Well, what a day its been, get yourself a drink, pull up a chair and I'll tell you all about it my running family ...
Today was to be my W9R3 run, my graduation from C25K run, and I had planned to do it in style with a 5K Park Run. But, my biker friends put a bit of pressure on me with a time constraint that in the end was easily achievable ...
My friends and I are part of a group called the MancRiders ... Manchester based, so that's where the name comes from, and each year we run a little internal competition a bit like a scatter rally where we have to go places and photograph them in exchange for points ... but we do this in aid of a charity, this year our chosen charity was FACT, the support and assist families with Autistic Children, this year we raised over £815 and presentation of the check and photoshoot, you guessed it .... was today ... I managed to convince them to put the time back half an hour to 11:30 to give me a fighting chance ...
The clock went off at 7:00 and I got straight out of bed at 7:20 , had breakfast of sausage sarnies with brown sauce and glass of juice, letting that settle and convert to lovely energy while I got my running gear on ... I planned on the making the 57 mile trip to FACT on the bike so also got my bike gear on, and packed some jeans and a t-shirt for after the run ...Got tot the park, parked up, and got stripped off, not such a revelation as I was already wearing my running gear. 8:45, time for my warmup session, a bit of fast walking and a bit of light jogging with some stretching to get all the joints lubricated and the muscles warmed up and ready to go ....
After a brief talk with the all the 1st timers, about the course and the scanning procedure ... "did you all bring your bar-codes" ... Damn it, I knew I had forgotten something, I wasn't on my own though, another girl had left hers .. next time we will still be 1st timers ...
9:00, the gun goes off and we are away, I was amazed [used that word a lot today] by the number of runners, I was towards the back, another fault that I will rectify next time, too many people walking and blocking the way with prams and dogs, nothing wrong with that, I was just in the wrong place within the peloton ...
Once we got going I was able to move forward, a lap of the boating lake and out onto the horse racing circuit ... the longest in Northern Europe ... the lady on MapMyRun interjected .. Time 6:23, Distance 1K, wow, I was doing OK even with the hoo-ha at the beginning ... keep it steady I could hear Michael saying (I didn't have a commentary today, just music ...) 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4, 1,2,3,4 MapMyRun butted in again, Time 13:37, distance 2k, nice one, keep going, it didn't seem very long before I got the 3k time, 19:20, but I'd turned the corner, and was facing "the hill". OMG, its a right drag, must be getting on for 700m/800m, keep going, keep the cadence the same, take slightly shorter strides, just like fell walking, I was up and over the hill, and approaching the boating lake, Time 25:40, Distance 4k, keep going, just keep going ... anti-clockwise around the boating lake, the pack was well thinned out, and I was able to up my pace a bit now we were on the level and the surface was tarmac ... rounding the last corner the end was in sight, time for a last burst of energy .... through the finishing funnel, collect a tag and get it scanned, not much point in that though - didn't have my bar-code ... I did shut down MapMyRun at the right time though so that's reasonable accurate.
I did it, I'd completed my first ever Park Run, a solid 5k run, no stopping, I barely altered my pace, save the last 1k. All in all I was a resounding success. and my time showed that I had run for 32:17, so, smashed my 34:01 sponsored 5K, and did it in one continuous run. I was well chuffed.
Right, back to the bike .... changed out of these running tights and top, in the car park ... gave everyone passing a shot at my white knickers, no fancy pants today ... gear on and I was off to Manchester ... time was just after 10, and my satnav said I would be there at 11:04, excellent timing ...
As it was I was there at 11:05, but still 20 minutes before everyone else. Didn't bother me I was on cloud 9 ...
Presentation over... a quick blast down the A628, Woodhead Pass, and back home. I was home by 2:00, and decided that as I had some shoes to take back for a refund, I would go to York and have a couple of hours of retail therapy ... so off I went, took the shoes back to Long Tall Sally, bought a Teal coloured velvet t-shirt, scrummy, and treat myself to coffee and cake ... small one mind, didn't want to waste all the hard work that went into getting the scales below 15st.
Shopping completed, I made my way home, and had tea, some pasta, followed by a lovely fruit salad, and a Gin and Tonic ... and some quiet reflection looking back on the events of the last couple of days.
I was in a dark place not too long ago, and most of you are aware of my path, back into the light, not everyone has access to people like you, you are a special bunch, you build us up, support us with the right words of encouragement, and that's just the running part of it. You have also been there for me, and my special journey. I wanted to thank you all for the support and friendship that you have shown me over the last few weeks, it really did help, it really did. Right place, right time, and to further echo that, there was an e-mail flyer from the Park Run people, it landed in my inbox yesterday evening, as I was taking to a mate about how my progress is being stifled at work by not being able to move on with my life until I retire ... In the e-mail as a link to a job, working for Park Run, which I have just applied for ... the running community just keeps on giving ... maybe ....
So, that's it, I have completed my 9 weeks, all that remain is for me to add my name to this months graduates ... and take my position on the top step for my brief moment of glory ....
