Moving on up.......🎶....🎶....

[Madge50]

Hi gang,

I started C25K 3 years ago, it's taken me a long, long time to firstly graduate and then build my confidence on longer distances. I am slow, in fact very slow, but I don't care about that. Today I completed my first 10 miler, I picked one of the most challenging possible, (don't ask me why, it was a Dory moment - ohh look a race!) mostly off road, with a couple of evil, evil hills, and sharp downhills - what goes up....etc, .....but in between, fantastic woodland paths and views. And a few long horn cattle....

This was the Wimpole Hall, 10 miler and half marathon, put on by hoohaah (they do a series of 10k's around Cambridgeshire at NT properties and historic buildings)

Today has been a good day, the weather was just perfect, even a little drizzle at the end, just when I needed it, the surroundings beautiful - apart from the evil, evil hill at about 6 miles, it was an instrument of torture, and the lumpy field that just drained all the energy out of my legs on the last mile - it was the field I have spoken of before when I did the 10k at Wimpole, only Shaun the sheep and his mates trot about on it, so it's a nightmare. To avoid it next time I'll have to do the half marathon......😳

So this is me coming up to the finish line, sooooo happy to be at the end, what surprised me is my legs, where on earth did those muscles come from? My word! And don't look too close, that's more of a grimace than a smile - I tried really hard to smile! 😂

I really enjoyed it, great volunteers, lots of fab encouragement, took it slow and steady. I'd followed a training plan and did the 'taper' thing over the last 2 weeks. I have to say it works, I had loads of doubt about not doing enough , feeling a bit sluggish, really nervous.....etc., etc.,, but like C25K trust in your plan, listen to your body, if it seems too hard go slower.

Yes, I'm tired, my legs ache and slowly but surely they are stiffening up a bit - I will take twice as long to get down the stairs in the morning 😄, but I feel great, and very happy, it felt 'doable'.

My time was around 2hrs 5, really happy with that, my plan predicted 2.04.

I have said on here that, if this went well I'd be in for a half marathon early next year (Feb), and yes, I will, so that's it, I've made the promise, and to avoid that pesky sheep field, I just might do the HM at Wimpole too!......😄

Right, where do I sign up.......?...😉

Happy running all ☺️

Mx

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Inspirational!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

That is so kind, thank you very much, it's this site and its members that has kept me going many a time!

Mx

[Kmcm66]

Well done 😊

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Kmcm66]

Thank you very much

Mx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You look fabulous with your arms raised in victory..😊 Super run Madge you are an inspiration. x🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan, daughter took the photo, i was determined to try and smile. I think I even made the 'official' ones, usually I finish at the time they do the presentations, so the photographer is busy doing that.....

Mx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go Madge...out there , doing it and looking really fantastic! Super post

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss, this one had me a bit emotional, I am so happy right now, when it all works it's just amazing. Such a buzz.

Mx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I am not surprised.. it is wonderful!

When it comes together it is so good... and slow? What is slow...simply, the act of enjoying the whole experience, taking it all in, celebrating every moment of just being able to do it! (Especially the tough bits) Wow!

Inspirational

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

And I do like a chat.....well, you know what I mean....😄 , a conversation that takes a few K......

Mx

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done Madge! Keep it up!😊

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thanks Dave

Mx

[Scruffy64 Graduate]

That is amazing - I've only ever been to Wimpole once as a visitor in torrential rain, but what a beautiful place for an event. Truly motivational very well done

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Scruffy64]

Thanks, yes the hoohaah events are well worth a look, I've really enjoyed them, very welcoming, very laid back......you just might be tempted.....😄

Mx

[poppypug Graduate]

Woo Hoo Madge !

Atta Girl ! Look at you -you look flippin' amazing ! Yee-ahhh !

Really Well done our lovely lady, glad you enjoyed it , it sounds like a fab event and a great place to run .

And yes, get signed up for the HM , you will ace it ! xxx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks pops, the tapering thing really threw me, but I'm very happy to say , it's all true! It works!

I will have more confidence in it.....next time.....(yes, I said that....)😄

Mx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Oh and by the way, really looking forward to your HM report, I'll be thinking of you next Sunday - I'll be on a 10k, (already booked before the 10 miler) 😄

The pugster will smash it!

