She thought she could so she did! HU 10k Spr... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

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She thought she could so she did! HU 10k Spring 2023

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate
87 Replies

Does jeffing count?A while ago (couple of years) I heard about jeffing. I tried it out, and found that if I jeffed 5k the time was about the same but I felt less tired afterwards.

Fast forward to this epic run that I so wanted to join in with but it's been a year of not so much running . I knew I would need some walking breaks so set my watch to 1 min run 1 min walk last night in readiness.

A lousy night, too much food and just couldn't sleep, 3.5hrs registered on my watch. Luckily I'd set my alarm otherwise I'd have slept the morning away.

I was sitting drinking tea when my phone buzzed and a message from daughter just said Good luck

So I thought I'd better go.

By the time I'd driven to the river, started off my watch, NRC 10k head starts, music and Rungo, I was setting off a little late.

I think the watch started with a run but I was doing a warm up walk and it took me over the bridge before I set off running. I've been chasing negative splits for years and I just can't do them, if I start as slow as possible I just can't speed up later so had decided today to do what felt comfortable. The head start runs are always positive and motivational and the first couple of k's went by quickly. My legs felt strong, the walk breaks were brisk and I was running better and better

At around 4k the track split, right it looked fairly smooth but like it was headed for the road, left joined the rough stony grassy river track, I opted for left and regretted it. My running became slower, the walking became longer but suddenly I was at the half way point. Turned and head back to smoother wider pathways.

I really enjoyed being near the river, passing runners, cyclists, dogs, walkers and children all going the other way, passing a few walkers and being passed by runners cyclists and sometimes even dogs going my way. The trees are fresh and green, the bluebells fading but still blue, the cowslips shining yellow in the long grass. The smell of hawthorn and other trees lovely as I pass by.

Once again I was feeling strong and running smoothly. All the walking with my neighbour has made a difference.

By 8k I'm slowing down but it doesn't matter, I'm still going and as I headed across the bridge and back towards my car 10k was done.

I got a bit emotional on and off but so pleased I did this. Thank you Cmoi linda9389 and TailChaser for all you've done to organise this for us.

Fastest ever 10k at 1:35:34 my previous fastest was 1:43

It was a bit strange driving myself home and making my own tea, but it is what it is and I can't change the past, I can only change myself to have a better future.

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SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun
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87 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10

This is fantastic to read !And of course jeffing counts .

I'm really pleased for you ...

Very well done 😬👏👏👏

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toInstructor57

Thanks Ian, sometimes I wonder why I do it, but inside I know

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

I have similar thoughts and a similar answer 😁👍

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10

Aww ☺️ I’m so proud of you Sola. Massive well done today and huge congratulations on smashing your PB for 10k! Yay! 😁

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRunBrianRun

Thank you so much Brian, it's been a bit if a journey but running helps, I better get that kettlebell back out hadn't I?

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Yep! 💪

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRunBrianRun

Thought you'd say that 🤣 maybe tomorrow

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Nah, definitely rest tomorrow Sola. You’ve earned it and your body needs it. 😴

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRunBrianRun

That's true, and there's always housework, gardening and painting if I get bored. Oh and clarinet and saxaphone to play, I've started a new jumper too, I can't believe I'm so busy now not going to work

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runGraduate10

I love a bit of Jeffing, my knees really appreciate it. I usually do 10 k with 5 mins run and 2 mins walk but started with much smaller gaps ( a big hill will throw it all out anyway). Just continue with it as you are and experiment with different ratios. Your post is a lovely read and your 10k is very impressive, congratulations x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toShake-and-run

Thank you, I've only run 4x10k before and each one slower than the last, I'm going to set my watch for the C25k intervals as my neighbour runs through the programme that way I'll increase the running at a slightly faster pace

Jools2020 profile image
Jools2020Graduate10

Oh Sola, really made me smile to read this! Of course Jeffing counts.

