I haven’t run since Saturday when I did my impromptu 8km. It’s been a busy week with loads of faffy admin jobs that have needed to be done, and I’ve been feeling a bit itchy to get out. This afternoon, there was a window. I was tired, but couldn’t quite figure if it was the sort of tired that was better with rest or activity. I thought I’d head out and see with the aim of running anywhere between about 3 and 10k. I loaded up Coach B’s 10k Headstarts just in case. That proved to be a good decision.
As I left the house it started raining. Typical since it had been bright sunshine all morning. I nipped back in to grab my running jacket, I don’t know why because it usually doesn’t stay on for more than a few minutes. Today was no different. Three whole minutes before I was too hot. Ah well, a luminous cape round my waist was handy for viability in the grey weather. It took two and a half to warm up. I was intending to stop at three km until all of a a sudden, something magic happened and Ploddy McPlod-face turned into gently trotting gazelle and I fell into “let’s run forever” mode. I wasn’t expecting that! I stopped thinking about the run, started singing along (in my head!) to the music in my earphones and all of a sudden I’d covered four miles.
Then there was a decision to be made. Up the hill and down to village which is another two miles, or head for home. Looking at the time, I realised if k picked up the pace just a little bit, I could make it to the village shop in time for a posh coffee. That sealed it-up the hill I went! This is where I’ve really noticed where all the runs I’ve done have made a difference. It’s a big hill but it felt like a nice challenge and I hit the top feeling fresh. From there, it’s the nicest downhill past some lambs and fat (or pregnant?!) horses into the village. I knew I was flying from sneaking a little look at my watch and it just felt amazing to be back here again.
I couldn’t remember exactly how far 10k is in miles so I aimed for 6.3 to be on the safe side. I made it to the coffee stop with two minutes to spare, new PBs for 1km, 1 mile, 5km and…the big 1-0km!!! I haven’t run this far in months and I am still absolutely buzzing. Coach B talks about not being finished if you stop. You’re only finished if you don’t start again. When I was out with IT band issues, I’d never have thought I’d be back here again, and actually feeling better than ever. That’s thanks to loads of support from you lovely posters and a very decent plan from NRC! Off to celebrate with my coffee now!! Things are looking up (that’s my photo for this run!!)
Next goal? 10 miles! Watch out…I’m coming for you!!!
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MissUnderstanding
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Congratulations on your run today MissUnderstanding, glad you enjoyed that 10K, well done, ✔️ I also ran 10K this morning which was #49, my 50th 10K in May will be the Healthunlocked Spring 10K/10 miles, I'll be running 10K.
Wow Al-congratulations on your 10k too…it’s clearly the day for it! It’s brilliant that you’ve got your milestone #50 10k for the HU event. That will be extra worthy of celebrating!!
Thank you!! I think I need a “powered by caffeine” t shirt. I’ll investigate whether that exists!!!! I’ve got a vague plan for my 10 miler which most definitely includes finishing at a nice coffee shop. I think I might even need to do some practice runs just to make sure the celebratory cake is up to standard!
It’s so nice to hit that milestone-especially with so many of us suddenly being back there. Lovely to see you back at 10k too. Let’s hold on to all the smiles to match the miles we’ve achieved!! ❤️
That's great to hear! Yes, all going well at the moment, thank you! New shoes, shorter stride and faster cadence seem to have done the trick. Lots of recovery/steady runs in the last few weeks and I'm back at 10k looking to make 10 miles in the HU24 virtual!
Thank you! I’m a lover and a hater of plans. The rebel in me doesn’t like being told what to do. The good girl likes tick boxes and the ease of just going out and doing what’s next without needing to think too hard!! This one has worked really well-just getting out consistently and mixing it up a bit. Hooray!!! 🎉
Wonderful, I remember the feeling of ‘let’s run forever’. Sadly it’s eluded me for a while but I’m hoping it will return sometime. Well done on your run and enjoy chasing 10 miles (that originally autocorrected to 10 mikes 🤣) 💪🏽😊
I’m crossing fingers for you! It’s taken a while for me to get here and that feeling only seems to come when I’m not expecting it or chasing it! Really good luck with finding it-it will probably be when you least expect it!
Oh wow! What a run. And a really lovely read too. I've had a couple of knock backs and have just restarted my 10k programme so I'm a while off achieving 10k. Still hoping I'll get there!
Thank you! Knock backs are such a pain. Coach B had some wise words about those too…setbacks only become step-backs if you let them. He rambled on about using them as ways to help you grow. That’s definitely my experience! I’d have preferred to avoid the injuries and other assorted challenges but they have made me a better runner over time. Hopefully it’ll be the same for you too. That 10k will feel extra sweet when you’re crossing the line!
When I did 50-odd minutes last weekend, I went for a 20/30/ or 50 minute run. Until I got part way through I really didn't know. So strange how that happens, isn't it?
And the change in your pose too? The other day I thought I was running fine, but then a man called out as I passed him, asking if I was oks and then saying how well I was doing (I was running up a steep hill) - "keep it up mate, that's great" he called after me. And suddenly I realised I HADN'T been running straight; instead I was a bit stooped, a bit coiled in on myself. So I did keep it up and I straightened up and flowed more freely.
Not finished until you stop. Happy running til the next big one!
Thank you! It is going to be a memorable one I’m sure!
You’re in a great place too-50 minutes is a super run. I’ve always struggled mentally starting out long runs and I’ve liked giving myself options. It’s such a nice way to feel in control and be able to celebrate a shorter run instead of being disappointed I didn’t do a longer one.
Coach B often does a form check during the guided runs. I can almost hear my old ballet teacher from childhood saying “pull up!!!”. It makes a massive difference. Even psychologically thinking “I am running strong” makes a difference to me. It’s to easy to slip into the hunchback pose. Glad you found your way to super hero stance instead!!!
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NRC ‘Another 10K Run’