Poppy Run Graduation

[cathsykes]

So today was the day

G-Day

Chose the Poppy Run in Nottingham as my Graduation Run and it was so tough

Despite an extra rest day I was sooo tired running round

The course began with an uphill run (I used part of my 5 min warm up) then a gradual decline approaching 1km

I got into my stride (OldFloss mantra - Slow it down)

Felt good BUT then the incline came - a looooong steady incline for over 1km

I was Slow - so slow I thought I might even come to a standstill

Then the descent to the lake - around the lake to yet another incline leading to the final descent to the finish line 🏁

Disappointing 53min finish time

😕

I know I have come a long way in the past 9 weeks but I also know I have so much more to do

It was a great experience - apparently there’s only 15 Poppy Runs this year so a pretty unique experience and 1 I definitely wouldn’t have done without C25k

And now??

I don’t really want to run in the dark (all my training so far has been outside)

What are thoughts on 1 day treadmill at gym and 1 Road Run each week?

Do I need to run 3x week?

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Well done you completed it congratulations on your graduation 👨‍🎓🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍time doesn’t matter but sense of achievement and self belief does x

[cathsykes in reply to Wantorun2013]

You are right about achievement and belief

I’m sure if the course had been flatter I’d have done <50 mins -but you can’t chose the course

At least I’ve practiced uphill running today

I usually plan my routes to be as level as possible

[Wantorun2013 Graduate in reply to cathsykes]

Yeh l haven’t done hills yet plenty of time for that😂🏃‍♀️👍

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

Well done on completing the poppy run. I think that's a great time, I've avoided inclines so far!

[cathsykes in reply to Cornet-Carolyn]

I too have planned my routes to be as level as possible

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Don't you dare feel disappointment!

You are a Graduate and at one time no one would have considered running Park run or any other kind of charity run until after Graduation!

You have done wonderfully.. so now... congratulations and bask in the glory!!!

Can you get out early morning? If not.. High viz.. head torch... etc...if you feel safe in your area... if not... a running group maybe? If you can, three times a week is great..but, as long as you keep running... fit it to your lifestyle

Keep posting for more support... but for now.. enjoy your success!

[cathsykes in reply to Oldfloss]

As always OldFloss Great advice

I’m not a morning person - and it’d still be dark as I’d need to run before getting ready for work

I have thought about lunch time running But not sure if I’ll be in a fit state to return to work in the afternoon

Not sure a group is for me I like the solitude - and time- when running

Think I just need to try out a couple of different strategies

I am not ready to give up but need to accommodate my new lifestyle

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to cathsykes]

You do what suits you best.... you will find the right way.

I am a lone runner too... like the thinking time I did my C25K in the dark of the Autumn and winter of 2015..but I did not have to go to work afterwards!

Have a think and if I can help with any thing.. let me know

[cathsykes in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you

[rolysmate Graduate]

Well done and congratulations and bugger me don't be disappointed that is some achievement

[cathsykes in reply to rolysmate]

Yeah I guess it is -But we always want more don’t we?

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to cathsykes]

well there's more to come for you will get stronger and hills like that wont hit you the same.

After graduation I did a 5k charity run, it was on a course I didn't know and had inclines 2 laps half down hill and hence the other half uphill

I completed it but boy I was buggered when I'd done

[cathsykes in reply to rolysmate]

Sounds much like me today

However I have just checked Mapmyrun

And

I have recorded my quickest average time per km

What an achievement

Now I feel truly chuffed

1st 5km n Quickest times

I’m on my way .....

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to cathsykes]

there you are you see all despondent and bugger me you've done your best run to date plus got a medal and teeshirt

[cathsykes in reply to rolysmate]

Indeed I did 😏

I have already washed T shirt so I can wear again

And Bling is proudly displayed 👍🏻

[J9_54 Graduate]

Ah huge congratulations Cathy I have been waiting for this post.

Well done you for graduating and completing what sounds a tough 5K. The time doesn't matter, you finished, you ran all the way and you did it for yourself to graduate and for a great cause. Be very proud of yourself. It's a fantastic achievement.

I have bought a second hand treadmill for the garage as I'm such a big scaredy cat about running in the dark. I'm trying to do the Park Run each Saturday morning which leaves me two runs during the week and, where I can, I'll jiggle my day to avoid the treadmill but as long as we're running the surface isn't important I don't think.

Good luck x

[cathsykes in reply to J9_54]

Thanks

Think treadmill/gym is going to take over 😕

I really like being outside BUT not in the dark 😟