First 9K adventure! (Sorry long post)

[Catho78]

Well today I set out to run 9K on week 6 of Ju Ju’s magic plan. I had also signed up to take part in a virtual running event call One Run Global where you run for an hour and every country passes the baton of the time zone so to speak. Well I’d planned my 9K would easily cover that hour, and then some.

I decided to try another local beach. I had “planned” that to run from the beginning of the promenade to the furthest pier and back should make up the distance ✖️

I set off a little too strong, had to rein in my pace for distance not speed (still finding my 5K and 10K pace). I was layered up well and was glad as it was an icy breeze.

I reached the furthest pier though in 2K! Had 7K to cover so decided to head up and round the town, I zig zagged the town, this was a nice change running around people 😬 it was a bit like playing dodge ems. I headed back towards the seafront and I was still just below 4K.

Now for some reason I hate running out of road 🙈 If I run in my village and I think I’ve judged the distance but have to run back and forth past my road trying to make up the last km or so, these last mins running are worse than the toxic ten!

So I decided to run past the train station and down this long road picking a point in the distance just past 5K when I would turn around. However on this road I was running comfortably and started to remove some layers as I went. This distracted me then ahead of me I saw a retail park on a series of roundabouts and I thought if I kept going and turned left I’d get back to the beach. Now I visited this town lots growing up, but I guess a lot has changed in the past 20 years 😜

I followed the ring road happily running along when I saw a steep hill at 7K, I groaned but thought I’ve got this, then I noticed the pavement ran out but there was a pedestrian crossing to a park on my left and a way through it on the flat 😉 so I took it. I ran through the park, down a footpath then had to turn a sharp right, up and over a steep railway bridge and came face to face with the harbour, but no beach. To my right was a woodland path so I took it, I came out in an industrial estate, if you hadn’t guessed by now I was totally lost. Then I saw the level crossing and thought they’re not near the beach. I realised I was in the neighbouring town with an uphill climb back and I was nearly at 8K. For a fleeting second I thought I’d need a taxi back to my car (after completing 9K) but I pressed on. I finally reached 9K back at the point I was due to turn around in the first place 🤦‍♀️

50 mins and 3.5K walk later I was back at my car but felt I needed a good cool down stretch after my furthest run to date 😉

I feel so chuffed to have ran this far, completed my first charity run and have made myself laugh all day at what an idiot I am for getting lost so far off track.

But you know what, it was one hell of an adventurous run and I loved every second off it! And 10K, I’m coming to get you ...

Happy running all 🏃🏽‍♀️🎉

Moto of the story, there’s no such thing as a short cut, and turnaround at half way distance 🤩

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Brilliant run, what an adventure. As runs get longer it’s so hard to find the new routes. 10k is just around the corner. Happy running 🤗

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks, yeah I will map my route better next time but I enjoyed the adventure and could have kept running, finding your bearings takes your mind off your legs aching lol. I can taste the 1OK, next week it’s mine 😋

[Lifluf Graduate10]

What an adventure. And a good run too. Well done. I'm very boring and like to plan my runs particularly as I hate running back the way I came. But your run sounds like fun.

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Lifluf]

Thanks, me too I hate to cover the same route in reverse, I’m a fussy runner lol. I need variety, but will plan better or run where I know next time. But the adventure aspect made me feel free like a child 🙆‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

[Lifluf Graduate10 in reply to Catho78]

I might try and pluck up the courage to go somewhere different and run an unplanned route.😬

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Lifluf]

It’s fun to explore

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

Fantastic run, a real adventure! I share your feelings about running out of route when you’re nearly home. I have side road that I run down to give me an extra half kilometre. I’ve done it so many times, I hate that road!

I’m sure that 10K will be yours soon enough - you’ve earned it! 👏👏👏

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you for your support

[Roxdog Graduate10]

That sounds like a great run and an adventurous one too. Well done! 10k next!

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you, it was fun, more so on reflection lol. 10K so close now, can’t wait to next week, now I feel like a runner 🏃🏽‍♀️

[RacingintheStreet Graduate10]

10k amazing , well done 💪 and well done for just keeping going .It’s hard to get lost where I live , but also I do wonder if there’s a 10k run in it 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’m a bit like you I don’t like repeating myself just to get the time in . I feel like 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️Hamster 😂

10K for Xmas 🎅🏻👌