My event report - not the most flattering pict... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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My event report - not the most flattering picture but here is my red face worn with pride.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate
73 Replies

As I sit down to write this post I am in two minds on where to set the focus. Yesterday was great and inspirational to me in so many ways. I learnt a lot about myself and I realise I learnt these things through running and all the advice given on here so I am writing both versions. Both versions are true but have a slightly different view of the day. Both are positive but for different reasons. I was lucky enough to live both versions and take positive things from each.

Version one

Got to the event and it was packed. I was told the end count with charity runners was 14,000. I had had all my fuel and I was raring to go. I got in my 2hour + pen and started the slow walk towards the start. As we crossed the start I set of with a fantastic pace, one that I had never achieved before and I kept this speedy pace up for the first 5km. This was confirmed at the end of the event as my Garmin informed me I had 4 new records. I got my fastest ever 1km, 5km and 10km plus longest run. The day got hotter and hotter as time went by but I kept on going at a slightly slower pace and ran over the finish line to the cheering crowds as I fell hot and sweaty and red faced into my husbands arms. The support and cheering were great and helped to push me through the whole 3+ hours.

Version two

Woke up every 45 min from 3am in case I had missed the alarm. Travel to the venue was great and I met some people on the way. Running is such a social, chatty sport. It must be because everyone has a good amount of lovely endorphins to live on. I got there with only 10min to spare after I dropped my bag. The queues were 50 deep almost waiting to go to the loo so I made a decision I would be ok and went and found my pen. There were loos along the course if I needed to go. Strangely enough I didn't need to go all run.

The race started the same but when I crossed the start line my Garmin wasn't on run/walk and I didn't realise I just got so caught up I ran for 1km in 7.02. I tried for the next 6km to find my rhythm. I mentally had a discussion with my self whether to stop and start again but I could not bring myself to lose the HM on my record for my Garmin. The things that become important to you. So I made things easier and tried to adopt a 1/1 run walk so it was easier to keep up with. My pace was still quicker than my 2/1. (Note to self must try this out on training next)

At seven km I was lagging. I was hot and done in. By 10km I was wondering how on earth I could finish. All I could see was I had to do the whole thing again but I would take me a lot longer at a slower pace.

I made a decision. I am not a quitter but I felt like it, so a compromise was needed. I walked. I walked like the wind at a 9 - 9.35 pace but I walked for 10km. I did little spurts of running in that 10 km. There were two other girls that were at the same pace as me and they were run/ walking so I just made sure I kept up with them sometimes in front if I had a running spurt sometimes behind. We just kept an eye out for each other and egged each other on. We all finished close together.

I ran for the last 1.1km, this was pride. The roads were packed with so many people all shouting my name (names were put on our bibs with our number) telling me I could do it and I really wanted to look and feel like I could. Just As I was coming to the end my favourite running song came on and it made me smile the biggest smile and everything felt good so I went for it. It was a special feeling and I felt like a star. I was beaming like a Cheshire Cat and waving back at everyone. I thanked the steel bands as I ran past. They had been there all day helping the runners.

Am I upset, a little, am I disappointed, no. I completed and I did it within the time I set myself. So I have to take it as a win. Is it the way it's supposed to be done probably not, but as all of my friends have said over the last 24 hours your unique you always do stuff your own way and make it work.

So the up shot of the two versions. I have completed a half marathon in the time I wanted and had a great day. It's in the memory banks as one of my life achievements. So yes it was a gold star of a great day.

Would I do it again???? Past experience has told me never to say never. I used to say I never wanted to run!

Now to get over the aches, blisters ( still do not understand how an extra 25 min of running can produce so many blisters) and General soreness. Also I still have a beetroot face but that is down to sunburn. I must make sure I use sun cream more often while running.

As I always say take the positives from every run, there will always be some. Not least of all your off that couch. I was off the couch for 3:08:43.

Happy running to you all

Written by
Realfoodieclub profile image
Realfoodieclub
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73 Replies
AliJelliBelli profile image
AliJelliBelliGraduate

Wow, you're a legend, well done.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to AliJelliBelli

Thank you

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

RFC, I had to go back and re-read your post several times before I could work what you were a teeny bit upset about!

Makes me smile how hard it is to learn and re-learn and re-learn 'don't set off too fast' I love your 'two stories' - so true for many of us on our big endeavours (however big or small they are)

Here's hoping your skin is soon much more comfortable, head to toe.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to GoogleMe

Thank you. I know I say that to other people but sometimes everything just goes out of your brain, slow and steady is always my mantra.

Pigivi profile image
Pigivi

Wonderful report RFC!

Well done and lovely picture !

If you can try to go for a walk today, I did that last week and it really helped with the sore legs... , a nice slow swim can do miracles too! I let 2 days pass before running again, and was ok on a short run.

