Graduation! Running on empty but I did it!! :-)

[pianoteacher]

Busy few days for me with 3 funerals to play for in less than a week along with various other rehearsals.

Set off this morning excited about Graduation and the possibility of a 5k PB. Got halfway to the Parkrun start and realised I hadn't eaten anything since 230 yesterday afternoon! Contemplated going back for a banana but decided I would be able to do it as long as I didn't push it so made the decision to ditch the idea of a PB and just run a steady 5k instead.

So off I went along a breezy but warm seafront, through Bottle Alley - a covered area where my son and I like to play "Poo - Dog or Human?" on our runs 😂. Never quite sure where the 2.5km turn round point is without a cone and a man in a high vis but think I turned at the right point. All good!

Didn't feel like I might die as I came past the Azur - which I usually do in Parkrun. Came down the slope at the 4k mark and decided to have a sneeky peak at my timer to see how I was going - can't seem to help being competitive with myself despite the very wise words of everyone on this forum.

A 5 min last km would see me in in 30 mins so I went for it! To be honest it was never going to happen as I just don't possess that turn of speed - got beaten in a Mums' race at my son's primary school by a woman carrying a very small baby and I was properly trying 😂 So no PB today but I did manage 30:45 so pretty damn chuffed.

I know now that I can go faster over a shorter distance (which I need to be able to do) and really believe I can go further at a comfortable pace (which I would like to be able to do).

I came here 10 weeks ago to train for my Army entrance run truly believing that I hated running, I couldn't do it and everyone who did was mad! .... that last bit might be a little bit true

A massive thank you to all my virtual running buddies on this forum - I would name check you but don't want to forget anyone. This really is a very, very special corner of the internet.

Happy Running Everyone x

[Ripcurlrana71]

Soooo close but you still get a standing ovation from me!! Very very well done!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 CONGRATULATIONS!!!🍾🍾🍾🥂🥂🎓

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thank you! Pacers at Parkrun next Saturday so going to try sub 30 again then. Really excited to start Bridge to 10k on the 15th as well - see you over there x

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to pianoteacher]

Will save you a seat! X

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Up the front I hope - I'm a bit of a swot 😂

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to pianoteacher]

I can see you’re going to be demanding!!! Ok up front it is! 🤝

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Haha! I am a bit of a nightmare to be honest - own worst enemy. I took a Clarinet exam - quite a difficult one past grade 8 - a couple of months ago. Missed a distinction by one mark - cried and felt the whole thing was a complete failure. Very silly from a 43 year old! Stupid thing is I'm not even remotely competitive with other people - just myself

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to pianoteacher]

I thinks it’s a good thing! But I think us recent graduates do need to take a chill pill now and then! 😂

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Congratulations! So very happy for you! And so fast!! You're going to get the 30min 5k next time! Well done!!!! 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾😁😁

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Thanks Ang!! I think we've all got our "happy pace" and I'm comfortable running at that speed. Hope to go faster in time but want to go further first x

[Ang33333 Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Good luck!😁

[Cazza26 Graduate]

Well done, pianoteacher! It’s a great feeling, isn’t it?

I’m just gradually increasing my runs but nowhere near 5K yet - you’re doing great!! At the moment, I'm just enjoying my early morning runs in this beautiful weather!

Good luck with your future runs - you’ll smash that 30 mins very soon!

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Cazza26]

Thanks Cazza! Really glad you're enjoying it

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done!

You are at the speed I’m currently dreaming of in phase 3 of my consolidation, so I know moving up to 10k big school isn’t for me yet. But I’ll get there before I’m through.

Running with a pacer would be interesting, especially when the toxic 10 and mind gremlins get me.

Enjoy the next run x

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks Jay!

Don't forget that I started from a good fitness level - if I'd tried this 5 years ago there is no way I would have been anywhere near my current pace.

I saw on another post (think it might have been in the 10k forum?) Oldfloss saying that you don't have to be at 5k in 30 mins to move to longer distances or indeed ever - it's just an arbitrary number that's associated with 5k! Anyway I'm sure you'll know when you feel ready

Yes I think the pacer idea will be interesting! I found the last km really difficult when I ran 30 mins dead and will be a little bit worried I won't be able to keep up. If I can't they'll be plenty of other opportunities to have a go though - Risk nothing, do nothing

[Mumsygill Graduate]

Yippeeee!!! That’s brilliant and what a time too! Wow.

Get yourself up on the podium girl! Sooo pleased for you!🎉🏃🏼‍♀️🍾

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Mumsygill]

Thank you! See you up there soon

[DeeRunning Graduate]

Congratulations on an epic run. My goodness you are fast, nearly twice my speed with your 5 minute km 😂 Well done on going through the programme so well 👍

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Thanks! I wish it was a 5 min km - more like 5:45 but that'll do for me. Did Parkrun with my son last week and the way he sprinted the last 50m was unbelievable - he did go a bit green at the end mind 😂 My legs literally cannot carry me that fast.

Good Luck with the rest of your runs x

[Marvo69 Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

She's lightning fast! Gonna have to up my game!!

[Pippayoungart Graduate]

Well done! And an awesome distance in a breathtaking time!

Congratulations!

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Pippayoungart]

Thank you

[Guesty26 Graduate]

Congrats sunshine youve done ace, enjoy your day youve deserved it, keep at it theres more to do now, keep running 🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏆🏆🏆

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Guesty26]

Thanks Guesty! Looking forward to getting up to 10k x

[Guesty26 Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Me too kid me too, im trying to slow down at minute, blowing up after a first couple if miles cant seem to get past 4m comfortably, going for s slow one tmoz, enjoy your graduation weekend your son will be chuffed

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Congrats pianoteacher. You should be so proud of yourself. 🍾🥂🏆🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy! x

[DC1995 Graduate]

Amazing! Well done!!!

I’m going on my final run now, fingers crossed all goes well

[JoBC Graduate]

Congratulations you did it 🏃‍♂️👍🏻😊🍾 very well done X

[Marvo69 Graduate]

Yeeeeesssss !!!! Well done buddy! You look so lovely with that little graduate badge!!

Great effort congratulations, soooo proud of you!!

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Marvo69]

Aww thanks - stupidly chuffed about that badge

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Well done 🎉😃🎉😃🎉😃

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Yay well done 🎉😃🎉😃😆😃

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Aw sorry, saw this rather late. Sorry. Many congratulations all the same! 🎓🍾🥂🎉🎉🎉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️And all the very best for your onward running journey. I know what you mean about being competitive with yourself but not others.

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you! It's strange isn't it I've been like it as long as I can remember - can't do anything without giving it everything!

I started playing the Clarinet again about 4 years ago after a 20 year break with a view to just playing in some ensembles for fun. Have ended up practising for up to 2 hours a day and aiming for higher and higher qualifications 😂😂

[limberlou Graduate]

My daughter started running with me as SHE is training to try to get into the army too, her last chance as she is 31 this year. We graduated 3 weeks ago and she managed a 10k earlier this week but is still trying to get her speed up on short runs

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to limberlou]

I'm female and 43 - going into the TA as a Musician but you still have to pass the fitness tests and complete basic training.

My problem is speed as well - my stamina's ok but I've never been blessed with speed! Hopefully it will improve with more running - good luck to your daughter x

[limberlou Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

She is going in as an Engineer hopefully. She trained in Music Tech ( plays flute, guitar and trumpet too) and then went into Teaching and taught at Petroc College then South Essex College for 10 years altogether. Then decided on a change of career And is currently doing an Apprenticeship with the MOD.