up for all within an hour of Perth that I am looking forward to, even though I am a little apprehensive as I usually run on roads or paths. I think the scenery will make up for any difficulties though!

[RunWillie Graduate10 in reply to motherduckling]

You will do great 🏃‍♀️So exciting to hear there’s so many running opportunities.

I’ve never done trail running but when I found out we were moving to WA! I ordered some trail shoes for Christmas. It’s too beautiful to not enjoy that scenery. I’ve also got myself a Sahara running cap. Slightly worried about the heat after being in Victoria. Might have to ditch the low heart training until I get used to it 😂

[motherduckling Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

It is nice out here but I would have though Victoria would have a few pretty spectacular runs too! the cap is a good idea though, I always run with as even if it is cold and rainy it helps keep the rain out of your eyes

And I dont think the heat will be a problem unless youre moving to the North!

[RunWillie Graduate10 in reply to motherduckling]

Victoria is beautiful. I’m in Melbourne so we’ve been pretty locked down this year to explore running trails. I only graduated in April from C25K. We’re going to be in Rockingham❤️

[motherduckling Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Ah fair enough, I guess 5k from your house isnt quite the same - we have definitely been very lucky over here.

Rockingham is beautiful - one of my friends that I ran with on the weekend lives down that way - there are a lot of really nice beach paths, and it is so nice and flat! I live out in the hills so have it a bit tougher

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Woohoo! 👏👏🎉Huge well done on your first ever event with bling! Huge achievement and the first of many I’m sure - from what can gather, it’s an addictive habit! What a shame there weren’t enough medals to go round - I reckon the runners at the back need them more than the speedy types at the front but how kind of your friend to let you have hers to admire until your own arrives! I hope the blister heals quickly, you got a good time despite the obstacle trying to stop you!

[motherduckling Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks! And yep I think it might be addictive - have already signed up for a trail series and am hoping to do a half marathon before I turn 30 - dont have long left on that goal though!!

[Irish-John Graduate10]

Very well done!!! A tough distance compounded by "first time nerves"

Very well done indeed!!

[motherduckling Graduate10 in reply to Irish-John]

thanks! And yep, at around 4km in I was wishing that I had just signed up for the 5k event

But now that its done Im glad I pushed myself that bit extra

[Irish-John Graduate10 in reply to motherduckling]

:)👍🏻