This promised to be a momentous occasion. For the first time, UpTheStanley and cheekychipmunks were to run a Half Marathon and I was to run 10 miles. Virtually together.
We set the alarm for 7.00 and started our run at 9.05. A bit later than planned and we knew cheeky would have been well ahead of us. It was sunny from the outset and according to Mr Garmin, it was 12C with a 19kph north easterly breeze.
So the plan was that Stanley and I would run together for the ten miles and then he would finish at his pace. He had worked out a route which took us east as far as the Hayling Island Ferry, back west to the Pyramids centre, where I do Pilates, down the Lady’s Mile which is flanked by trees, and then turn east to join the route of the Great South Run for the last 7k. I was wearing my hydration vest so had a little sip of electrolyte water at each km and the reward of a date at the end of each 5k. At 10k I also had a nibble of energy bar and walked a little as I intend to do at the race water stops. Once I got running again I wasn’t aware of my watch beeping the 11k and 12k markers - maybe because this was new running territory up a slight incline past the Eastney Tavern and along a residential street. After a right turn we reached a known running route again and we both decided to make a quick visit to the public loo, because we could. We had run 13k at this point and the rest of the run was along the familiar prom. It felt like it had gone better than my 13k, 14k and 15k runs even though the temperature had increased a lot, especially when out of the breeze. I was constantly mopping my face with the Garmin wrist band I got in my New Forest Run goody bag, and my sunglasses kept steaming up, so I had to keep taking them off. The peaked cap was doing a good job.
Pace was going well at a steady average of 8:15, but my 15th km sped up to 7:57. I think it must have been the smell of the coffee ☕️ but Stanley thought I was being drawn by a runner in front of us. Then in the 16th km the knee niggle started up. I was so grateful that I had got this far before I felt the need to seriously Jeff. Stanley ran ahead and and then doubled back several times so that he saw me to the end. I tried to engage the glutes when I ran to take the pressure of my left knee and I’m pleased to say I was running over the finish line . In fact I ran 16:12 km just to make sure it counted as 10 miles on both Garmin and Strava. Yippee. I’ve done it. I can’t say I enjoyed it all but if it goes as well as that on the day, I will be very happy. I think I told GSR that I was aiming for 2:15 to 2:30 and today I did 2:14 plus 2mins for the loo break.
After my stretching exercises I headed for a coffee and half litre of water while Stanley did his additional 5k. That’s it - 10 miles is enough for me . No more. HM doesn’t tempt me at all.
I’m not sure what training I need to do over the next month, apart from tapering in the last week, but I’m sure that someone will advise me 😉
Written by
Dexy5
10 Miles
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well well Dexy5, you did it; never in doubt so far as I am concerned!! Massive congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏🍾🍾🍾🏆🥂🥇🥇🥇🏆.
The recommended post run procedure is to eat loads and get totally smashed!! I know that I can rely on you to do the necessary.😊What a hard running squad we are !! 😊😊
Ha ha Beachcomber66. It is down to cheeky , Stanley and you 2 musketeers that I got there, albeit a bit later.
It’s another day when food shopping has been written off, but Stanley is going fishing at the local chish & fip shop tonight. I have already wolfed a packet of crisps and a mars bar in the name of running. 😄
I had to reach for the chocolate as a gesture of solidarity. You did this Dexy5: other can encourage, but there is only one person putting one foot in front of the other ! Happy boozing 😊😊
Amazing run Dexy! How brilliant that your knee behaved and allowed you to achieve that fantastic landmark! Awesome - now we’re fully primed for the GSR, but after today I’m personally not running at all until PR! 😅🏃♀️👍👊🎉🏅
Me neither - we are joining lexi6 at Wilmslow on Saturday before heading up to Accrington to watch some footie. If necessary I will walk it, especially the upward slopes,
We will do. Like your meet in Boston, lexi’s visit just happened to be at a place we could get to, and we get to stay with good friends too, just before they go on holiday. It’s fate.
Brilliant! Beautifully done Dexy! 10 miles is a fantastic achievement and you should be so proud. 👏👏👏 And on such a hot day too - phew. Rest up well now, you have earned it. 😘 Hope the knee settles down soon. xxx
Thanks Sadie, like yours, the knee is fine when walking. I think the longer distance has aggravated it, but some clam shells must have helped as I went much further today.
Hmmm. Well, see what your physio says, dear Dexy, but yes, ITB syndrome does come on later into long runs, but bafflingly doesn’t hurt when walking. Keep up the clams! That’s one of the exercises my physio gave me. 👍 You did so well today! 10 MILES WOO HOO! xxx
Thanks you.... I have to say I was as thrilled to run 10 Miles as getting to 5K !! It was the furthest I had run ( at that point ) and I was so excited... it was hard !
