First ever run longer than 5 K (8K)

[Anthony59]

I started C25K last September and completed the course in December getting up to 30 minutes. 5K was always my goal but I got established with 5K with some descent Cadent as I live in the Pennines (190 meters.) I just got this urge at the weekend to run further! I went for it and managed 8K. I know that this is nothing special but to me it means so much. Being 59, I thought that my dodgy knees would give in but they have got stronger through running! I just feel a great sense of wellbeing and just wanted to post this.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations on running your longest ever run of 8K, well done 😀 🏃🏾

[Anthony59 in reply to AlMorr]

Cheers Buddy! 😀

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Yay congratulations! 🎉 8k is an amazing distance, for me it was the milestone that made me believe I could reach 10k. I never thought I'd be one of those people but I love doing longer runs. Once you start extending distance, it becomes a bit addictive! 😃

[Anthony59 in reply to Beatlesforever]

I agree. I feel it is addictive even now. Yes, 10K next stop! Thanks Beatlesforever!

[nowster Graduate10]

Just be aware of the 10% per week increase rule. Going from 5km to 8km is quite a big jump (60% increase).

It's great that you've done this, but do take care. It's not fun being on the Injury Couch.

[Anthony59 in reply to nowster]

Hi nowster, good advice! Actually was looking to do 7K but felt good and went further. to 8K. I agree though that I took a bit of a chance. the thing is though I just got into a great rhythm. Running is addictive as Beatlesforever pointed out and I am planning on running a route near me which is just over 8K but with a 2.2K solid ascent on a beast of a road called Grains Road. It is like the Mountaineer that keeps seeing the Mountain. I just want to conquer that route! But... I do agree with you. Respect the Body!

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Anthony59]

Hi Anthony59 , I live in France's Massif Central and quite often run up a road near me with a 3k ascent from 643m to 833m.

If you're running hills anyway, it's basically just a matter of keeping going, however slowly. But I still definitely recommend you get used to running longer distances gradually, before you try taming the beast.

[Anthony59 in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you Cmoi. Good advice...... still tempted though!!

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Anthony59]

Oh I totally understand the temptation thing Anthony59 , that's how I ended up running up that hill near me!

I completed C25K at the end of June 2020 and because of where I live, I had to include gradients in my runs from the start. However, even now I don't go up that particular hill every run, definitely not!

Yours sounds like a great run to aim for, just build up to it gradually, maybe do part of the ascent as part of a shorter run, as well as longer flatter runs. The road will still be waiting for you in the future!

[Anthony59 in reply to Cmoi]

That is a really good idea. Do part of the Hill first. Yeah I will try that.

[00marks Graduate10]

Well done! Just keep running but make sure you don't over do it.

[Anthony59 in reply to 00marks]

Thank you 00Marks. Yes you are right. I am still very inexperienced at running and prone to overenthusiasm. My partner Mandy keeps telling me off also. 🙄