Warning: bit of a waffle 😜
I wanted to share with you all how chuffed I’m feeling. I graduated C25K on Christmas Eve and have been running 3 times a week ever since. In January I joined my local very friendly running club with a couple of girls (younger than me!) from work. It’s been hard work keeping up with them and always being at the back hasn’t always been easy but I know I will slowly get better so I try not to mind.
A few weeks ago we had a handicap race where the whole club set off and ran a 5k route. Depending on your time you were given a time handicap. I was in the back two with a good time of 34.14.
Tonight we ran the route again as a club memorial race for club members who have passed away. Their names were read out before the race.
This time was a little different. This time we set off according to our handicap. My fear came true. No one else with my handicap (of zero) took part so I set off alone ahead of about 50 runners. I felt like the hare at a greyhound race and in my bright neon orange top in the grey drizzle I looked like a beacon to follow (apparently 🤣). They gave me a great cheer as I set off and as the start was a big ‘C’ shape as I doubled back to run past behind them I got another one 🤣. I had the vision of setting off first and then gradually being passed by every runner until I was back in last place. I decided none of that mattered but that I wanted to improve my time. I managed a full mile and a quarter before the first runner passed me but at a speed that suggested her handicap was wrong. She was second to set off but is usually in a faster group so I think there may have been an error. Another quarter of a mile and the same thing happened. They sped ahead but I kept on plodding. It was nearly three quarters of a mile before anyone else passed me and then slowly a few more - almost every runner that passed congratulated me on doing so well. As we hit the last quarter of a mile the true ‘hares’ began to zoom past with their ‘fast finish’ pace. On the last 100m I decided to try to put a stop to the overtaking and pressed for the finish line. I was delighted to see my time was 33.16. Almost a full minute faster than just a few weeks ago!! I was so pleased with that. It was a great night even with the (welcome) heavy drizzle. The funniest sight was just past the finish line where everyone was gathered at the end and you could see the steam rising from us all in the rain.
That is now my 5k PB and I’m very proud and wanted to share it where people understand. And if you’ve stuck with me this far - thank you!! 😀
W5, R2 nailed... feeling chuffed!
Worried about my first race tomorrow - any advice please ?
Dead Chuffed 😀
My first runniversary - encouragement for new C25Kers
Caught in two minds