A huge well done! I think perhaps you really needed to do this - and a PB to boot!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toJools2020

Thanks Jools, it released a lot of tears, but there were plenty if smiles too

GTFC profile image
GTFCGraduate10

You are awesome! Brilliant run, terrific achievement and so well earned. Sending our best wishes 💚🥂🎖

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toGTFC

Thank you

LottieMW profile image
LottieMWAmbassador

oh well done Sola! I haven’t run today for various reasons, hoping to go tomorrow 🤞🏼…you’ve given me a goal to reach…I haven’t run that fast for almost 2 years!

I’ve tried jeffing, but I’m not very good at the transitioning…both physically and mentally…I get myself in a muddle!

I’m so pleased for you 🏃🏻‍♀️💐💕

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toLottieMW

Aww thanks, I like to keep running but knew if I did that today I'd be crawling the last few kilometres, at least this way I was still running short intervals by the end and not exhausted. My walking is almost as fast as my running though and it gives me a chance to stretch my shoulders and deep breathe

Oldlady64 profile image
Oldlady64Graduate10

What an achievement, very well done!

Jeffing or any way forward all counts as far as I’m concerned. You’ve helped me to think of maybe trying for a 10k at some point, that hadn’t been on my radar at all (I did these sort of distances about 30 years ago!).

Onwards 🏃‍♀️!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldlady64

Thank you, I did those sort of distances 45 years ago but have only run 4 at this distance before today and was surprised how good it felt, 18 months ago it took me 1:01 hr to cover same ground

Doris8 profile image
Doris8Graduate10

very well done Sola you did it. Your walking has obviously helped. Willow would be so proud of you . Have a well deserved Sunday relaxing 👏👏😊

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toDoris8

Thank you and I really missed him at the end

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10

Fantastic Sola, very well done on your 10k & at a personal best too🎉👌...funny that jeffing can often speed things up & yet it leaves you less tired, it's a win/win. 🏃‍♀️🚶‍♀️🏃‍♀️

I can imagine life is quite a roller coaster for you with all the ups & downs...I'm so pleased that the running & this forum helps with the ups.

A suggestion re: going home to an empty house. My Mum has an Alexa which she leaves on when she goes out...now as she comes in the door she shouts 'Hi Alexa, pop me some soul music on' or 'Alexa, put radio 2 on'. Alexa replies & puts on what she's asked for while Mum's still taking her coat off and popping the kettle on. Just a thought as it's helped Mum get rid of any negativity associated with coming home 💕

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRun46

Thank you. I've resisted Alexa, I might get one one day, but my cat does come to greet me, winds round my legs to try and trip me up then bites me when I stroke him but he's good company and is always nearby. I don't feel negative coming home, it's beginning to feel like mine, rather than ours but still early days

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

It sounds like you have enough distraction coming home already 😆

I also have an affectionate (& gutsy) cat Bailey who likes to try to trip me up when wanting a fuss 🐈

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10

Of course jeffing counts! Well done you!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRoxdog

Can't believe how well it went, apart from the snot and tears of course but we can't have everything, and without that rough slow patch I think I'm in with a chance of going a bit faster

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

Just brilliant 🎉👏🎉I'm so pleased for you.

Great run report not only did you do it but it sounds like you really enjoyed it.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply todijep

I really did thanks, and it went quicker than I expected I haven't run many 10k's but seem to remember feeling like it was taking forever this one felt really good

PeggySusi profile image
PeggySusi

Wow, that’s fantastic, especially after such a bad night. You describe the run so well that I felt I was with you all the way. Beautiful run, and Well done! 😊

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toPeggySusi

Thank you, I really enjoyed it

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowGraduate10

Fantastic 10k run this morning AND you knocked 7.5+ minutes off your PB. Good to hear you enjoyed jeffing. Hope you can have a well-earned relaxing afternoon. 👏👏

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toCantstopmenow

Lawn cutting and dog walking this afternoon but tomorrow I can sleep 😁

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

You're getting those Kms in! 🙂

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toCantstopmenow

I'm a bit tired, but we are going to run round the field throwing a ball for the dog then eat then hopefully sleep

Runnin-g profile image
Runnin-gGraduate10

Amazing, well done, particularly running sleep deprived and congratulations on your PB 👏🏽

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRunnin-g

Thank you, I'm sure all the extra walking has made a difference

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate10

well done you!! Pretty good improvement.

