Well, that's it done!

[Reorte]

Last run of week 9 done! I went to my first Parkrun for this one. It's pretty flat but having any noticable hills at all was a new experience! Still, managed to run for half an hour before I dropped out for a bit of a walk, so it still counts! Looking at the time maybe I should've forced myself onwards there wasn't far to go (and I finished with a run), still got 32:11, very pleased with that for a first full 5k.

Well, I say done. I didn't quite quite manage non stop for Run 2, but I don't think stopping just long enough to do up an undone shoelace disqualifies it!

It's been an interesting journey, and one I've really enjoyed (for the most part). Think I'll consolidate the 5k for a couple of months, see if I can get under 30 minutes without nearly killing myself, and then look at moving forwards to 10k.

Best of luck to everyone still building towards this, you'll feel really pleased with yourself when you get there (and in my case surprise quite a few people who never expected me to try anything like this).

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

Congratulations Reorte , you can claim your Graduate badge here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You ran for 30 minutes so that most definitely counts. When you do Parkrun nobody judges you for walking anyway, some people hardly run at all. Your time is very respectable too, well done.

As you're eventually aiming to get to 10K you might find the Bridge to 10k group useful healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, take a day or two of rest and then enjoy your consolidation

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏 🙌🍾🎶🤗 Excellent news!!!

[Reorte Graduate]

Should add that I'd definitely recommend Parkrun it was a really friendly, welcoming, encouraging atmosphere (a bit like here).

[Cmoi Graduate]

Well done on completing C25K.

Fwiw, being able to run 5k in under 30 minutes is definitely not a prerequisite for running beyond 5k. I ran my first 10k before I managed a sub-30 5k. Since then I've done dozens of 10k+ distances, and a mere handful of sub-30 5k runs. Admittedly I hate running fast, and prefer hills to flat, but increasing your pace doesn't have to be a primary goal unless you want it to be.

[Reorte Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

That makes a great deal of sense, and it seems like it could be easy to talk yourself in to pushing goals that you don't enjoy achieving. Sub 30 is a goal I'd like to reach though and should be achievable (I've certainly no intention of being disappointed if I don't set world records!)

Hills are definitely on my list too. It opens up so much more, and I've noticed on those years where I do a bit more cycling than I usually do I end up (eventually!) quite enjoying the uphill challenge. I'd like to reach the same feeling with running.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Reorte]

Given that you've already completed parkrun in just over 32 minutes, and that if I'm not mistaken you're a few years younger than me, I'd say that your sub-30 goal is certainly achievable. 😀

I used to be more interested in trying to run faster. Then I realised that focusing on pace and PBs was spoiling my enjoyment of running, not enhancing it, so I stopped. I'd rather look at the scenery - or where I'm going, if I'm on the trails - than at my watch. As for hills, I've no choice if I want to run to and from home!

Enjoy finding what works for you.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congratulations and well done on your Parkrun - that’s fab time for a first 5K!🙂👍

[Dondontrying]

Congratulations, you beat the inner critic. "No it's hard you should probably stop now, yep that's it done etc etc". Just checking in what was your body saying I think it's important to catch at this critical milestone.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done ...Park Run is so useful...lots love it, some , it is not for them...You had a good run.

[Diadem70]

well done!!

I have just finished run 1 week 2 so have some way to go but really enjoying the feeling after actually running!!😉

Way to go Reorte xxx

[Reorte Graduate in reply to Diadem70]

Thanks!

Back near the start I looked at the later weeks and wondered how I was ever going to do that, but every step up seemed, well, not easier, but no harder than before, it really does build up. And I fully agree about the feeling afterwards, it's a bit addictive!

[VS1975 Graduate]

Well done 🥳 good luck on future endeavours.

[SlowRunner46 Graduate]

Congratulations, what a fantastic achievement!! Keep consolidating those runs and lovely that you are looking to the future with 10k.

[drl212 Graduate]

Very well done!!! And how great to make your last run a parkrun! Was that your first?

Sounds like you've got a plan for consolidating your runs. Speed will come with consistency.

Do keep us posted...and celebrate!

[Reorte Graduate in reply to drl212]

Yes, it was my first one. I'd decided that my goal was to finish with one fairly early on, and I'm very happy that it turned out so well.

[php-Rob Graduate]

Well done Reorte - I'm just over 20 Parkruns in and still at 40 minutes so 32:11 is a great time.

For the shoelace, with the classic bow, someone at Parkrun suggested putting a second turn around the first loop before pulling the second loop through - have not had a shoelace come undone since doing that.

Hope the description makes sense - there is a better description here:-

fieggen.com/shoelace/better...

There are also many different ways you can tie shoes so one of those is going to work for you.

[HorsePlay Graduate]

Brilliant! Congratulations! And excellent re: the Parkrun, and time!

[Reorte Graduate]

Went for my second parkrun this morning - and I got exactly the same time, 32:11 (despite no walking this time)! What are the odds, wishing I'd bought a lottery ticket too!

That all said there was a bit of shin pain afterwards, I'm really thinking I ought to give running a miss for a couple of weeks. I'm very reluctant to, I'm enjoying this, but it'll probably make sense in the long run.