NRC 10k Plan: 4k Finish Lines (aka “[blank] is why I’m running today”)

[MissUnderstanding]

I really enjoyed this run. I’ve done quite a lot of starting lines runs where you finish the sentence but this was the first finish lines version. The format really works. Every few minutes there’s a new question to think about and they’re a nice mix of running themed with a bit of other stuff in there too. The only issue I have with distance runs is my app struggles for GPS because I run in an area with rubbish signal. Occasionally, it was a long time between questions as my phone didn’t realise I’d covered the distance needed to trigger the next question. If you live somewhere more sensible, hopefully that won’t be a problem for you!

The actual run is did was really nice too. It was finally dry and the massive puddle had drained enough to pick a path around the edge rather than paddling through so my feet didn’t get soaked. I’ve never thought about how comfy my socks felt as much as today! After the recent weather, a massive treat! I did an old couch to 5k route which is a gentle climb on the way out and a gentle downhill on the way back. It was like a catch up with an old friend. I’m in a good routine at the moment and starting to feel fitter again. That’s such a nice position to be in.

My favourite question from Coach B was to complete the sentence “[blank] is why I’m running today””. There could have been lots of reasons and these are all reasons I run: To enjoy nature (see photo of buzzard spotted on this run!). Because I want to stay fit. The simple enjoyment of doing something active. Because I want to get back to running 10k regularly. To combat middle aged spread! To enjoy time with my husband doing something active. So I can take part in an event coming up in June. To explore somewhere new. To test out new trainers. To destress after a tricky day. To push myself and enjoy the rush of running really fast. I’m sure there are more too!

Today’s run was all about commitment. I’ve committed to taking on this training plan and this run was just next. There was a gap in the afternoon schedule so I went out without too much thinking about it. Trainers on and get on with it. Just an ordinary run. I felt very pleased with myself afterwards!

Big shout out to all my fellow runners out there just running (or resting!), and an especially big hello to all the others doing this plan. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!

[GTFC Graduate10]

This says it all... 'I’m in a good routine at the moment and starting to feel fitter again. That’s such a nice position to be in.' Just awesome MissUnderstanding 👏👏👏👏

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GTFC]

Thank you! It’s so nice to feel like I’m going forwards. There’s so much positivity around at the moment-it’s lovely!!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

What a great run! Love those thought provoking questions Coach B comes up with.

Well done, this is my next run

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thank you and enjoy! I didn’t want to post tok many spoilers and ruin the excitement about the next question!! I’m skipping the “first speed run” this week with a very minor neck issue. I’ve slept awkwardly and it’s been sore for a few days. Annoying that I can do lifts with all sorts of weights on me but the thing that hurts my neck is going to bed! 😂. Hey ho. I’ve had it before and it doesn’t last long. Yoga and a walk did me right today!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

If it's not too much of a spoiler for other people reading this, I'm ashamed to admit that when he asked what I was most looking forward to today the only thing I could think of was my breakfast

Hope your neck sorts itself out soon, how annoying for you (and painful)

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

There’s no shame in that at all! Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day! I was looking forward to going to B and M Bargains to buy storage boxes…rock and roll! I don’t think that too much of a spoiler. I noted down all the questions and half thought about putting them all up. Thought that was a bit much. It’s nice to share our favourite bits!

Thanks for the good wishes. Luckily it’s the sort of thing that’s better when I’m moving and I know doesn’t last long.

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

I think that’s fair 😀. Often the thought of lunch is the thing that keeps me going 😋

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

How good is that then? The more I read the more I'm looking forward to this plan 😁

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you! It’s got me really fired up and in a positive place. Plans are so good for that! I think you’ll have a great time with it when the time is right!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Good to know that you are feeling it... and you can get back where you wish to be...

Going forward is the thing isn't it? It matters not, the pace really, as long as we gently and safely and enjoyably, keep that positivity and that forward movement?

I love the runs with question and answer, and it makes me giggle when I wonder what folk must think, as I am talking to mid air!

Very well done my friend, it is so good to know you are on the mend! xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much! The neck is pretty much back to normal today ready for starting a new week tomorrow. Really appreciate the support ❤️❤️❤️

Here’s to lots more giggling at the air runs! You’re not alone there!

[misswobble Graduate10]

I love the call and return stuff with Coach B 🙂. The runs fly by 😀👍🏃‍♀️

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Totally agree! I think they’re my favourite types of easy run!

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I think the 35 minute recovery run I did yesterday with CB and Andy P was new. It was lovely 🙂🏃‍♀️

[Vespina Graduate10]

Ooh, how lovely to see a buzzard. That’s special. Glad you enjoyed your run. I haven’t been in the Nike app for a while but I’m loving Coach Bennett’s podcast. I’ve defected to that (and The Running Channel’s podcast too)

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Vespina]

I’d had a bit of a break from Coach B before this new plan and it was nice to go back and catch up with an old friend! I keep meaning to check out his podcast. I’ve really got into running with talking podcasts for my chilled runs. It keeps me steady but doesn’t work with other talking stuff at the same time! I often listen to non-running based stuff but I like the Women’s Running podcast (I can really relate to the presenters who have ups and downs and similar struggles to me!) and the Runner’s World podcast has done some great ones recently on common running injuries.

We often get buzzards round here and they’re wonderful to see, especially in flight. It was a bonus to get one who sat for a photo!

Lovely to spot you hear again… and did I see you earned a new badge over on Fun Beyond 10k? Massive, massive congratulations for that! 🏅👩‍🎓🏅🎉

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

If you like the guided runs, you might like his podcast. He’s his usual upbeat self, just slightly less edited (read: more rambling but in a fun way). I’ll have to check out the Women’s Running pod. Thanks for the info.

And thanks for the congratulations. Finally managed to get beyond 10 miles on today’s run for my first half since I started running again.