I thank you all ....
Christene .... XXXX
Written by
Christene
Graduate
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crikey oh blimey What a day - congratulations, of course, are in order, and when I got to the end and saw you've applied for a job with Park Run... ! SO, so happy for you x
Thanks icklegui , its been a bit of a roller-coaster day, but I have loved every second of it ...and while I know there will be lots of people apply for the job, I just hope to get an interview ad they don't dismiss me without seeing me, I've been an IT manager for 25 years with a team of 20, and this job is basically admin with no management responsibility ... and that's right up my street for a retirement job ... fingers crossed.
Am still going to be around here though ... even though I have got through the week 9 barrier, I'm not going anywhere ...
Glad you're not going anywhere, except to more parkruns? And of course, I'm sure plenty of applicants for the job but still, you never know, and just applying must feel good knowing those great retirement jobs at least exist! Will have everything crossed for you.
I've been waiting patiently for your graduation post today and so glad it has arrived 🤗. What a wonderful graduation run you had and sounds like a great day all around. You should be very proud of all you have achieved over the last 9 weeks. I can't wait to read of your future adventures, you've come so far! There will be highs and there will be lows, but as you already know, we'll always be here for moral support (and the occasional kick in the tush, when needed 😂).
Thanks SaskAlliecat , today has been amazing, as was yesterday actually, my highs and lows are stabilising now, the lows are clearing off because Christene has kicked their tush right out of there ...
I'm not going anywhere, might have graduated C25K, but I love this little family, it would be good to hope that we never need to call for support in times of need, but its reassuring to know, and everyone should take note, that should we ever need a shoulder to cry on, or our tush kicked, there will be someone here who can do either of those things .... and I don't mean that as a joke, I'm serious. You have all helped me through some tough moments, and now its my turn to move forward and help others, if I can.
Slow and Steady, but apparently a bit of speed never hurts too ... !!!
I found I didn't post on this forum until my graduation post (just lurked) but now I can't stop 😆. It really is an amazing supportive family we have here. Very glad to hear you're sticking around! Good luck on the job, hopefully that will pan out too!
Lovely write up and really Well done on your parkrun . Massive Congratulations to you on your Graduation. You have come so far , and you should be so proud of yourself !!
I hope you love wherever youre running takes you from here , and hope you stick around as you are such an inspiration to us all .
Thank You poppypug , I'm not planning on moving on, might have graduated, and I loved the run by the way, but I will be hanging around here like a bad smell, hoping to interject with an odd, inspirational comment, and maybe the odd funny post too .... lol
Thanks IannodaTruffe , you, as much as anyone else here have helped my move on get to this point. You have been an inspiration to a lot of people, Ian, I hope I can aspire to do the same, on here and in other communities.
Glad you cleared that up Tim, I always thought it was a play on “I know the truth” and for that reasonI wouldn’t dare exaggerate my achievements or even tell a white lie to this forum just in case! 😉😂😂😂😂
Certainly is ! He’s the Godfather of this forum . He’s the Man ! xxx
What a fantastic day and graduation too! You should be riding cloud 9 now and for some time too, enjoy it. Running can be so mentally uplifting and I have found it has made such improvements in my own mental health. This is just the start of your running journey and you can now decide where you wish to go with it. Fab post!
Thank you Hidden , it certainly is uplifting, and I have found it has helped make some aspects of my life, and its multi faceted as you probably know, a lot easier to manage ...
Am enjoying the journey so far ... wonder where it will take me ....
What a wonderful, honest, uplifting, bloody lovely post!! Well done on becoming a graduate, you’ve earned it!! Now go grab that lovely shiny, polished badge and bask in the graduate glory that is yours for today and forever!!
Thanks Kimchoc08 , Oldfloss has just adorned my profile with the lovely piece of bling that you have mentioned ....
As I have said many times this evening, thanks for your help, support and even wise words .... lol, over the last few weeks. Its this type of support that helps people through their running and, as with me, helps people through their dark times too ...
What a fantastic post and such an amazing day. Huge congratulations on your park run and your graduation from C25k, you should be beaming from ear to ear. Step up to that podium and enjoy the limelight 🍾🎉🥇
That’s fantastic Christene, such a great day & a great post. You’ve come a long way & it is great to have such an encouraging poster as part of this forum.
Congratulations!! What a fantastic post, a fantastic graduation and an amazing day! Are you all grinned out yet? I work with autistic children, and there's a fair bit of autism in my family, so I would also like to thank you and your biking buddies for what you've achieved. You have changed your life dramatically, and en route helped to change others' lives too. Your bling and podium position are well deserved and I look forward to hearing about your post-grad antics. 😁
Thank you @Sandiscroll , it was a great day and will take some topping. We try to stay clear of the bigger charities, focusing on giving a little boost to the community heroes, like Dallas and Tracy who run FACT.
