Hi everyone. It’s been a long time since I posted last so I apologise in advance if this turns out to be a long ramble.
Some of you may remember that a year ago I was having a bit of a panic about a 10K fun run that I had been entered in by a friend. It was a well intentioned gift but it really didn’t go well. I did get over the initial panic and thought I’d just go along, it’d be fun I told myself. Unfortunately unexpected ice and very cold weather caused last minute cancellation. The event was eventually rescheduled in July of last year. I duly arrived and completed 9 of the 10K in torrential rain around a muddy route and was feeling quite good jogging along at the back with about three other ladies when the organisers decided to stop the race. We were diverted and escorted back to the start/finish line (which had already been dismantled). I went home feeling very disheartened, I know I could have finished and I had previously been told that there was no cut off time for finishing. At that point I decided I wasn’t going to enter any more races, it just wasn’t for me.
There is a point to this story, I promise.
In the year since this complete disaster I’ve carried on running and while I was at one of our local Parkruns I came across a local running group who welcomed me in to their group. I’ve continued doing a Parkrun most Saturdays, a run out with the group once a week and another solo run every week. Things have been going well but I have always refused all invitations take part in any fun runs or events – until recently- A local Christmas 10K event was coming up, a few of the ladies from the running group were going to take part, it was for charity, it was in fancy dress so nothing too serious so I was persuaded to have a go.
We had a fabulous time, it was a great atmosphere and our group of Elves completed the 10K in 1 hour 19 minutes having stopped to high five almost every spectator and chat to Santa at the turn around point.
It was a completely different experience from my miserable first event and one I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t given it another go.
We’ll be entering again next year and I think there’ll be one or two more events over the Summer. I’ve also had my arm twisted to join them in a half marathon towards the end of next year and I have to admit that the idea of that is very scary at the moment but I’ve got all next year to get ready so I’m not panicking yet.
So don’t let one bad experience put you off, I’ll never be fast and I’ll always be keeping the tail runners company at the back but it’s still a great experience and one I’m glad I didn’t miss out on.
Merry Christmas everyone and happy running in 2024.
Written by
M0use
Graduate10
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Yay Mouse I’m so happy to read this post! I know how you had such a negative experience last time so this has made me smile. It’s so good you’re part of a running club too; great motivation to keep running, especially through the cold winter months. And wow 🤩 a half marathon on the cards too. What a great positive post. Well done on your 10k race.
Thanks, you've always been so encouraging, I really appreciate it. Hope you're getting over your injuries. As for the half marathon, still not sure if that was a good idea but if not now when? I'm not getting any younger so it definitely won't be any easier in another year so I've registered, we'll see how it goes. 😄
Thank you I’m back at my running club (hurray) and started in the slower group than I used to be in which was perfect for me. I’ve been enjoying running as I appreciate that I can now. This week I moved back to my original group 😊 I was on a high. Also got a half marathon in mind in March so I’m a bit nervous as not much time to train but I know I can walk if I need to (Get us training for a HM) 😋
Fantastic running M0use , the right companion on a run makes such a difference. During my only 10K another woman started running with me, we got chatting, it was very sociable and like you I completed the run in around 1:20, to my enormous surprise. So much better than having time to contemplate how far ahead of you everyone else is! It truly is about the taking part
Good luck with the half marathon, plenty of time to train and with the right support who knows what you'll manage in 2024 and the years beyond. Maybe you'll be doing ultramarathons in a few years time 👍
The site has been glitchy and lost my reply-in short, totally thrilled you’re back with such a positive story to tell. Can’t wait to hear what you’re up to next!
Lots of us here have followed the Nike Run Club half marathon plan and really enjoyed it. You might like to pop over to the recently renamed “Fun Beyond 10k” forum (which used to be marathon) where there’ll also be loads of great support and advice.
My top tip is to start taking strength work a bit more seriously as early as you can. That will help you stay off the injury couch. Runner’s World recently had a great podcast on the subject and I’ll try and find a link.
Thanks & Thanks for the information. There's a group of us planning to start training properly in the new year although having said that I'm looking at the half marathon as an experience and not expecting a fast time.
So good to see you and sorry for this later reply! This is a super post and will be so useful for others to read!
The Half Marathon? Just go for it... plenty of time to prepare and just focus on the taking part and fun bit of it...I did my first at 69!
You are doing wonderfully and now you are back, please do stay around with us and maybe pop into the Catch up Corner at some point, to share your running adventures? x
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