Popped my 5k cherry!

[Designbod]

Finally did it, a week after graduating I ran a whole 5k!! 💕🥂🏆

Never in my life have I managed a 5k run before - previous best was running 4K and brisk walking the remainder to get to a 5k, but in terms of total running, I'd managed 4.5k. It seems quite unbelievable when I could barely make the 30 seconds initially and this was a tough, hilly new route (they're all hilly in the East Sussex High Weald, as I'm discovering 🙄)

My time was just under 37 mins, which I'll aim to improve on.

I was spurred on by my new play list on my new earbuds very kindly recommended by @sutsha - thank you, they're fab!

Interestingly, I changed routes so I'd have the first half uphill and then turn back and it's obviously downhill back home. Thought this would be better than my usual route which is uphill in the second half but actually I had one of those lead-legs days and struggled with the 17 mins or so of constant uphill at the start, maybe because of the old Toxic Ten.

The local running club we're out and I were speeding by, even the fittest older gent I've seen outside of the London Marathon passed me by and he must have been in 70s, but boy was he lean, fit and going like stink! Just proves that running is for all ages.

I'd be interested to know thoughts on if you'd tackle a hill in the first or second half of your run if there was the choice ...?

Now wondering if I should drop to a shorter run next time and alternate with shorter and longer runs? Any advice appreciated 😊

Hope you've all had a great run / rest day.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Remember if other runners pass you it’s because they’re not going as far.

Wow... a whole km on your personal best? That’s 125% of your previous best... damn impressive. I’d be getting 37 put on a t-shirt after that. Hills too? Wanted it as tough as possible for that first 5k huh?

Love it... now you got a PB 5k to go at... I’m sure you’ll do it soon.

Way to go!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Excellent work! The first 5k is sweet! Well done 👌🏽

Second half for me 👍🏽

[Designbod Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

It is indeed! So second half steep?

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Designbod]

I’ve never done hills. Well not until last night. They say short hill repeats are best.

[Designbod Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Think I'm going to have to get in the car as I'm on top of a hill so any run is pretty much uphill back! Plus the hills are longer than my runs so there's no break until I turn round. Am going to research the short hill repeats and see what I can find around here. I've never run yet on the flat (only started running outside about a month ago). Might find I can go further on the flat!

[Equi-geek Graduate]

First half uphill for me - definitely! First time I did downhill then uphill I thought I’d die 🤣🤣

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

I’m eyeing up the Southsea parkrun... 200 miles away but it’s on the prom... how flat?

That and I used to live there and there could be some multi B vitamin complex drinks 🍺 afterwards.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

🤣👍

[Designbod Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Interesting. That would make most sense though, hence I was surprised at today.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Well done on your 5km 👍I'm keen to see what graduates are doing as I've yet to decide on a strategy for after the program...

[Designbod Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thank you (love the name 😆). There seems to be lots of programmes you could go onto next like the Stepping Stones app or Bridge to 10k but main advice just seems to be to 'consolidate' our running for a few weeks post grad. In truth, I'm not actually sure what that means in practice - assume it's just to keep running and get stronger /fitter, which is what I'm doing. Not sure if best to always be aiming for a min of 5k 3 times a week or mixing that with slightly shorter runs. The thought of 15k per week seems a tad tough but I'll just run for a long as I can 🏃

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi, congratulations! What a way to do your first 5k. I did my first 5k recently in a park run, and I'm intending to consolidate by running 30 minute runs for a few weeks, with another park run or two thrown in occasionally. However, I'm having to wait until my foot gets better (non-running injury, grrr!) so I'll have to ramp up again. I'll be adding in zumba too, so I'm interested to see what replies you get

[Designbod Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thank you 😊 And congratulations on your 5k. I'm gearing myself up for a Park run. 🏃

Sorry to hear about your injury, that's so frustrating. You're wise to take it back down and build up again.

Zumba's always great fun and good cardio! 💃

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

The park run was a great experience, the atmosphere is so supportive. Can't wait to do it again, you'll love it.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Yay! Well done! My first 5k was Monday. It's a great feeling of achievement! 😎