Joining big school: As term comes to an end in... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Joining big school

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate
104 Replies

As term comes to an end in primary schools across the land (cue cheers from the many teachers here), lots of our young people have that feeling where they are moving onwards and upwards, leaving the first stage of their education and moving on to big school.

I graduated back in late May.

Since then I took 3 weeks of consolidation runs to reach 5k in the second half of June. Then I did a couple of weeks 4k-4k-5k and I’m coming to the end of a week of 5k-4k-5k.

I’ve put off doing anything else largely due to lack of confidence in my ability to do 5k runs and fear of trying to run further.

I’ve recognised that for what it is - gremlins - decided today that next week will see me start the Bridge to 10k programme.

That means I’m not going to post so much on here about my runs - I don’t want to put anyone off - but I will still very much be around offering bits of advice and trying to make sure those who need it get lifted or congratulated. Sadly I will still be around being as daft as always 🤣

I’m not confident I can make 10k, but I didn’t think I’d make 1 minute in the first week, or ever reach 5k later on.

Whatever run you have next, enjoy it x

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Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UK
Graduate
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104 Replies
mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate

Save me a desk over there, Jay! Shouldn’t be too long behind you. (And I’ve great faith you will make it to 10k. We just need to have faith in the new programme.) 😃👍

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate

It's your own unique journey at your own personal pace....you'll know when you are ready and you'll know how much and when to push yourself 😊

So happy you'll still be around....and big well done pat on the back for deciding on embarking on phase two of your journey.....!!!

Can't wait to hear your story unfold as it happens!!!

GoJay66UK!!

#Slayinggremlins!!!

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to Hotheels

I have to ask!!!!!........what animal/character "cub" do you have me marked as? 😁

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Hotheels

Haven’t figured out for sure. As I’ve said, I need to see reactions to the longer runs. There’s definitely a Tigger in there. But for some strange reason the shoes in your profile make me think of you as a baby giraffe.

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

😂😂😂😂😂 I'm 5"2.......that would be the first time I've ever been likened to a giraffe🦒.....baby or otherwise...lol!!🤣🤣🤣

Gloria the Hippo from Madagascar might be more my style 😉😉😉

But yeah.....I see what you mean. I'll ask again when I get to Week 9 🐌

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Hotheels

You do know hippos are one of the fastest runners?

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Really???!!!! Nope never knew that.....I thought they just wallow in mud to keep cool most of the time. Dont think ive ever seen footage of a hippo run......will have to look it up!!!! 😉

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to Hotheels

youtu.be/wcsugQucqZo

Yeah....think I definitely run like a hippo!!!😂😂🤣🤣😅😅

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Hotheels

Ha! I do too!!

Chrisj31 profile image
Chrisj31Graduate in reply to Hotheels

:D

in reply to Hotheels

What's this, what have I missed?? Am I getting an animal? 😁

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Easy. Snow Leopard.

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

🐆😊

in reply to Jay66UK

🐾 Love it! Thanks Jay!! 😁

Hotheels profile image
HotheelsGraduate in reply to

Jay has most here pinned down as animals/characters......he's got Fabulous450 down as a gazelle, Dee_N as a panther cub.....me as a potential baby giraffe but that might change to a hippo now.......😉

Elles78 profile image
Elles78Graduate

Good luck .... I’m aiming to be where you are now in a little more than a few weeks 🤔

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Elles78

Excellent.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

No you can’t opt out of posting your runs Jay66UK . How are you going to get advice from those who have been before you, or give inspiration to those behind? You know how important the support is and we really want to see you succeed at whatever distance you achieve. Good luck and happy running.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Dexy5

I’ll be posting my runs on the B210k forum and I certainly want and need to benefit from all of their collective wisdom.

What I don’t want is to discourage someone doing W1 by talking about how great it was running for an hour or something.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to Jay66UK

Sorry Jay I misunderstood your message.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Not a problem 😘

Saartjie profile image
SaartjieGraduate

Good luck Jay...you'll be absolutely fine. Lots of good people to give you advice who went before you 😊

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71

You’ll be fine Jay - I’ll look after you. 💪🏼😎

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71

I’ve heard you are one of the ones to watch!

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK

How very dare you!! 😝

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71

🐅

in reply to Jay66UK

She is!!! Listening to her got me in bother 😆😆😆

Do the 10K Shazza, you're ready for it. Don't worry about the OH or getting the running bug, it's cool, get over here, I'll look after you...cue taking off and graduating months early!!! 😉

Gotta love her though, she's my inspiration! 🤩

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Yup. She inspires me too. She’s the quintessential panther.

