Groovy Snowmen, High Fiving Penguins and a Polar Bear hug.....

[Sazzle44]

Well nearly 9 months since graduating I took part in the 10K Manchester Winter Run in aid of Cancer Research UK last Sunday.

It was my first 10K and although I didn't feel particularly well prepared I was looking forward to it.

It was pretty hectic at the start and I'd arrived later than I would have liked, but I just had time to queue for the portaloos before setting off didn't manage to meet up with the other C25K runners sadly.

I have to say the atmosphere was fantastic and the warm up great fun if a little emotional - and then we were off under a blanket of artificial snow. I was a little apprehensive as my training hadn't gone to plan due to illness and I hadn't actually run 10K at all, but I told myself it didn't matter and I could walk if I wanted to. But I didn't at all which I'm most chuffed about.

The route was around the Etihad stadium (I'm a Red so I tried to ignore that aspect) and appeared a little repetitive (2 laps but some to'ing and fro'ing too) but it really didn't matter - the support of the crowd and the course volunteers dressed as snowmen and penguins saw to that.

I told myself I'd like to run 1 hour 20 minutes but that I wouldn't beat myself up if it was an hour and a half ( my average 5K is about 39 minutes when I run 3 or 4 times a week). But listen to this.........I did it in.....

1.11:49

Gobsmacked. And I felt brilliant too. I'm still smiling now.

So to all of you setting out, or part way on your C25K journey - you really can do it. I've never run in my life until last year. Now I'm out running between 12 and 15 miles a week and loving it. The health benefits are too numerous to mention and no matter how tough or daunting you find it or how long it takes you, you can do it!!

Sorry about the picture. Stick it on your fridge and use it as a diet aid or to scare the kids to bed

[Tomas Graduate]

Yay, that is a great time and a lot quicker than your target. Very, very impressive!

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Thank you Tomas ridiculously pleased with myself!

[Slowstart Graduate]

Wow, it must have been a good photographer to catch you before you whizzed by at such speed........you look great, so happy, so confident, so inspiring.

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to Slowstart]

Thank you very much Slowstart. My lovely hubby was there to support me and took it. I grinned like a fool all the way round but my sole purpose in posting was to give hope to those starting out - I was there less than a year ago and can't believe how far I've come - mainly down to the program and the amazing support on this forum.

[Slowstart Graduate in reply to Sazzle44]

I was one of those starters just before Christmas and stories just like yours are what got me started, so a big thank you for your post.

Hopefully, one day I will inspire someone with my own 10K story too

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Lovely pic and fantastic run Sazzle! So pleased for you! 🙂 I really hope to do a winter run next year, they sound fab! No wonder you are still smiling!😀

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra

[yamiskoi Graduate]

Wow, you really smashed your expectations!! That's incredible and very inspirational for someone like me who's just about to graduate and is wondering what to do next with running. It sounds like this run was a lot of fun as well as being a huge personal victory, so well done again!

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to yamiskoi]

Thank you- it really was a great experience - I can heartily recommend it

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Really well done Sazzle. Your first 10K is special and you did it in a fab time so you should be very proud, And that's a really lovely picture as you look so relaxed! I see your nails match your jacket. Lovely!

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you I enjoyed it so much - far more than I thought I would - didn't stop grinning all the way

[poppypug Graduate]

Woo Hoo Sazzle !! You certainly Razzle Dazzled 'em !

I am so glad you had a brilliant time and get you with your 1.11 !! Amazing !!!

Absolutely fantastic , you ROCK !!!!

I am deffo up for this next year, and I hope to see you in May at the GMR if you fancy it ?

Love the photo, you look GORGEOUS !!!!

Well done Sazz ! xxx

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Awww thanks Pp - you're too kind. I only signed up for it because you tipped me off about it!

I forgot to add I also managed to raise £400 for Cancer Research which made it even more worthwhile

And the first thing I did when I got home was sign up fir the GMR - so I'll see you there. I'll bring cake......

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Sazzle44]

Brilliant ! Oh it will be lovely to meet you - Fab !

You will enjoy the GMR, it is a fantastic event , really well organised and lots of support to get you around the course

Well done on the fund raising too, Sazz . An awesome achievement on all counts ! xxx

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I can't wait PP xxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Sazzle44]

Me too ! xxx

[aliboo70]

Congraulations Sazzle !that's a lovely picture! Glad you enjoyed it and totally smashed your target!😆

[Sazzle44 Graduate]

Thanks Ali - I'm still grinning

[Girlyswot Graduate]

That's brillliant Sazzle !! Great stuff, so pleased for you. Sorry to have missed you (I was about 2 mins behind you) ! The Snowmen, polar bears and penguins were great fun. Look forward to seeing you, Poppy and hopefully other C25kers next year. Happy Running ! x

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to Girlyswot]

I know.......how funny is it that we finished so close. I hope you were as pleased with your time as I was

Definitely be there again next year - just so I can grapple another polar bear have fun and keep up the great work - saw loads of the Fitmums and you all looked to be having a great time xxx

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done SAZ! Well done on that amazing time. 10k just rocks doesn't it 😊

Looking good there SAz 😊

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

First thing I thought was, you've got a pink running jacket!! Mine is charcoal but I'd love a pink one to match my asics. The photo is great, you look really happy and no wonder. Well done on time and distance. Have my first race coming up in May and undecided whether to sign up for the 5k or the 10k. Think it'll be the 5 for me though.

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Thank you! Go for the 10K - plenty of time to train for it

My pink running jacket was from Sainsburys! It's two sizes too big for me now but I love it

[carerof Graduate]

it is a great picture, well done you!!!!!!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Congratulations on a great time, and what a fab picture!

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Congratulations. A fab achievement and done with a smile too ☺ Well done!

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

Thank you! still grinning!

[rmnsuk Graduate]

Well done. That's a great time for a 10k. Was the first 5k a PB too? Good photo too.

I did the same run and knocked a chunk off both my 5k and 10k pb My photo's were predictably awful. I always look like i'm in pain whereas you look like your enjoying it.

[Sazzle44 Graduate in reply to rmnsuk]

Thank you! Yes it was......I knocked 2.5 minutes off my 5K PB!!!! First ever 10K so my benchmark now. Where I live is really hilly so I'm guessing the flat course is mostly responsible.

Hope you enjoyed it too