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 !!!!
Flying Start to the Year!
Bridge-to-10K: Week 6 Run 2
Eek! This arrived in the post today...😀
1st runniversary, what a year!
wave 1 for cambrige half
