I must admit that since completing RED January when I rang 5k every day, my running dropped off in February due to 'life' just getting in the way. Come March, I made an effort to get back into running three times a week as I had set myself a goal to hit the 10 mile mark by Easter, quite a step up as my previous distance PB was only 12km.
Over the last week I had managed two 8km runs with a shorter 4km in between, so this morning I headed out early determined to hit the 10km or maybe even 12km mark. Glad I went early as it soon warmed up.
I could tell straight away that it was going to be an OK run, maybe having a small breakfast (tea, fruit bread and a banana) before I went out helped, as I normally just have a glass of water. I knew that I was OK for 10km and when I turned round at 8km, I thought that 12Km or more was insight. Before I knew it I had extended my route home and was at 14km and at this point I thought I might as well give the 16.1km target a go. Last 750m or so was the hardest as my legs started to tire, but there was no way I was going to give up then, so on I went. Ended up doing 16.2km (extra 100m for luck!) in a time of 1hr 46m 20s - average pace of 6:33 a km. Quite pleased with that for a first attempt. What's even more amazing is that several hours later I can still move !!
Will have to think of a new Easter target now!
Written by
Ant50
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
What I find is that I need some fuel "on the hoof" on runs of longer than 14km, and I need to take it at about 8km or it hasn't kicked in by the time I need it. If I don't have it, I start to lose rhythm and it becomes harder. Usually it's just a couple of jelly babies every mile or so and a bit of fluid to wash them down.
Well done! Do another of those and you're within sight of the Half Marathon.
Thanks - that’s really good advice as I must admit I don’t really plan these long runs, but I should start to do so. It had really warmed up by about 12km as I was running in full sun, so I was starting to think I should have taken some water with me. Will be more prepared next time !
As for the HM- who knows, never thought I would make it this far !
Eh... that's fast! Only done 1 ten miler so far, but my time was 2h12 and that was FAST for me, haha. I did work up to it by adding 1 km every week though. With me the hardest was each time that last kilometer. I think it is also very mental, you know if it almost done and that is when everything starts aching and tiring.
Thanks. I was very surprised by the time as I was just focused on the distance so had no real idea on time until I finished. The last 0.5km was hardest for me, but I was spurred on as my Fitbit, which I was using to track the run, was telling me it was on 5% battery life - so I was inspired to hit the distance before it died !! Definitely a mental challenge- I felt that when I hit the 8km mark and thought ‘oh no’ only half way ! 😂
Hey well done, sounds like a great run!. I've equally just done my first 10miles, literally finished a hour ago.. I'm hoping like you, that I can still move without any pain several hours later!!! 😁🏃♀️
Well done on that - it’s a great achievement. I’ve been amazed how well my legs have coped, no major aches at all. Calves where a bit tight when I first walked down the stairs the next day, but soon eased.
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.
10 down 8 to go
Week 4, 8km run felt tough! 
Was it a good idea?
Second 10 Mile Run In The Dark For Some Bling
