Race for Life 5k goal reached today

[Nellyharte]

I just wrote a very long post and lost it so this one is the shortened version. On 1st April this year I started C25K so I could run and fundraise in this race for a close friend I lost. Well today was very emotional as I did it!! If anyone told me last April I would have no problem running 5k today I would have laughed. Great day, atmosphere and camaraderie was brilliant and even though it took ages to get everyone over the start line I still finished in 35.23 mins which I am thrilled with. Now like all recent graduates do I try and trim that time down or kick on for the 10k training?? One thing I know is I am on a roll and not stopping now. As well as the R4L challenge I wanted to be a fit and fun mom for my young twins and this was very rewarding having them with me and see me run. I hope this post encourages everyone who has recently started to get out there and keep running and having a goal is a great way to get through the tough days. Good luck!

[poppypug Graduate]

Hi Nelly, Well done ! What a lovely photo, your little ones are soooooo adorable Many congratulations on your achievement today, your friend would have been so proud of you . I am doing the Week 9 Run 3 runs for a bit, Ive got my R4L on the 29th ( I think ) of June. After that, I am going to try all sorts I think, its great knowing that you can just get your gear on and go out and run- FREEDOM !

Happy Running, and you look great ,by the way xxx

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

What a great post! Well done, you did brilliantly! Must have been so emotional, especially when you crossed the finish line! Be really proud of yourself as you have accomplished a brilliant achievement.

You could work steadily up to 10k, or whatever you feel suits you, maybe incorporating a bit of speed on some runs, to increase your 5K time, doing Parkruns too. So many options, and it's not always easy to decide!

Great photo too!

[Nellyharte Graduate in reply to Miles_Yonder]

Thanks m_y for the tips, I think i will concentrate on the 5k parkruns like you said until I am really comfortable doing them in a decent time while using the next podcasts for stamina and speed.

You are still the best post writer on this forum so keep it up pls, I don't always have time to respond but I never miss one!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Congratulations Nelly, a great achievement, in a great cause, a great time and a really great photo of you and your littlies. Take time to enjoy your success today as you plan what to do next in your running adventure

[Doodle1 Graduate]

Fantastic. Many congratulations and good luck for all your future runs too.

[paul2014 Graduate]

Fantastic achievement, Nelly and well done. An inspirational post if ever I read one. Congratulations

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done - a great goal achieved

[Nellyharte Graduate]

Thanks everyone and without you all I wouldn't have been able to get thru it. As I said my first post was much longer and it did talk about how excellent the forum is and how helpful and friendly everyone is. I am trying to do my bit now for the first timers starting up as it feels only right now that I have my wonderful graduate badge. :))

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I do my R4L a month today! Reading this brought a lump to my throat as I'm doing the race for my dad (on his birthday) and with today being Father's Day and all! Xx lovely photo xx

[Nellyharte Graduate in reply to PandaRunner]

It's a very emotional day so bring lots of tissues bit it is a wonderful way to mark your late dad's birthday. Best of luck and thanks for your kind post.

[PandaRunner Graduate in reply to Nellyharte]

I think I may need a rucksack full of tissues! Thank you for your support xx my dad will be looking down on me that day and saying 'since when did she run!' Lol he'd be proud but very shocked! Haha!

[Nellyharte Graduate]

Good advice thanks KittyKat I wasn't sure if 3 runs was just the training programme or a good plan for any runner so I will keep to that. By the way Fitmo was supposed to come today and walk/run but she had a problem and I will let her tell the forum herself but I hope she gets better soon.

[grannyjudes Graduate]

Well done Nellie, I can so relate to this as my reasons for starting C25K back in April was so as I could do a decent RFL for my gorgeous grand daughter who is fighting cancer. I bet I will cry as I complete it . Your twins are adorable by the way

[Nellyharte Graduate]

Let us know when your big day is and we will be thinking of you and your granddaughter. amazing that we both started in April for the same reason and here we are graduated and running our R4L. Well done us!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I think you can do both things -- kick on with some extra distance (not necessarily a "full on" "all exclusive " 10K programme" just yet ) - plus do a "speed/interval" type day to increase your 5K times. I reckon if you did in each week for a while -- one easy 5K non-stop day (a maintenance day) , one easy non-stop 5K++10% day and one day doing fast 1 minute intervals to help improve 5K times. Even the easy long runs - longer than 5K - will help with that.

[Nellyharte Graduate]

Thanks Bazza that sounds like the perfect programme for me actually so will give it a go. I have a friend begging me to do a 5 mile run at the end of July so that might work. Thanks for the help really appreciate it.