So I was chatting to a 'friend' about C25k and ok so I was boasting a bit about how I'd reached 10k and the next week I get a parcel from her, my Christmas present apparently. She's only gone and registered me for a local 10k Jingle bell jog event 😱. I immediately went out to try 10k again (I've managed it 3 times now but it still feels like a bit of a fluke). I've got 3 weeks before the event and seriously in a panic about it, the weather's turning colder and the last 5 k I did was a real struggle, my joints are aching (not sure if that's because of the colder weather or just my brain gremlins working overtime) and I've found reasons not to run since. I'm self sabotaging and I'm seriously in need of encouragement (a kick up the b*m or anything else you can think of). 🙏😊
Aaaargh panic is setting in 😱: So I was... - Bridge to 10K
Aaaargh panic is setting in 😱
Hi M0use , while I can empathise with the self-sabotage, I'm going to go all "pot and kettle" on you and tell you to stop it! 😀
You've already run 10k several times, so it's not a fluke. You absolutely don't need to run the distance again before the event, all you need to do is keep on tick-over with a few shorter runs.
In any case, something that's billed as a "Jingle Bell Jog" is unlikely to be super-competitive. It sounds much more like an opportunity to get out the Santa hats and other festive gear, or drape a bit of tinsel round your neck. Running, jogging, jeffing, walking... I bet there'll be people there who'll do all of those. You don't have to prove anything, just go and have fun.
And if you tell us all about the event on the December events post - healthunlocked.com/marathon... - we'll even give you a pompom shout-out from your VRBs!
You're right, you're right, I know. I've been in touch with the organisers & it's definitely a fun run event & there's no time limit on finishing (so I feel a bit better about that). I need to get back out there, it's ridiculous that this has thrown me to such an extent that I've just stopped running, I was planning on a Parkrun today but family commitments got in the way. I have 3 weeks to get my head back on straight & I'll definitely let you know how it goes, thanks for the good advice.😊
What date is your run? I’ve got one I’ve entered on 11th December and I’ve only managed two 10k runs - I too feel like it was a fluke. I did park run this morning and it was 4 degrees and I just couldn’t settle my breathing from the start, I had to keep slowing down although I was already slow but it wasn’t a nice run, I just pray it’s a warm winter’s day on the run day. The most important thing is to tell yourself ‘you can do it and you will finish it’ because you know already that you can. If it’s a bad weather day then just prepare a warmer outfit but I know ‘when’ you do finish it you will feel so proud of yourself, it wasn’t a fluke and you’ll have a bit of bling to prove it. You got this Mouse! 👊🏻
Hi Dendev75 , as per my other post, your 10ks to date weren't a fluke, and we'd love to hear about your event over on the December thread - pompoms are waiting for you!
Thank you Cmoi, it’s weird as I find the longer runs easier than the shorter ones now, I know it must be pace and also mindset but it’s strange.
I personally prefer longer runs to shorter ones. In my case it's because I often feel pressured to increase my pace if I'm doing 5k or less, and I don't like running fast! I feel more justified in pootling when I'm running further, plus those runs offer me more variety in routes and terrain.
Mines on 11th December too, start time 11. How long do you think it'll take for us to really believe we're runners and we can do this? You've given me the beginnings of a plan, I'll think of you all the way round so we'll 'jingle bell jog' together all the way round. 🤶🏃♀️😊
First thing, you can do this 10k. You have proved it by doing 3 over a short period, which is a real effort in itself if you are not used to the distance. So the real question is how to best build up to the jog event. If it were me, I would use the usual three run weekly pattern, one short, one 5k and one longer, but leave your next 10k for the event if your legs are feeling the strain. I would keep the pace down too if you struggled on the 5k. It sounds as though the event is intended to be a relaxed jog, so no need to be pushing for pbs. Worst case, you end up walking some of the event….so what…many people do. I think the main issue here is confidence and maybe trying a bit too hard. Enjoy it.🙂
Thanks for the good advice, I know it's definitely a confidence thing & I think a lot of it is because I didn't ever plan on entering a 10k race, it was sprung on me a bit & I'm feeling a bit 'frozen' if that makes sense. I think I just need to get out there again & rediscover the fun without thinking about it (or overthinking). 🙏😊
I have done a 10 k race and, recently a 10 mile race with 20,000 other people. Tactics were the same; start near the back of the field and have fun overtaking a few people as the race progresses. No pressure that way.
