I went for my Sunday(long) run yesterday. The only plan was a minimum of 5k. Longest run ever previously was 8.7k. And that ended because my leg seized up
Sun was shining. Frosty. Long sleeved hoody. Tights. Running skirt. Warm headband. Light gloves. Wool buff. 15 minutes of dynamic stretching before driving down to the river (5 minutes away).
By 1k, headband off. 2k - Buff and gloves off.
2.5k. Time to turn around if doing 5. Self-check. Zone 3. Breathing easy. Nothing hurts. 3k. Still good. 4k. OK. Let's go to 5k before turning around- can always walk the last 2-3 if necessary. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this.
Totally enjoying the beautiful day. Listening to a book but with bone conduction headphones so I can hear the birds. And the little kids squealing and giggling as they go for a lovely Sunday walk with their families. Lots of dogs (all on leads - huge no no to have them off lead here). Lots of runners. All going faster than me.
5.5k right hamstring tightening. Pause Garmin, stretch. Restart Garmin and walk 100m before running again. Rinse and repeat twice more. Right leg slowly improving - due to glute and ankle strengthening.
9k. Damn that breeze coming off the river is biting. Gloves back on.
10k. OMG. I did it! 1:26:43. Slow as a snail. But who cares? In March I could barely run 200m. And now I can run 10k (with about 300m of it walking, but it still counts, right?!)
Home to more work. And this morning I'm sore, but oh so proud of myself! And joining Lejog9- an old school friend (who I have known for 43 years) asked if a couple of us wanted to join her. So I'm in!
This community is so inspiring. I doubt that I would have done this if I wasn't on this forum. I don't think I would have believed I could.
Written by
WeavingWonk
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thanks Grannyhugs! It was beautiful. As it is today too. Very nippy though! Off to physio shortly and expect to be chastised 😜 as he had said that 10k might be a bit much. Well, that just made me want to do it even more!
Yay WW, too right it counts, brilliant run brilliant post, I wonder if our best achievement is self belief, over and above the running, as you say with thanks to our lovely encouraging community, enjoy that proud feeling, well deserved 🤩🤗
Jorgeruns, I am certain it's about self belief. Without this group I think I would have self limited as my tape tells me I can't run for any number of reasons.
Mr WW started c25k 2 weeks ago. He said that I inspired him to believe he could do it. He's 62, several stone overweight, and other than walking the dog, hasn't exercised seriously in two decades, although when we got married 30 years ago he was running 5k every morning - he got the habit in the military. When I posted the 10k on Facebook yesterday he commented that he would eventually be joining me. So here's hoping!
Yes, indeed how we can limit ourselves, after this year my new tape goes something like, ‘who knows what we can do until we try, let’s see what’s possible, it’s never too late to see what we’re made of’....how fantastic that Mr WW is setting off on his own new exciting journey with great self belief already in place, wish him lots of luck...Mr J certainly helped me a lot by coming out with me for most of Couchto5k, sadly he’s decided running is not for him but I now have the confidence to go out and run on my own. 🤗
Mr. WW may or may not stick with the running, depending on his knees. But I think/hope I can get him to stick with the cycling. Once we are in a Yorkshire village and can ride out from our front door, I hope we will ride a lot! And hike of course. I am looking forward to only working part time!
Sounds lovely, it’ll be so good for you to have more leisure time. Naughty Mr. J started cycling instead but hasn’t kept it up! He does swim but unfortunately the pool is closed now until January. 🤗
It's so hard to develop a habit. I think running has finally stuck for me after 8 or 9 months - I don't think I would have managed it without the pandemic. I used to ride a bike a lot years ago and then life got crazy in grad school. So I think if I get back on the bike once we get to England (I bought one last year) it will encourage Mr. WW to do it with me, and it's something I enjoy. But a whole different set of muscles will need building! Plus our closest friends will be nearby, and they ride, so I can see it becoming quite a sociable activity.
Such a shame Mr. J's preferred exercise is inaccessible. I think that's really why I started running - never a reason not to, and it can travel with me (unlike cycling).
An unexpected 10k - Brilliant!I am about as slow - no let me rephrase that - fast as you. And, like you, back in April I couldn't run for toffee. And I think that's blooming amazing. You are amazing! Congratulations 👏👏👏
Well done Weavingwonk. That sounds like a great run. Its not a bad time and it's certainly a good distance. Very wise to stretch if you're feeling the need too.
Brilliant! Unplanned can sometimes be the best way - tuned into your body and letting yourself just do it
Wow huge congratulations. I think unplanned is the way to go! Just done my first unplanned 10 k this morning, was going to do 6k then just kept going. Was really flagging by 9k but I did it...yay! It’s just the best feeling. Xx
Well done Rocketrunner! Yes, that last km was tough! My leg was feeling it. And here I am three days later and arguing with myself about whether I have time to run today. It might be a very quick 2k this afternoon, in between Zoom meetings! But I don't think my legs want to do more than that anyway! Still achy...
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
My first 10K (apparently)
My First 10K Completed!!
First 10k booked - eek!
My first post in Bridge to 10k
Success with first 10k race 😀