I found it odd when I first started running on my own, as I’d started out with a friend about 20 years ago and stopped 3yrs later when she moved. And then again with my daughter, 5 years ago, but then she moved away because of her job so I was solo once more. She’s back now but much faster than me so we don’t run together now

I know it’s not the same as you but you just get used to doing things slightly differently and you have lots of wonderful memories of you and Willow running together xx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply tolimberlou

You are so right, it's about what I want to do now and that's what I thought at the end that I did it for me, I've been running solo for months now because Willow, wasn't running any more but it's very different because I can go as long as I like because I used to cut runs short because I knew he was waiting. I'll always miss him hugely but I have to make my life and running helps.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

I join everyone else in saying it all counts Sola. Very well done on reaching your 10k distance again and getting a PB. Whatever works for you is good so be proud, you are still a runner.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toDexy5

Thank you Dexy I think I am beginning to believe that with consistency I will get stronger and run faster

Week7 profile image
Week7Graduate10

Sounds like a great run. Yes JEFFING counts. I met people Jeffing when I ran a half marathon last year .I did my plodding run, they Jeffed and it was around the 6 mile point that I first noticed them so they were clearly as fast jeffing as I was running..

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toWeek7

I knew today would test my fitness so jeffing meant I could keep going longer and not be exhausted

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10

Congratulations Sola! Of course it does, in fact many marathons and ultras wouldn’t be run without Jeffing, so you are in very good company.

I recognise that path, I used to cycle down it a lot at the weekends 25 years ago - is the abandoned concrete factory still there?

I totally love your approach, it is so positive, please accept a huge virtual hug from me! 🤗

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toTailChaser

Yes it's still there, at least parts of it. It's a lovely place to run, and thank you .

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10

Very well done and huge congratulations on your PB!What a wonderful read. Your last paragraph made me slightly teary, - especially the bit about making your own tea. Bittersweet but full of hope for the future.Oh and IMHO Jeffing absolutely counts. Ive not explicitly told anyone but I Jeff most of my runs, apart from speed runs, these days 30:30. I enjoy it much more and it really helps with recovery.

Your runs, your way.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toBirdlady64

It makes me less exhausted which means I can keep closer to the early pace all the way through, better than running as far as I can then having to take walk breaks because I'm shattered.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

It blooming well does count !!!

A super run.... and a brave run too...my heart goes out to you....x

You are so right...

...the past is a story you cannot change but you? You are starting to write a new chapter.

Well done, my friend x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldfloss

Thank you Floss, there's lots of smudges to this new chapter but I'm getting up each day and building my life. It's not easy but change has to happen x

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Well done to you Sola on completing the Healthunlocked virtual 10K, well done, you deserve to be very proud of yourself 😊 👍✅✅

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toAlMorr

I am a bit Al and thank you

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Fantastic Sola - well done!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toJonathanP

Thanks, I wasn't sure I could but once I was running I knew

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10

Absolutely amazing run for you. 🏃‍♀️❤️💪🎉🏅

You should be so, so proud of what you achieved today. Just brilliant. There’s a great podcast I listened to about the power of the run walk and how it’s great strategy to use. That was from Runner’s World! Many people are actually faster doing it that way. I’m almost certainly going to be jeffing my next event and I can’t wait.

You’ve done a marvellous thing today and I couldn’t be happier for you. What an inspiration xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toMissUnderstanding

Thank you, my problem is however slow I start I then can't speed up I just get slower, but know if I go at my happy pace I can't keep going past 5 or 6k and end up exhausted, so run walk means I can keep the pace up for longer and don't come home totally shattered

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

That sounds like an ideal way for you to run. It’s all about finding what works best for us as individuals and you’re nailing that!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toMissUnderstanding

Yes

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Huge Congratulations to you Sola, you did magnifcently. I am enjoying jeffing my runs I feel much better having those moments to recover. I hope you feel very proud of yourself, your daughter and all your friends on here certainly are!

