That was one psychologically challenging run!

[Jenner78]

Today I started week 9 and after my last run of week 8 I was keen to begin the final week of the plan but I woke up today really not in a focused frame of mind.

Over the past 10 days I have written over 8000 words on two uni assignments and having to pull an allnighter on Wednesday to get the final one done and ready to hand in by 12 yesterday has left me stressed and fatigued to say the least but I think it reflected in my run today

I had a beautiful nights sleep after only 2 hours the day before and then not getting home until gone half 10 last night but as I set off on my run I just wasn't feeling it. Physically it was fine but mentally I just kept trying to find a way of cutting my run short even my hubby said that we should cut off the last 2k and head for home. But I would have felt so much worse if I hadn't completed my run and I kept telling myself that my mood would soon pick up and the endorphins would begin to tickle their way through my body and they did Around the 15 minute mark I felt a huge surge of determination and confidence sweep over me, my legs felt less heavy and I felt comfortable in my running rhythm. It was like I had an invisible person pushing and cheering me along!

I reached 5k at 30:45 which given that it was at the tail end of the school run and the fact we ran past two local primary schools isn't too bad considering the amount of parents, childminders, toddlers, dogs, pushchairs and the crazy school run drivers we had to dodge.

I am so glad I stuck with it today. 9 weeks ago I would have quit at the slightest excuse but today I am so chuffed to have the strength to tell myself 'no, you can do this and are doing this' which is such a great thing to have learned in such a short amount of time. I feel very positive now I think I might treat myself to some retail therapy as a little reward for my efforts today. He he!

[Rockette]

Well done , yes some runs are mentally challenging & especially after a wk you have had you did fantastic what a great time ! I'm jealouse!!!!! Ha ha typical female response , retail therapy , I did exactly same as you on that wk I bought loads of running gear , well done & congratulations .

[Jenner78 Graduate in reply to Rockette]

It was one heck of a hard one to crack but I am so glad I did. My mood is still picking up, it's set me up for the day.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

fantastic that you have found that inner voice that pushes you along. Mine has been on holiday for a wee while and has just reared her head again, my old friend. You have a great time and distance as well. happy running.

[Jenner78 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Brilliant. Well done for sticking at it!

[Jenner78 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks Ullyrunner, I am chuffed that I did.

[Fattytumtum Graduate]

Fabulous, you kept at it. Well done I'm hugely jealous of your time. I'm still way over 40 minutes for 5K!!!!

[Jenner78 Graduate in reply to Fattytumtum]

Thank you. I don't feel like I am running at any considerable amount of speed I just plod on in a steady rhythm. I am really hoping I get near to a flat 30 minutes by graduation.

[moger Graduate]

well dne great time for first time keep it up the 10 k will be calling you soon happy runnning

[Jenner78 Graduate in reply to moger]

Thank you. I already have a 10k plan lined up ready for after graduation and have entered two 10k races one in May and the race for life in July. I am really hoping that I progress on the new plan as well as I have on the c25k because I have absolutely loved every minute of it so far.