Mx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Thankyou so much Madge50 !

I will think of you too xxx

[AncientMum Graduate]

Oh Wow, well done Madge, great race report, great time and great photo. That sounds a really tough race and you absolutely smashed it. I think the HM is a great idea for you. You'll leave me standing when it comes to WFL

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thanks AM, no, we will go together on WFL, it'll take at least two of us to let DC's tyres down......and no, I'm not quick, and I like a chat......you'll be running away from me to get away from my chattering.....😄

Mx

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That's fabulous Madge! A big well done to you, it's a brilliant achievement and you look awsome! 💪 What plan did you use?

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP, I really am so happy. I used a 'my asics' plan, two runs a week, apart from this week which was 3 (2x very slow and the event)

Mx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Hi Madge

I am using Asics 2 runs a week too, it has been brilliant so far . I am really happy with it and I am injury free ( which is always a bonus ! ) xxx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Yes, I started getting really careful everywhere I went....including out shopping, looking out for places that could twist your ankles 😄 It was the taper bit that sent me squiwhiff , you know what, I had major faffidge a couple of days before, couldn't decide what kit to wear, and it included your kitchen drawer with the tea towels in......you know where you keep your race numbers....😄

Mx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I am suffering pre-race paranoia at the moment Madge. My hubby thought he was going down with a cold and I was like " Arrgh don't breathe on me , don't even look at me " Ha ha ! I have got a 2 runs this week in the dark and I am stressing about them, already.

I know what kit I am wearing , so that's one less thing to worry about , but all the rest is just like a massive ball of confusion in my head at the moment and I cant think straight !

I know I wont be completely calm until I am stood on that start line ! xxx

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Fantastic run and great photo!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you very much.

Mx

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You look remarkably happy! Well done on such an epic run. A HM is definitely within your grasp.

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks RWD, yep, I'm definitely going to have a go at the HM, and my legs are not as sore as I expected them to be.......the plan, just stick to the plan......😉

Mx

[Noaky12 Graduate]

I can definately see a huge smile on your face Madge. Flippin eck woman thats amazing. You go girl just fantastic. So so so well done. You rock Xxx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Noaky12]

Thank you so much Noaky 😊

Mx

[Anniemurph Graduate]

That's just brilliant, Madge, well done! You look so happy in the photo, it's inspirational

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks Anniemurph, that's very kind, its probably easy to be happy when it's over, but I must admit I enjoyed the whole thing, killer hills and lumpy field aside......😄

Mx

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Madge you're awesome!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

Ha, ha, not sure about that! But thanks useit, hope your return continues to go well....🤗

Mx

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Madge50]

All good so far thanks. Btw you are NOT slow. I dream of your pace. Ouch, I promised myself I'd stop comparing my pace to others! D'oh!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

Can't help it though can you? I'm the same, one minute all confident, the next thinking, who am I kidding? The HM runners shared the same finish line yesterday, there's me all happy etc., and the woman behind me with the red number has, oh just done another 3 miles in the time it's taken me to do 10........I know, I know....but, I must say the plan I followed really boosted my confidence as the speeds and time were realistic based on what I could actually do, and it adjusts as you go along.

Mx

[Robbiecabs2016 Graduate]

Well done - what an amazing achievement. The plan obviously worked well for you. Hope your not too sore this week.

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Robbiecabs2016]

Thank you very much, I'm not as sore as I expected, but I know the major muscle pain will come tomorrow......😬

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Aww Madge, you look great! Really fab shot! That's a mightily impressive time, that's not slow, that's around one hour for 10K, and didn't I read somewhere else you had to walk a bit of it? You must be pretty speedy on the running bits now. Mega congratulations, big hug xxx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Hi Curly, I was about 1hour 15 at 10k, I did walk a bit on the hills and especially the evil one 😈, It's certainly given me the confidence for a HM. Been out for a 'recovery' 5k this morning, very slow, but good, as there are is the matter of that 10k on Sunday........😄

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Yes, I realised after I posted, my maths is naff! I'm intending to go on Sunday, just need to catch up a bit...

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Whah hay! Excellent, I shall so look forward to seeing you, we can go round together. We'll be there by about 20 past nine, (getting the first park & ride bus from Madingley) and will be using the bag drop.