🏃‍♀️👌xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

I do thank you, I so enjoyed it too

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate10

Great post Sola, really well done. Change happens whether we want it to or not, so we may as well get on board and try and guide that change into something we can live with.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

You are so right, can't change the past so have to get on with living it

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate10

Congratulations sounds like it has given you a burst of positivity 🙌🏻

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toWavy-chick28

I'm a very positive person but as hadn't run as much lately wasn't sure if I'd get through 10jk as well as I did

JeremiahObadiah profile image
JeremiahObadiah

Well done you. You are so honest and wise.

I hope that you had a lovely restorative sleep and today’s tasks are less physically demanding.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toJeremiahObadiah

I slept so well thanks and feel great this morning

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

Wow Sola, just Wow! That was an incredible run; a huge slice off your previous PB. I am pretty sure that anyone could Jeff an Olympic 10k without breaking any rules if they wanted to (might struggle to make the qualifying times I guess, but then we all would!). It definitely counts! I am starting the day with a smile, because of you and your run. Thanks. I have my own battle coming up; I will draw inspiration from you.🙂

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toBeachcomber66

I wasn't sure I could so thank you, it was just one if those runs that felt good, I was surprised and glanced at my watch at just under 5k thinking if I'd turned right I may have made 80 minutes but that track isn't for speed running + bir even my speed running) I'll turn right next time 😄Battle away, you are amazing

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10

That's just amazing! You pushed and pushed and ended up with an amazing PB. You should be very, very proud of yourself - I know Willow would have been very proud of you ♥️What a positive closing statement too. You are so right all we can affect is our future selves - and our future selves are very much worth our best efforts 🥰

A huge well done to you for everything you achieved yesterday, not just the run xxx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply tolinda9389

My neighbour said to me I'm strong, in the early days and I replied I didn't feel strong, I still don't feel strong but I do things so that I can do them in the future, walking with her daily has given me focus, I have to be ready when she gets home from work because I won't let her down, I've realised that walking and starting to run with her has also made me stronger. I'd initially hoped to do the HM yesterday but what with one thing and another plus COVID in April I'm really pleased I could run 10k and know how much running and this forum has made a difference. Later in the week I will have another go at the Rungo soundtrack though.

Thank you Linda, it's runners like yourself that inspire me

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

And it's strong people like you that inspire me 🥰

Petem56 profile image
Petem56Graduate10

Well done you, awesome.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toPetem56

Thank you

Scruff55 profile image
Scruff5560minGraduate

lovely run post Sola. Really well done you are amazing 😻. And a PB to boot. So so pleased for you.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toScruff55

Thank you, I so enjoyed it too

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate10

well done SueAppleRun …I’m tearing up reading this…i feel so proud of you xx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toMummycav

Aww thank you so much Mummycav I'm looking forward to my next shorter run already xx

Runninggirl59 profile image
Runninggirl5960minGraduate

Great Post and really well done. 😀

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRunninggirl59

Thanks ,,😄

Getfitok profile image
Getfitok

Really pleased for you. You're an inspiration x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toGetfitok

Thank you x

Sammyyy profile image
Sammyyy

Well done! It must have been difficult to motivate yourself after all you’ve been through recently, so well done!

Also, thankyou for your posts, I always thought Jeffing was sort of cheating, but you have reassured me that it’s not & it’s another ‘tool’ in the box, thankyou x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toSammyyy

Oh thank you, I thought jeffing was run as fast as you can then walk to recover, my first go at it was horrible, I feel it's sort of cheating but as part of building stamina it's only like the first couple of weeks of C25k and I'm running more now I have time, this retirement lark is wonderful, even after the last month or so I'm enjoying not going to work x

Kevin41 profile image
Kevin41Graduate10

very well done - a huge pb and a great run

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toKevin41

Thank you

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

How did I miss this Sola? What a fantastic run, and look at your time! A huge chunk off! You’re amazing, really really well done! ❤️👏🏃‍♀️👊🥰🏅

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thanks 😄 I can't wait to do it again

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

What a fab read! Really well done to you and congratulations Sola, and for the PB too!

No wonder you got a bit emotional, the run was probably a bit of a rollercoaster of thoughts.

But you crossed the finish line 💪 Here is a wee medal for you 🏅

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toIrishprincess

Aww thank you so much, it was a bit of a roller coaster 🎢 but I finished believing in myself a little bit again and thank you for the wee medal 😄

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