David_G profile image
David_G

Hi Jay, congratulations on joining big school! 👍 Here everyone can do things at their own pace and there’s absolutely no pressure. 🙂 Everyone will be with you every step of the way, so nothing has changed. 😊

Keep posting, whatever you do. All the help, advice and support will be available as always, so just keep doing what you do and you’ll get there 😀

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate

Great post Jay - I'll be on consolidation for a couple of weeks and then heading up to see you there :)

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Equi-geek

Looking forward to it. Bring yer tshirt!

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Sure will!

CKem profile image
CKemGraduate

Good luck with your next challenge. You are so encouraging and have certainly motivated me of many occasions when I’ve found things tough!! Keep sharing updates - not sure I will ever do 10km but never say never I guess!!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to CKem

I never thought I’d reach W3.

As with everything, I’m holding on to reaching 10k gently and will do my best.

My original aim was late next May. Then before Christmas. Then before late September (“back in ‘63”). Now the first week of September 😳

My hard deadline is the Great Manchester run on 19th May 2019. And I could even walk bits of that if I had to!

HoagyM profile image
HoagyMGraduate

Welcome aboard Jay, you’ll be fine with the big kids, just be careful you don’t get in with the wrong crowd 😉

Lorijay profile image
LorijayGraduate in reply to HoagyM

Come on Hoagy , name names...lol..:)

in reply to HoagyM

Too late! 😂

QueenTea profile image
QueenTeaGraduate

Good for you Jay - you never know what you’re capable of until you try. Glad to hear you’ll still be around on here as I love reading your posts & seeing how much new gear you’ve bought. I’m still on the IC but hoping to get out again next week. X

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to QueenTea

Good luck with it next week.

QueenTea profile image
QueenTeaGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Thanks

SendWine profile image
SendWineGraduate

Please don't be a stranger, would miss your posts, I always have a smile on my face when I've read one 🤗

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

I'm sure you will get to 10k! Good luck! 😀😀

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

Good luck on your endeavour Jay! You’ll smash it. Please continue with your tips and quips though! 😀👍🏻🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Teddly22 profile image
Teddly22Graduate

If you set your mind on 10k I am sure you will get there!

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate

😱😱😱😭😭😭 OMG!! This means we have to go and buy you long trousers and Clarks shoes and everything!! Ugh. I hate endings ~ that's why I'll probably never consolidate this flipping 5k! 🤣 Crikey, you've been a proper rock on here ~ thank you for everything! (Pssst you are still my PT aren't you?) X

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

Don’t worry, I’ll never really leave 😘

As for the long trousers, I may be the first new boy in the history of big schools to start with a shirt too small for me and hoping to get smaller into it!

And happy to continue to be your PT as long as you need it.

(If anyone wants a consolidation programme once you’ve graduated I’m happy to share mine, based on all of the advice I’ve received here, and help try to tailor it for where you are on graduating and where you want to be. Just pm me.)

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

😬😬 Excited for you!!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

I wish I could say “that’s the effect I have on women” 🤣🤣🤣

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

🙈🤣

lez69 profile image
lez69Graduate

Good luck jay in "big school" and thanks for all the help and inspiration I've had from your posts. Go jay 😀😀😀 x

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate

Yes us primary teachers can’t wait for the holidays!!! 😊 ....of course you’ll be fine and don’t listen to those pesky gremlins!!

Don’t be a stranger 😘

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate in reply to Dee_N

Ps....before you go, what animal would I be!?? Maybe that’s unfair to ask after 3 weeks 🤔x

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Dee_N

It is early to tell. Lots about you reminds me a lot of one of “my cohort” who is very definitely a panther. I need to read about you doing the longer runs to know, but panther cub at the moment.

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Ooooh intriguing! I’ll take that 🙌🏽

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Dee_N

🙌

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

What about me? What about me? 😬😬

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

🦋

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

😱😱😱 because I flit about?? 🤣

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

No. Because you have grace and beauty and flit about 🤣🤣🤣

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

🤣🤣 you saved yourself there!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

It’s how I make my living.

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

😎

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate in reply to Flaraflarkin

😆

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Big coincidence....my husband has put on the film ‘black panther’ for us to watch 😂

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Dee_N

Ah it’s meant to be brilliant. Lots of breaking the 4th wall.

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Ace so far!

Dee_N profile image
Dee_NGraduate in reply to Dee_N

Flipping great film! First action film in a while that has kept me engaged throughout and I like action films!