There will be, undoubtedly, be more running escapades, especially as I try to get up to 10k ... 🙄OMG 🤦🏼♀️
Thank you Millsie-J , I do like a good story ... the great work is easier to complete when there are your people on this community the cheer from the side-lines .... its so warming to know that you are here ....
Thank You Tinamum , my progress is as much a success of the community as much as it is mine. The support we get from each other, the admins and the mentors, is what keeps us going when the tough times kick in ...
Good luck with your progress .... I'll be watching out for you ...
lol, woodhead pass was blast (I hope its ok to say that), I'm only a Manc by invitation, I live on the White Rose side of the Penines, but we do get on rather well, and our charity work is close to our hearts.
I love the South West, will be visiting there 1st weekend in April, for the South West Peninsula Spring Rally .... another motorbike thing ...
Wow what a day! Brilliant post, very well done to you me dear! Sounds like you've got this running lark nailed. Look forward to reading your post grad reports!
Thanks Fishypieface , not so sure that I've got it nailed, pleased to have done the 5K at my graduation run, but the hard work starts now ... consolidating on the C25K program and then extending that to 10K - that, and securing employment that enables me to work as Christene, are my next objectives ...
Look at your shiny badge, look at your shiny badge **jumping up and down and pointing with excitement**
Bloody well done my lovely..!! ... and you know I mean that for everything you're achieving. You are undertaking so many journeys right now and I hope that the roads you travel and the paths you tread are smooth, flat and free of potholes 🙈
Enjoy this lovely graduation feeling, you've earned it 😘
OMG, your enthusiasm is infectious HeadInTheClouds , and you make me laugh out load so easily, do you do stand up comedy? you should, your humour is so natural ...
Thank you for your support, you have helped my tremendously in recent times, and for that I will always be grateful.
Graduation is a great badge to wear isn't it, not been so proud since I got head prefect at school .... still got that badge too (somehere)
Thank you Polly2810 , thank you so much. Yes, we are all here for each other and that's a massive thing that can help us over any obstacle that's in our path ...
Not too late for the paarty am I ?😆..No see you are still up on that podium Christene smiling and doing a happy dance.
I have been waiting for your run report too, and what a fabulous Graduation run that was. Thank you for taking us on your first Parkrun, it was really exciting...you are pretty quick you know and a hill demon 😈...lol..
It has been a pleasure running with you on your journey so far, and I know you will continue to be encouraging and an inspiration to everyone who joins in on this lovely forum. I did see you mention 10k? Ha, you thought no-one had noticed😊...Good luck with your continiung running adventures...we will be cheering you on all the way.👏👏👏👏👏
Never too late for any party Bluebirdrunner , though my happy dance has had to come to an end, legs are tired ...
The graduation run was a brilliant day, and I was well pleased with how I was able to sustain the regular speed throughout the whole 5k, shame about the Bar-Code, ah well, I'll be logged as a 1st timer next Saturday ....
Yes, I did mention 10K didn't I, and I'm not frightened to admit it ... need a couple of weeks proper consolidation on the 5K runs before I start extending my mileage (K'age), but it will come ...
Having Team C25K on the side-lines is very encouraging, for us all, at all stages of the program, lets keep cheering for us all ...
The badge is great isn't it, good job its not physical, I'd never take it of ... lol
XXX
What a great post and so lovely to see how you are progressing. Fingers crossed the Park Run folk see your potential and enthusiasm shining through. Good luck for your upcoming graduation...
Ooh I missed this! Well done Christene, sounds like a great run and a wonderful day all round. I really applaud what you did for FACT, a cause close to my heart. I am sure this is just the starting line, and please stick around - this forum is fantastic anyway, but it's also better with you in it
Thank you HeleneCorsa , it was a great run, and I actually enjoyed it ... this running affected my mental wellbeing ... in a truly positive way ... lol
What we did for FACT was nothing compared to the work that they do for the children and their parents. It was moment that pulled on my heart strings ... we usually try to support the really small charities, the ones that really need the money. Our small contribution will go a long way for them.
I'm not planning on going anywhere, will be sticking around as a member of this community for the unforeseeable future ... so look out for more long winded posts, no doubt some more emotional outbursts, some happy times and a lot more running ....
Well, that certainly was a day to remember! 😀 Very, very well done to you - lovely post which described the emotions so vividly, made me smile (especially the knicker part 😉)
Thanks skysue16 , it really was a day that I will remember for a very long time. Mmm, there was an earlier post when I got caught out at the gym wearing a pair of hearts and flowers pants, when surrounded by big, testosterone fuelled men ... I occasionally get a knickers line in there to lighten up the mood ....
Stick around, its not all pants, there will be more ...
Thank You Hidden , it was a bit of a Perfect Storm day wasn't it, not sure that will be repeated any time soon.
I'm not so sure about being a star, I'm just one of the runners that got captured by the gravity of the community, and I'm not unhappy that I can't escape.
Application has been sent .... the waiting game has commenced :-|
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