First 10K completed 🤗

[Catho78]

So yesterday I finally completed my first 10K after following Ju Ju’s Magic plan (thank you Ju Ju).

I’ve been planning this and looking forward to it fir the past few weeks.

We’re doing a Christmas present drop off with family (socially distanced door steps) down south so staying in Eastbourne. I loved the look of the seafront as it goes on for miles, is flat 😉 and I can’t get lost after my 9K expedition 🤞

By the time we arrived it was 15:45 and starting to get dark, but the seafront was well lit so I started off thinking I’ll make it 4K if too dark and not enjoying it (or feeling unsafe).

It was very windy on the coast, so I set off with the wind. Behind me initially, this helped to keep a steady pace. It was lovely by the sea, taking in my surroundings, and lovely to stretch my legs after a 4hr car journey (in a mini lol).

I reached 4K and the promenade came to an end in that direction, so I turned and headed back running into the wind. It was hard going into the windy, trying to keep my hat on and eyes and nose were streaming. So I moved inland slightly to a road which ran adjacent to the seafront but was slightly more protected from the wind. Needless to say I wasn’t getting negative splits but I kept going. 7-9 K seemed to go on forever but as it was darker by then I had less distractions. It was lovely seeing the seafront lit up for Christmas and there were plenty of people about.

I turned back with the wind behind me for the last 2K, I needed a push lol🌬I ran around the pier then back towards my finish point. I upped my pace for a slight sprint finish for my final km then my Garmin beeped 10K, I had to check Strava agreed before slowing for a walk. I was amazed I’ve finally done it!

I had more juice left in the tank, my biggest struggle was the elements. My legs were tired after but breathing was ok. I had a bottle of squash which helped whilst running and had some haribo on my walk back, just because, you know 😜

So pleased to have made it to 10K.

PS: How often do you run 10k after graduating B210K? Is the idea 3 weeks consolidation 1x a week before upping distance? I’m not stopping here, ready for my next challenge lol.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Brilliant effort, it sounds like you had a great time. I know you are keen to progress further and the best way to do that is to continue letting your body fully recover from the cumulative runs. By thinking of them as cumulative you'll see just how far you are going. I did my 1st 10k this time last year, by lockdown in march and april I was doing loads of 10ks - march total distance 130, april 146. I've thrown in a few 10 miles since but no reason for you not to progress as far as you want. Happy running 🤗

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks for the advice, learning to listen to my body but happy to recover for now. Feel like the adventure is just starting 🏃🏽‍♀️

[Hidden]

Well done Catho78, cracking job 👍 just remember, you don't have to go out and aim to go further every run. Throw in the short ones, add the hill work, do the fartlek run stuff and mix it up. The shorter runs will let you recover, they'll still help but that muscle fatigue won't occur!

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Will do. I initially didn’t like the short runs but since using that one to do the speed challenge I’ve had fun with it, and found my 5K, and now 10K pace gradually improve without trying. Will mix it up

[Couchphoenix Graduate10]

Congratulations on completing your first 10k Catho78 👏🏻👏🏻 nice to have completed it on the sea front too, although it sounded a bit blustery. You’ve conquered it now so you’ll be completing shorter runs interspersed with 10k’s. just listen to your body and complete them as and when you feel able, then you can gradually increase your distance from there 👍

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thank you, a bit blustery lol but where would the challenge have been if it was too easy 🙈 I always love these challenges more on reflection. Thanks for the advice, short and long runs and listening to my body. Loving it, happy running

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your first 10K 👏👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍

It’s such a great distance, a real milestone. You should be delighted with that run! And it opens the door for other possibilities, so exciting!

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Thanks Jools, it does feel like a real milestone reached, I’m am very pleased to have achieved this goal and am excited for future running adventures! Thanks for your support

[Bambi2020 Graduate10]

Well done- great achievement! 🏆🏅

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Bambi2020]

Thank you very much, and for the shiny medals lol, love it

[CBDB Graduate10]

Huge congrats! And I love how you used such a great opportunity to run a new stretch. And reach 10k! Wowsa!!! 👍🏽🥳🎉💪🏃🏻‍♀️

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks so much. It made me more determined not to miss a training session as had this weekend planned to complete 10K in, and also completed this as a virtual charity run for runforlungs. Had to compete before the end of December. I love seafront runs for long distance as normally flat, I do all my short runs from home so get my hill work in then 🥵Happy running 🏃🏽‍♀️

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your first 10k, it is so special. And welcome to my world of running along the prom where the wind can make or break your running. Apparently it makes for good hill training!

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks, it’s still sinking in that I’ve done it. I seem to have a love/hate relationship with running on the prom. The plus is it’s straight, flat and very calming being by water. But I always forget til I’m there, it’s also bracing and exposed🥶 but very invigorating. It did feel like a hill run lol. I won’t be beaten by it (I kept saying lol) all part of the fun 😉

[Peter44 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your 10k, more so, doing it after a 4 hour car journey, and also in the dark! 👏👏🏆🏆🥳🥳

[Catho78 Graduate10 in reply to Peter44]

Thanks, I was desperate to get out and run after that long in the car, it certainly helped to stretch my legs!