Sooo... I've been waiting to write this post since I started my C25K on the 14th of Jan. On Sunday I did my first race 10K chipped race !!!! Brace yourself its a long post.
I was set challenge to run a 10K by my speedy running sister ! She made this challenge as a throw away remark and she never thought for a minute I would or could do it. To be honest neither did I !!
So in November I downloaded the App and then bought running trousers and trainers. I then did nothing for 2 months. But in Jan I decided to give this running caper a go and I started the C25K programme. I decided to keep my running a secret from my sister and stupidly thought 'I know I'll run a 10K as a surprise for her!' Keeping this secret was to be a challenge in itself as she lives 5 mins walk from my house.
On the 14th of Jan I did my first run. I was 3 stone heavier than I am now and struggled to do the 60 seconds run. I stuck with the plan and ran in hail, rain, -1 degrees. I often run at night, in the dark, so I wasn't spotted. At the beginning I hated every minute of the run however each time I reminded myself I was going to surprise my sister and I was doing it for her.
As my runs increased I added more and more tunes to my playlist each one motivating me along the way. Still hating the run but gradually enjoying the the post run buzz. In March I graduated and I must admit I shed a tear at this point. So where now...
I joined Ju-Ju's Magic plan - thinking I'll never get to 10K but I was highly motivated to try. I also discovered Parkrun. Oh me - Parkrun - what a joy. They are the nicest and most encouraging bunch of people you can find.
All this time I am still hiding from my speedy sister. So many friends covered for me, even lied for me, so she didn't find out.
Last Sunday I set off to the race with her and our two life long friends. She thought we were spectating. A little lie got me away from the start of the race and I did my warm up, got changed and joined the end of the run and off I go.......
I'm not going to lie, the run was tough. Windy and an Out and Back Course. She passed me in the race at 2K but never saw me. Because of the route I passed the finish (which was also at 7K) just when she crossed the line. Even then she didn't see me. She finished at just over 42 mins and when she finished my friends explained what I was doing. She was over whelmed and very emotional. The cheer she gave me as I approached the finish at just over 1 hour 2 mins will stay with me forever.
My reason for writing this long post is for those are struggling with motivation or self belief. I set myself a goal of doing something way, way, way out of my comfort zone. I did it for me but knowing how proud and overwhelmed by sister would be got me off the sofa and out.
Sunday was a truly amazing day for me on so many levels. I have my first ever medal. But mostly I have a memory of achievement. So for those of you on Week 1, Week 3 or the dreaded 20 minutes run, YOU CAN DO THIS. If I can - anyone can !!! Set yourself the goal, aim high, don't worry about speed, pace, how you look, who sees you. Just bloody run !!!!
Written by
Laurzmum
Graduate
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OMG! You did it 👏👏👏 that's just bloody AWESOME, you are AWESOME!!!
I'm feeling a bit teary just reading your post. And I am so chuffed for you. It's been a long, tough battle but by heck you smashed it. I hope you are very proud of your achievement. Brilliant xxx 💗💗💗
Omg so pleased you did it! You started just after me on C25k and I’m pretty sure you mentioned this race even then. Well done and what a fab time! I need to do some more work to catch up! 🎉🏃🏻♀️🍾
You are an inspiration! I am on week 7 and was thinking of registering for a 10K in October. I was not sure but because of you I am signing up NOW! Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS 🎊🎉🎈
How fantastic! I teared up reading your beautiful story, your amazing achievement. Your sister is definitely super speedy, but your time is absolutely brilliant too! You must be so, so proud of yourself. If HM seems like getting carried away, there's always 10 miles ...😍
A great story, and thank you for sharing. No wonder your sister is proud of you! I've just completed w8r1 and been wondering what I will do when I finish c25k. I'm not going on to 10k, but your post shows how much is possible with the right motivation. Well done!
Ha! never say never. I think it only took me two weeks from graduation before I went from "no VRB's I'm not running further than 5k" to "woo hoo I'm doing Jujus magic plan"
I'm doing the timed version first as not regularly running 5k but already thinking I could do the distance version when she does the next class in the autumn 🤦♀️🤦♀️
Congratulations laurzmum, that’s a great post to inspire everyone, and your happiness is plain to see. How you you kept it secret I do not know, I haven’t stopped talking about running since I started last March 🤣🤣
It was a fab day. I thought of all my VRB when my legs were weary. C25K has changed me soo much. 6 months ago I knew dominoes deal of the day - not pace, stability shoes or hydration 😂
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Well done and congratulations!😀🍾💪🏽. I will start with my 10k training this Sunday then....fingers crossed.
Well done. You are amazing and inspiring. So happy for you. Thank you for sharing this.
I’m also a secret runner and run on a treadmill for fear of running outside and being laughed at. Haven’t told many people I’m doing this. My next run is my graduation run 😊
You’ll never be laughed at. I’m don’t look great when I run but no one has ever laughed at me. The dreadmill is tough mentally for me so I much prefer being out. Enjoy your graduation run !!!
Blimey-great time for your first 10k - well done. You have got a natural talent for running and if you have achieved that in 6 months it won’t be long before you are giving your sister a run for her money! Great job
What a fantastic story. Well done! Well done for doing it, well done for keeping it a secret, well done for persevering. I hope you can keep it up now you've reached your momentous goal.
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