Enjoy the sense of a great achievement!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Pigivi

Thank you. I am walking around every 20 min just to keep my muscles going. I never knew my butt could feel like steel but not in a good way. Hehe.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

That's a fantastic report RFC and you did fantastically well. Your grit and determination really comes through and as you say this will be in your memory bank forever. Fab photo as it shows just how happy you are. Amazing job! x

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

Thank you. I think I was in shock yesterday it's taken a little while to sink in.

Wristy profile image
WristyGraduate

A bloody f**kin massive big thumbs up from me. Well done RFC!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Wristy

Thank you

goonkeepgoing profile image
goonkeepgoingGraduate

I love this post :)

Well done on an amazing achievement. Thank you for your honesty. You should be very proud :)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to goonkeepgoing

Thank you. I wanted to write a positive report but still be realistic.

Vixchile profile image
VixchileGraduate

What an amazing achievement, you should be so proud you did it!! HM is a b****y long way!!! You are inspiring to everyone here, because you prove to us all we can do it!! From taking on the c25k to HM, it's amazing!!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Vixchile

Thank you. I love a bit of a challenge. Running has brought out the kid in me, my husband shakes his head and laughs now when I say guess what Ive done.

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Fantastic write up RFC and a brilliant achievement !

Congratulations to you on a magnificent HM ! All the very best to you and I hope you are having a nice relaxing rest up after that effort ! :-) xxx

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to poppypug

Thank you. Resting up as much as possible but I have to keep moving every 20 min or I seize up. Hehe the things we do to ourselves. Still it makes me smile ever time I start walking like a 100 year old, I earned it.

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

You must certainly did earn it ! Magnificent achievement . Many Congratulations xxx

Dunder2004 profile image
Dunder2004Graduate

Congratulations, again, RFC.

Lovely write up and great achievement.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Dunder2004

Thank you

Rob_and_his_westie profile image
Rob_and_his_westieGraduate

Absolutely fantastic and well done on sending your Garmin personal record dashboard into meltdown! I completely forgot about the toilets on the road - it looked quite strange with queues of runners outside them as I went past. Best bit for me, as you said, was the crowds and their enthusiasm. Unforgettable! Did you get a big rush from that lot cheering us on on the bridge just before Stratford? They're called the Run Dem Crew and they sound like a lot of fun. This is them cheering us on:

41.media.tumblr.com/1f3ca99...

and this is their website:

rundemcrew.com

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Rob_and_his_westie

Thank you. They were fanatsic. I am seriously thinking about maybe volunteering for next year as a Marshall Then You get a free place 2017. That way I might be better prepared. I mention that to my husband he just shook his head and laughed at me as He watched me hobble round the house.

Rob_and_his_westie profile image
Rob_and_his_westieGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

I'm hobbling too. I consider it a badge of honour......

Fitfor60 profile image
Fitfor60Graduate

Great report RFC . You did well girl. Inspiration to us all Be proud

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Fitfor60

Thank you.

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate

I like your idea of writing down the two sides to your story, celebrate and learn at the same time, well done.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Coddfish

Thank you. I think i will always be learning with running, there is just so much to work on and with. I love the challenge.

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

You did it! Fan-effing-tastic if you'll excuse my French. Great write up too xx

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Curlygurly2

Thank you.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

You did it ! You did it! Very well done RFG - no need for any regrets - you're a star!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Ullyrunner

Thank you

christian1 profile image
christian1Graduate

Brilliant Rfc. An inspiration to us all!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to christian1

Thank you

That is a great way to write up the event, RFC and a belated massive congratulations on your first HM (still catching up on everyone's news from yesterday!).

I think what you wrote is also a good way of looking at the event from an external and an internal way of running. To us and everyone else the first description is actually what we are hearing/reading: the fact that you were well prepared, achieved personal records and got round in a fab time in baking hot conditions. The second story is what we wrestle with internally using up mental energy but also using that energy to keep driving ourselves forward.

It's a massive gold star from me as well :)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to

Thank you. I know so much goes through your head as you run. I realise that on training runs I daydream and sort out a lot things but while your doing an event I found it very hard to zone out.

yup you are a Legend RFC , superb :D

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to

Thank you

Toonlou24 profile image
Toonlou24Graduate

Wow!!! That's excellent. Well done you. You did it!!!! What percentage of the population can say that? Sounds like a fab atmosphere!!! Makes me want to do one!!! Ish!!!! Xx

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Toonlou24

Thank you. The atmosphere was great I would do it again in a couple of years just to feel the buzz of the crowd.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

A great achievement by a great lady. Well done.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you. I love the fact that the power of this forum is portable, you can take it with you and pull all support out of the hat when it's needed.

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate

Brilliant stuff - wonderful post - reads like a thriller. Well done you. X

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Runon

Thank you. I am so glad it was a happy ending.

