Screw it let's do it!

[Saartjie]

In the words of Mr. (Sir?) Branson and inspired by LoungeLizaard I just decided to go for the 5k tonight however long it took.

Well plotted a route on the OS maps app and I tracked it using 3 apps (and am discounting Fitbit as being stingy at 4.98) and I did it! First 5k...Yay!!! As it happens it took me 38 minutes and weirdly despite the colour of my face now, I felt like I could carry on!

At 15 mins I didn't think I'd make it but just kept it steady. I think setting the goal worked for me. If I say 30 mins I aim for that and then psychologically I'm done. Whatever...doesn't really matter. I thought I could do it and now I know I can 💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍

[18Windmill Graduate]

Well done. What a fantastic break through moment. Good to hear you could keep going too! 👍👍👍

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to 18Windmill]

Don't know if I actually could but it felt like it!

[mountaindreamer Graduate]

Huge well done! I think you’re right - the keeping going is all mental rather than physical. Great that you felt you could carry on even longer too. Obviously found your happy pace! 😃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🌟❤️

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to mountaindreamer]

I think I did. But not until about 20 mins in...very strange!

[mountaindreamer Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

I think that “toxic 10” time likes to keep us on our toes and lasts however long it wants to on any given day!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to mountaindreamer]

I know! I've had none for the last couple of runs 🤔

[Ripcurlrana71]

Ahhh Sarah so pleased for you!!! Well done - there’s no stopping you now! Xx

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Haha! Don't know about that 😆

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done!

That “running to the target” is why I swapped from durations to distances a couple of weeks ago. It’s made the biggest difference for me.

Enjoy the next run.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I think I might try it and see what difference it makes. Thanks J x

[owmeknees]

That’s brilliant, well done you! 👏👏👏

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

Thank you 😊

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Well done! Hope to get there very soon!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

You will Ang. I probably shouldnt have pushed it like I did but I fully intended to stop at 30 mins if I was struggling. Just felt like I needed to test myself 😉

[Crittermad Graduate]

Well done and great (and consistent) pace too! I’m not sure if I can set a distance on my Fitbit need to google that. Will remember it’s stingy and adjust accordingly 😂

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Crittermad]

Thank you! I only set the distance on the Nike Run and Samsung Health apps. My Fitbit I just pressed the run button on the actual watch then checked what it said at the end.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Brilliant Saartjie! 5k in 38 minutes. Well done!! ❤️

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks. Am quite pleased with myself and my little legs 🏃‍♀️

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Ooh Saartjie I'm liking that psychological twist! I've very much been "run for 30minutes" -and then I'm done! No risk of squeezing any more out of me! The mental blockers are on! 😱 Your post has really resonated with me ~ lightbulb moment 💡 Thank you! X

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

I know...For me too!

[Hidden]

Absolutely brilliant! You're right about the psychology and it can work for or against you!

#kudos 👏👏👏👏👏

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Please share any of your psychological tips...you are smashing it!

[Hidden in reply to Saartjie]

You just need to keep telling yourself, the training has got you this far, the programme is designed to be achievable and you can and will do this! Positive mindset before your runs and don't set yourself up for failure by heading out when you don't really have time, have things you should be doing or just don't feel up for it. In those circumstances I'd take an extra rest day. Better that than go out and feel like a failure because you couldn't fight off the gremlins.

You're doing amazing!

You ARE amazing!

You absolutely CAN do this. 😘

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks lovely 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Saartjie]

😉

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Brilliant run!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks. I have been very well behaved and done all my runs so far to the letter but really felt it was time as long as my body was willing 🙂

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

From your ‘ Plodding on’ post it looks like you have a great plan for moving on. Enjoy, you are a runner and next choices are all down to you.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

It's fab. I always wanted to be a runner with the freedom that would give me to get out and about while keeping fit. And now finally it's a reality! 😀👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[HoagyM Graduate]

Well done Sarah, and I think we should all use every psychological trick we can, when we need to, to get the runs done 😀 Some runs I like to just set off and see what happens, for others I know days in advance what my exact target will be.

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to HoagyM]

Thanks Hoagy 🙂

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

Yaaaaaaaaay! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️💕

Well done Sarah.... fantastic news..... I’m chuffed I’ve inspired someone lol!

Our times weren’t that different and I’m 6’4.... your legs must have been pumping girl!!!!

Now you know you can do it, keep to that distance for a week or two then start to inch it up..... when you can do that (that’s what im going to do) I think we’ll be ready for the B210K.... I’m going to do this for 4 weeks - around the 5-5.5k - don’t worry about time or if you need a little walk!

I feel like a proud uncle! ❤️❤️

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Ah...thank you. 🤗 Am feeling it this morning so not sure i can do that every time...not badly, just like my legs have had a good work out (which at 5'5" maybe they have 😂).

I love it how this place just spurs you on. Keep up the good work! X

[Tartiflette Graduate]

A very well done! A cracking time 👍🏼⭐️

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Tartiflette]

Thank you x

[QueenTea Graduate]

That’s brilliant - well done, you. 👏👏. That’s a really good time as well. 😉

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

Thanks Queenie...you'll be back soon enough. (Unless you decide to take up cycling instead! 😉) x

[QueenTea Graduate in reply to Saartjie]

No way - not in the gym anyway - it was soo boring. Have thought about getting a proper bike, but I'd be too scared to cycle in London!

You are doing so well, so hope to follow in your footsteps ☺

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to QueenTea]

I can understand that! You will make a come back don't worry...all in good time. Better safe than sorry 🤗

[QueenTea Graduate]

That’s brilliant - well done, you. 👏👏. That’s a really good time as well. 😉

[QueenTea Graduate]

That’s brilliant - well done, you. 👏👏. That’s a really good time as well. 😉

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Brilliant! First 5k is a proud moment!

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you! I really was prepared to stop if necessary...But so happy I didn't have to 😊

[SandieF Graduate]

That is fabulous!! Well done you!! I think you are absolutely spot on about setting limits and stopping at them. Mon I ran for 4.3k 36mins and felt great. Today I thought I’d just do the 30 mins, did only 3.74k and felt I couldn’t go another step, I was waiting for the 30 mins to be up. So following yours & Jay66UK example, it’s going to be all about the distance from now on. That much longed for 5k is still eluding me for now though 😏

Well done!! 👏👏👏

[Saartjie Graduate in reply to SandieF]

Thank you 😊 It has been elusive for me too Sandie. My distance for 30 mins isn't far off yours. I only did 3.8 the other day. I knew I could do 5k incl warm up walks so I just thought I would try and see what happened. Was always prepared to stop if i wasnt feeling it though (which at 15 mins I thought was definitely going to be the case!). If we keep at it, it will happen x