Ooohhhhh excited! 🤗

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I am now too! I spent all yesterday bending Baldy's ear about it, and the half...shall I see you by the bag drop then? I'll go over early and get my number, do they give you safety pins or do you have to provide your own? Do you usually do the warm up? I'll email you my phone number in case we can't find each other xx

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Great 😁 I can't remember if they had pins or not, probably best to take some just in case. We're sort of half hearted participants in the warm ups, not too bothered really, you'll have done a load of walking to get there anyway 😄

Mx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I won't, I live on the other side of Mitchums corner! When I did the Subway 5K last year it looked a bit strenuous, I was scared I'd pull something...Actually I almost never bother to warm up these days, I just run straight from my house...

[McFitty Graduate]

Right now, I want to be you! I want those legs too! What an amazing run, amazing picture and sooo motivational. Congratulations and Good luck with the half marathon!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Thank you so much Mcfitty, you'll get there. Ha ha, yes, I was surprised at my legs, not all running photos are flattering are they 😄. Don't focus in, my arms are a bit 'wing' like 😁.

The plan I followed has been great, and I would strongly recommend it. The worst bit was the 'taper' , but now I believe my more experienced running friends, it works! The training is indeed the hardest part.

The HM registration opens next week......I shall be poised with my fingers on the buttons....😁😁😁😁

Mx

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

Would you get a load of those legs?! Fabulous Madge! Look where 3 years of running has got you. Proud of you girl. You're so brave taking on a HM. I am not even considering it for myself yet.

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Thanks bop, I'm still after the elusive photo of both feet off the ground ! I guess that's why I keep going......😄 Well, I never thought I'd be doing this either, but it's the plan that has been key, it really boosted my confidence, so yep, I'm going for the HM......

Mx

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Good for you! Which plan have you been using?

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Asics, on their website you can get a free plan, 'my asics' . You put in your goal, what your current PB is, say for a 10k, or a 5k, then pick how many times a week you want to run and whether you want it to be easy, moderate or hard (there are 3 levels - I can't remember exactly what their terms are but I've seen recommendations to pick the lowest level!) and your time frame. It will give you a predicted race time - mine was spot on, I thought I'd be longer.

I run twice a week and it's worked for me, so I'm going to do another for the HM, you can move runs around and you can make it more interactive if you want to. I'd definitely recommend following a plan - you could come up with your own once you can see the principles. I must add I have done some cross training on non run days and will plan to increase this as I work towards the HM - mainly strength work, nothing too onorous, core, squats etc.,

Mx

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Thanks for that Madge. Made a note of it in case ambition strikes.

[mfamilias Graduate]

Well done -10 miles is 16 k, isn't it? Wow. Isn't it amazing to real size how far you've gone since W1R1? Kudos to you for the hill - I run on flat ground so I'd probably keel over if I met one on a course.

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Thanks, I told the steward at the top of evil hill that it was an instrument of torture, he just laughed and said (lied) it was easy from there on in.....😝 I did walk that bit.... didn't want to shred/kill my legs 😬

It's amazing isn't it, like poppypug said, you start off trying to look like your in a hurry to get somewhere, all embarrassed and wanting to hide, then you end up just wobbling along, grinning like an idiot when you get to the end of a 'race' , and boring everyone who is a non runner to tears with your tales of your running exploits! It has taken me over 3 years to get here, slow and steady! Or maybe just plain stubborn 😉

This site has a lot to answer for.....😄

Mx

[millwalki8 Graduate]

Well Done, need to get my mojo back

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to millwalki8]

Thanks millwalki, can't tempt you with cambourne next year? Hope you get your mojo back

Mx

[millwalki8 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I'll be there, hopefully mojo turned up Monday, lets see if he's back tomorrow

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to millwalki8]

Yay! Good news! Glad to hear it. I've got a plan to concentrate on getting stronger overall, rather than running loads. I'm not bothered about getting faster really, happy plodding along. Still running twice a week, parkrun + 1 other, but then doing some cross training twice a week, and core work - my plan starts this week 😄

Did Bonfire burn 10k on Sunday, then we've got one more at the end of November (a 10 miler) , then its head down to train for the Cambridge half......😬

Will definitely be signing up for Cambourne when it opens.

Hope your mojo doesn't do a flit now it's back.....

Mx