AndyD profile image
AndyDGraduate

Great stuff RFC... Well done, I'm sure you won't stop smiling for a while :-)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to AndyD

Thank you

5kOrBust profile image
5kOrBustGraduate

Bravo! I am in awe of you. What a fantastic run (and report). Very well done :) x

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to 5kOrBust

Thank you

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

I love that picture! 😊 fantastic report RFC, you did an amazing job! You should feel SO PROUD of yourself 😆

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to aliboo70

Thank you. Normally I would of hidden the picture but I keep saying to everyone wear your red face with pride, so I felt I had to practice what I preach.

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70 in reply to Realfoodieclub

its a GREAT pic!

c4ts profile image
c4tsGraduate

Well done RFC - you are inspiring because you have gone out and done it, in a way which suited you and you have achieved all the goals you set - and by the times on your watch 3 more as well. The blisters will heal soon and the soreness disappear - but you will have always run the Hackney HM.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to c4ts

Thank you. I was not expecting the garmin trophies they are an added bonus. I must tell myself now to not try and beat them for a while. I need some fun runs for a while.

Noaky12 profile image
Noaky12Graduate

Amazing job RFC. I've said it before & I'll say it again. I am in awe of you guys & gals doing these distances.

Feel proud, feel very very proud! ☺

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Noaky12

Thank you

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Well done RFC - you did a HM in 3 hours. That's fantastic however you look at it, so well done! What's next??

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Thank you. I've promised my husband I will have a break from the big stuff for a while, only because we have a lot going on and taking 2.5 hours out for training runs is a bit hard but I am signed up for the winter run 10km on 31 January.

ViaM profile image
ViaMGraduate

Writing two versions of the story = genius!

Running a HM = worth a round of applause!

Congratulations!!!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to ViaM

Thank you

Caroline69 profile image
Caroline69Graduate

Blimey Mrs, that is A M A Z I N G !

A fantabulous HM! I bow down to your awesomeness .... Great post too, love the two different versions of events ( so true).

Give yourself a round of applause, you must feel magnificent ☀️👏😍👏☀️

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Caroline69

Thank you

Baileyb profile image
BaileybGraduate

Wish I had seen you there Rob's westie (Bailey) would have given you one major high five. He was at the start line! You are an inspiration to us all. If you see a Westie on any of the pics then you can bet it's him. Thought my pic of rob and Bailey wasn't too shabby. If you can do it then I can certainly try. Again well done. So impressed.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Baileyb

Thank you. Guess what I was looking out for a westie just in case. I loved the picture they both look very proud. It was great atmosphere. Maybe if I Marshall it next year I can cheer you on. 😃

dagshar profile image
dagsharGraduate

Great report and great run! Well done - you can be so proud of your achievement!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to dagshar

Thank you

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate

this is such a wonderful post RFC. You've managed to capture the highs and lows so clearly. A HM is a massive achievement whether it's run or walked. Just the sheer bl**dy effort involved in propelling yourself forward for 13 miles is huge, whether you run it all, run/walk it or walk it all. So, whatever you do, feel supremely proud of what you achieved, you did something amazing :)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to AncientMum

Thank you. I learnt a lot yesterday. I think I would maybe in a few years time like to walk a marathon like allboo has. As I think running one would be out for me.

rr76 profile image
rr76Graduate

Congratulations RFC - you're a real inspiration. So much of this running lark is about what happens internally and not externally, and you captured that perfectly. Hope you are resting up and the achiness is getting better!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to rr76

Thank you. I am starting to feel a bit more normal now .

lizziebeth57 profile image
lizziebeth57Graduate

Well you did it RfC, your first half marathon.!!! Love your write up, it helps me to read about your varying experiences and emotions along the way and I really thank you for sharing both sides of the story. Of course the end result was the same - you did the half marathon in a great time. Many many congratulations for that great achievement. Hope you're not too stiff today x

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to lizziebeth57

Thank you, easing up nicely now. It's good how we can bounce back.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

wow...RFC you are amazing, I was thinking of you Sunday and I know how big this was for you....what a gorgeous blog, I totally love the versions you gave...and you are so right, how boring the world would be if we all approached this in the same way...we wouldn't have a blog for a start!! you are a amazing and well done from me for that fantastic achievement. Happy panthering xxxxx

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to ju-ju-

Thank you so much for your lovely words and all the encouragement to get me there. I really appreciate it. I promise I pushed and punished this body of mine and it was all worth it. Nearly back to normal now still got stiff glutes but a walk tomorrow should help that. As always happy panthering.

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate

Brilliant!! Well done you. It's a great achievement. Hope to emulate you sometime this year

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to OldNed

Thank you. I will keep watching this space, enjoy your training.

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