Go you... and really well done...
PS
I have booked the Monsal Trail HM again next March
Mahoosive congratulations Dexy 👏🎉🏆💥🏃♀️ I never had any doubt that our band of musketeers would make it and it sounds like you had a really good run. Thank goodness the knee held out. It is such a long way isn’t it and I am still right there with you that 10 miles is my limit (in fact 10k after GSR). Enjoy your fish ‘n’ chips and a nice cold beer and put your feet up 😃😃😃
Thanks Sandie, it’s good to know that I can do it if I keep to that pace. Hopefully it will be a bit cooler on the day though. The breeze was behind me at the end too unlike the norm.
All for one and one for all - thanks to you and beachcomer66 for leading the way, and of course to my lovely Stanley for bearing with it at way below his normal pace. I bet his HR didn’t rise while running with me.
And I’ve got a 10 mile badge; someone is quick off the mark.
I am just following in everyone's footsteps on here, you are all showing the way : )
Now allergy season is gone and I can run outside I can increase in distance, couldn't bear much more than 10k on the treadmill lol. Just hope my tight calves become untight calves earlier in my run : )
I think 5k is my max on a treadmill so well done. Have you tried going a bit slower on the first km to ease your calves in a bit? Also keep up those calf stretching exercises, heel raises etc. You are doing great.
Yes, I am sort of obliged to go slow as they are tight then ince they loosen up I get a bit quicker. They loosen up a bit quicker if I kind of flex the non running foot in between strides lol...but that's kind of awkward
Congratulations Dexy - amazing effort with just over 4 weeks to go! Good time too in this unseasonably warm weather - I'm surprised you didn't stop off at the Eastney Tavern for some hydration! 👍🍻😀
Thanks JonathanP. If I’d stopped at the Eastney Tavern I definitely wouldn’t have finished the 10 miles. What started as a cool morning quickly warmed up. Despite my sunscreen my face is still a bit warm. 🥵
Yes, 10 miles is tough but you’ve done it so you know you can do it again. You’ll be fine for the GSR, it’s so much easier in a big group of people and you do a very sensible pace. And look at that lovely badge! Enjoy the glow of achievement and making up the calories you’ve just burnt off 😁👍👏👏
Thank you TailChaser. Fish and chips have never tasted so good as they did tonight. I’m not sure if I’ll get to Pilates tomorrow but it will probably be good for the body after today’s exertions.
I bet Dexy, naughty food really does taste so much better when you’ve earned it 😋 ! If you can, you really should do Pilates tomorrow, you’ll feel much better for it x
Thanks Linda. The day was as bright as when you did the GSR last year, but luckily a north easterly breeze to cool us and help us cross that finish line. I’d take that in October. The grin will take sometime to wear off. 😀
It sounds like your cycling is going well to combat the frustration of being on the IC. Hope to see you back soon.
I hear you. I have enjoyed my long runs but have burnt out a bit with back to back HM plans so am quite excited at the thought of shorter and maybe quicker runs for a while.
Oh! Wow!!!! Wow! Wow! 10 miles!!!!! Did someone say 10 miles?!!! You super star you! 🌟Yikes! Whoopee! Fantastic! 🍾🥂🏅👏🏻😊🎉👍☀️ 💥⚡️ 🏃♀️🤸♀️🏃♀️🤸♀️🏃♀️🤸♀️
The badge looks superb by your name! Well done Dexy! Seriously impressive! Brilliant!
It is just wonderful! Well done again! You may be pleased to hear that now that it is dark at my 'before breakfast gardening slot' and the amount of gardening required has reduced, I'm planning to increase my running again. I think being able to run those longer distances is so good for stamina. I'm thinking of a 5 minute cycle and then run so that I can explore some new routes. Even getting a little excited at the prospect!
That sounds an excellent plan over61. I bet your garden looks lovely after all the TLC it’s had. I look forward to seeing your running posts again and pics of 🐄🐂🐃🐏🐑. X
Oh! Wow! Dexy5 Just seen your report, blimmin’ brilliant. Just awesome! I haven’t run since Boston with Sandie1961 as I’ve been ill, but can’t wait for Saturday I have sorted out priorities and the Nourish Cafe is within walking distance of the start/finish line 👍 🙂
That’s excellent. We’ll try to get there 8.30ish so we can meet up before hand. I’ll send you a PM.
Dexy! Congratulations on 10 miles. Wow, what an achievement. It is a long distance so of course it was tough. How is your knee doing afterwards? Sorry, I didn't see your post until now - weekend catch up on the forum
Thanks Paulanoo, the knee is fine and physio was glad I saw him before it became full ITB syndrome. He thinks it’s a result of extending distance. New exercises for me to do on non run days. I’ll pm you.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
The big 20 miler!
Half marathon