Sounds like a good plan, I've checked with the organisers & there's no time limit to finish so I'll be pootling along at the back 😊🏃♀️🐌
I was in a similar situation to you, I've done some 10ks, but in the 2 months before the event I was away a bit and didn't run anything over 6k. Like you I was worried and it wasn't easy, but I got there😁
We'll done 👏on the 10k event. I guess I know I've run 10k so I just have to repeat that on the day. I'm sure it won't be pretty or fast and will probably (almost certainly) involve some walking, maybe the promise of hot chocolate and mince pies afterwards will get me there. 😊🤶☕
it’s going to be FUN! When you get there you’ll get right into the spirit of the festive event 😀👍🏃♀️ Races are just about fun. You’re all moving forward together, en masse, running your way but surrounded by like-minded folk. When the hooter or gun etc goes off it’s smiles all round.
Just go steady, walk when you like, take in the sights and sounds and relax and have a good time 🏃♀️👍😀 🤶 Christmas 🎄
Good luck 😀👍🏃♀️
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I think I've just about persuaded myself that I'll get round somehow, now I just have to persuade myself to get back out there and run. Kit will be out tonight with the intention to run somewhere tomorrow. 🏃♀️ I need to evict my gremlins again. 😊
yep, just get out for a jog round. Loose as a goose 😀🏃♀️👍
Your first event is a PB. If anyone asks about your time, just look into the middle distance and say "I got a PB!" Also, its a fun run. Dress up and wave at everyone like a local celebrity. Talk to everyone on the way round, and before you know it, you'll be crossing the finish line. 🎄🤶
Thanks, I'll have to buy some mini virtual Santa hats for the mental gremlins, see if I can cheer the little b***ers up. 😂 I've got 3 weeks to buy a Christmas shirt and decide whether to go with Santa hat or reindeer antlers🎅🎄🦌
Speaking as someone who ran her first metric marathon (solo) wearing bright yellow bunny ears mounted on an Alice band, I'd go with a hat that fits M0use ! It's a complete pain having to adjust headgear as you run. I have a woolly hat with Xmas motifs and flashing LEDs, because I am an absolute style goddess. Not.
Bet you always look amazing. I do have a taste for bright and colourful, the friend that sent me the registration as a Christmas gift did have the good sense to sweeten the gift with a very snazzy new pair of Christmas leggings, dancing gingerbread men so very christmassy. Any headgear may not stay on all the way round, most hats/headbands I've tried up to now have been too annoying 😊
Oh I love the sound of those leggings! I love clothes and have a weakness for red lipstick, but am much more interested in practicality than looks when I run. I also tend to get covered in mud and mess... 🙄🤣
I definitely go for comfort and practicality with running gear but it does annoy me that most of the high street shops only stock dull boring colours especially in the larger sizes, I love a bit of colour and fun as well.🌈🏃♀️
I know how you feel. I’ve been running for over 2 years now and can run up to 10 miles but have no desire to enter a real race / event. I just feel the pressure! I like to do my own thing and take my own sweet time 😊 Having said that, if I did enter an event it would be something like a Santa dash. Lots of people will be tootling and walking as the point is fun not achievement. So go and enjoy it. It may become a yearly tradition 🎅
My so called friend has been told that if she ever does this again I'll be expecting her to fly back and take part with me 😠. Predictably she thinks it's hilarious. I've never felt the desire to enter a race, the occasional parkrun is more than enough for me but I'm in now and it's a charity event so no backing out. 🎅🎄
I started C25k at age 60 just so I could do a Santa Run. I absolutely loved it. I got to wear a Mrs Santa outfit, children clapped us all the way. It really is a wonderful present from a clever friend. Go girl. 🎅🏻🧑🎄
Judgement suspended till after the event but she's a good friend so maybe she knows me better than I do 😄
Hi M0use , if you'd like to pop over to the Marathon forum and give us details, or pm me, we can give you a pompom shout-out. Seems a pity for you to miss out, but without knowing more about your event it's a bit difficult to write it up!
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