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
Written by
Sazzle44
Graduate
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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.
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.
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!😀
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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didn't manage to meet up with the other C25K runners sadly.
ridiculously pleased with myself!
Great run this morning.
Feeling much better!
Don't be a fool like me.
W9 R3 complete! Graduated!
