who is this woman- 5.15km tday, smashed it👊🏃‍♀️

[notquiteretired]

As some of you know, I graduated x3 weeks ago and after initial euphoria, felt flat going it solo in big school. I was way short of 5km but was well pleased to be running at all never mind for 30 mins, after 58 years of little more than dog walking. I posted this on the forum and had some really good advice and support from my lovely VRBs

Today I got up not really wanting to run but it was my designated day so set off a bit sulkily with an attitude of well if I do 20 mins thats ok but if I do 30 thats better. My couldnt care less attitude seemed to quieten the running gremlins and I was surprised to find I covered 5.15 km, me running over 5km, I could have cried, ok it took me 51 mins but I did it

Thanks to the support from everyone who took time to reply to me over last few month 😘

Anyone thinking of starting couch25k but doubting their ability please try it and we will be cheering you on🐢🏃‍♀️👍

[alisonr54 Graduate]

Well done 😄 it’s still 5k no matter how long it takes you. I haven’t quite made it to 5k yet, looking forward to that day! I’m pretty slow so looking to work on my speed first. I find I’m often better on those days when I set off feeling a bit like I can’t be bothered! Some days you can over think it.

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to alisonr54]

cheers alison54, yes I think mental state on the day defo helped, ran without pressure - snails and tortoises rule 👍😊

[backintime Graduate]

well done! your first 5K!

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to backintime]

cheers backintime, hope i get a few more now

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Absolutely brilliant - nice & slow is always best!! And it takes me about 50 mins to do 5k. I consolidated a few weeks of one 50 run per week & then gently & slowly upping the duration. I think there’s something lovely in these long slow runs. Once it cools down properly I’m going to try my first 10k - at my 🐌 pace of course!

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

thanks DiscoRunner and cheers for your posts along the way that kept me encouraged

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to notquiteretired]

😊 x

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

That’s brilliant. It doesn’t matter how long you took to run your 5k, it’s not a race. Snails 🐌 rule x

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Tazzy_wazzy]

thanks Tazzy- wazzy yes snails and tortoises rule the way, defo an apt description of my pace 😂

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

So you were going to do 20, then 30 but actually did 51?! Sounds like those gremlins were well and truly sent packing! Well done nqr, a lovely post again from you!

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

thanks Oldgirlruns, I just kept pushing on but giving myself permission to stop if I wanted- few mind games n on the day it worked

[Hidden]

Fabulous you!! Over 5k!! Absolutely fantastic. So glad you are enjoying your runs again now. Keep it up! 😊

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Hidden]

thanks Delly-dot and cheers for your support

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

That’s amazing, really well done, just fantastic! I’m in my fifties, I’ve just started but have historical knee issues and I’m just hoping the gradual build up will mean my knee can take it. You are an inspiration!

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

thanks Jazzyrunner, honestly I never dreamed I would be running, just a few months ago I couldnt so you can do it too, slow and steady, let your body become accustomed to the increased exercise and it will adapt 😊🏃‍♀️

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to notquiteretired]

Thank you, I’m feeling super motivated! 💪🏻🏃🏼‍♀️

[Granspeed Graduate]

Wahoo! Excellent news. 🎉 That’s such a big milestone to get to. Funny how many of us do it on a “don’t care, just going” day! 😄👏🏼

Now you know for sure you can manage Big School, anything could be in your running future. 👏🏼🎉👏🏼🎶🌈

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

cheers Granspeed, yes defo think mental attitude played a part 🤔👍

[Lbb62]

This is amazing. I cant imagine running that long atm . 25 minutes is sooo long especially the last 5. It's a great achievement xxx

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Lbb62]

cheers Lbb62, you can do it the programme will get you there, just keep a slow pace😊🏃‍♀️

[Lindsey-joy Graduate]

That's amazing! Well done you!

I'm edging closer but only at 35 minutes last week so not hitting the 5k mark yet. Going up to 40 mins this week so i hope to see the elusive distance creeping closer!

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Lindsey-joy]

hi Lindsey I have had good days n not so good, heat has played a part in that but I think my frame of mind too, was trying too hard i think to get to 5k n think this added pressure. Tried to follow advice from here of forget about distance n time n just run and on the day it worked, tmoro will see how it goes

best wishes to you, nice to hear from you, take care

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

Awesome 👏 👏

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Dalmorangie]

thanks Dalmorangie 😊