18Windmill profile image
18WindmillGraduate

Wishing you the very best of luck on the other side. Hope to hear how you’re getting on every now and again. I have no doubt, whatever your goals are, that you’ll make it. Would like photos of all your medal. 👍👍👍 *sob!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to 18Windmill

I’ll still be around. You don’t lose me that easily.

owmeknees profile image
owmeknees

Good luck Jay! Have enjoyed all your posts. Maybe see you over there one day 👍😊

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to owmeknees

Hope so.

Lorijay profile image
LorijayGraduate

I have every confidence you can run 10k Jay and we will all enjoy big school together with Ripcurlrana71 leading the way, hang on I think she is lost in the distance but I think she'll camp out at the podium for us. You got this Jay :) :)

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Lorijay

She’ll be on half marathons soon!

Lorijay profile image
LorijayGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

You're not wrong there, we might not catch her but we will make 10k!! We made 5k just double it :) :) simples..

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Lorijay

Yup. 😱

Good luck with the bridge to 10k Jay Xxx

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to

Thanks!!

Jelon profile image
JelonGraduate

Good luck with the 10k programme. I’m seriously considering starting soon! I’ve completed 3 weeks of consolidation and also now know I can run 5k - just not under 30 mins! Keep those nips protected! 😊

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

I think you are ready to step onto the Bridge Jay.

No-one on it calls it big school by the way! 😉x

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thanks!

(But there are a number of us who do call it big school!)

Designbod profile image
DesignbodGraduate

Love that Tiny Buddha quote.

Good luck Jay. C25k has obviously been life changing for you already and you've been inspirational to others so it's all good. Enjoy Big School and hope to maybe see you on that side soon (Wk 9 next week - eeek).

You are officially a runner 🏃 👏

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Designbod

Enjoy week 9. It opens big opportunities.

Designbod profile image
DesignbodGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Thanks, I'm wondering about repeating Wk 8 first as I've not completed the 28 mins of running without small stops in Wk 8 as was outside and up/down v steep hills. Need to find some softer, flatter terrain as feel returning to the treadmill is mildly 'cheating' 😆

Then I'm looking forward (sort of) to week 9 😜

Have fun with the big boys and girls 😊🏃🥂

May I PM you for your consolation plan?.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Designbod

Of course. Key thing is what distance you make on your graduation run.

Designbod profile image
DesignbodGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

is that the case, rather than 30 mins constant running?

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Designbod

No. I mean for what you do next.

Kamia profile image
KamiaGraduate

Will miss your post but congratulations and onwards and upwards. Will hopefully see you on the flip side when I can finally move on to bridge to 10k.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

You can absolutely make 10k. We are a friendly lot on B 2-10k...give it a whirl xxx

Chrisj31 profile image
Chrisj31Graduate

Im doing a 10k plan jay. Which one you going to follow?

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Chrisj31

Ju-ju’s one on Bridge to 10k.

Chrisj31 profile image
Chrisj31Graduate in reply to Jay66UK

I believe sallenson started that one. But I havent seen him for ages :(

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Chrisj31

He’s back around. Posted today.

Goforitmama profile image
GoforitmamaGraduate

You can do it! I'm sure you will approach it with respect for yourself and will therefore achieve it without injury. Good luck.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Goforitmama

Thanks. I seem to have an unexpected reputation for being sensible!

Goforitmama profile image
GoforitmamaGraduate in reply to Jay66UK

Humble - yes,

Honest - yes

Likeable - definitely

A wordsmith - yes

Good legs - yes

Sensible - what! No way! Anyone who experiments with freezing shorts and posting photos of his nipples is just a wee bit touched 😎😀🏃

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Goforitmama

🤣🤣🤣 ::::blush:::::

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate

You’ll absolutely make 10k easily Jay, you’re already half way there consistently running 5 k and running three times a week. 👍

You won't put anyone off, have a little faith Jay! So pleased to have you back as a class-mate once again. 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

Jullaly profile image
JullalyGraduate

I’m doing a 5K race for life tomorrow if I manage that then I might ask if I can sit next to you in big school!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply to Jullaly

I’ll save you a seat with pleasure.

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate

You will smash it ... in a measured and steady way....setting a good example for us coming up behind... good luck!

DeeRunning profile image
DeeRunningGraduate

Well done on taking the next step, it certainly seems like the next right thing to do. I have absolutely no doubt you will achieve your goal. Enjoy the process x

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

You’ll be fine. It’s easier than c25k. Once you get into a rhythm you may find that you can just keep plodding on 👌🏽 I look forward to seeing you progress! Good luck Jay!

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

Jay, I hope you make lots of new friends in big school, and well done for taking that step, I can't even think about that yet.

Make sure you know them well before you post your nipple pics🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Enjoy the process, you will be 10k ing in no time at allow 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

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