Crossing the bridge from 5 to 10K

[EmpressOfTheSevenOceans]

For C25K graduates who are taking the next step!

W10R1 this morning, 3x15min runs with minute walks in between. I wasn't at all sure I was going to finish but I did, checked MapMyRun & saw I'd done 6.3K.

Hadn't realised I could run that far!

I think I posted about this before, but running is a complete mind fuck game for me. I don't feel comfortable until 2k so I make myself go to 2.5k and if I'm still miserable I'm allowed to turn back so I've at least done 5k. If I'm feeling meh to OK I keep going, since I particularly pick routes that are 6 k in a loop and I might was well finish it. If I'm feeling OK to good, at various points I can take different turns to up the whole thing to 8 or 10 if I really want to push myself. I have discovered however that I get a very upset stomach if I go past 8k, so I'm not going to kill myself for 10k too much!

My apps are communicating I just got a speed builder program notification from runkeeper! If you don't use it, it's actually quite good, it creates challenges you can opt into which build different aspects of your run.

But since it has started raining, I'm going to go for a swim tonight!

That's a good approach, Kanye. I might nick that.

Anything to con myself into doing it, Mum!

I'm still lying on my bed reading. I should be trying to find my togs. Swim starts at 9... So comfy, don't want to get up...

Hope you had a good swim Kanye? Or if not there's always tom

mum I too was really reluctant to put walk breaks back in once I'd got to 5k but it really does help you build distance. I still find the bit from 1.5-2.5k really hard sometimes it's like my legs need to warm up but once I'm through the treacle legs it can get easier but yep it's mostly head work to keep going

I'm only in central London for the day empress a long 12-14hrs day with work so not much fun.

Or really good dance music keeps me going

Yes, I forgot to say a great playlist, audio book (currently relistening to Yes minister & yes prime minister - hilarious and worryingly current) or podcast is a great crutch. I need to laugh while running so comedy works well for me.

My swim was great, Ski! I did 50 lengths which I've never done before. I usually talk myself out of the pool at 40 but I could have gone further if they didn't all but turn off the lights to get me out at closing time

I did 30mins/4k this morning as I have no other time today. Swimming is more fun.

Glad you had gd swim kanye and run this morning I've been trying to swim the day after my runs as I find it really helps my body stretch out. My exercise is keeping my sanity at the mo as work is very stressful, I literally couldn't breathe for my first two lengths of swim yesterday but calmed down and once I'm in the zone it is lovely and calming.

I Read this and thought it was interesting as I've been doing my 10k runs on no food early in the morning just had a cuppaT and felt ok which has really surprised me www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/exercising-empty-stomach-secret-weight-loss/?WT.mc_id=tmgliveapp_iosshare_An7ZcsjTCjRx

Sunday morning 10k done flipping hot though even at 6am it was 16-18c made it hard work but I'm pleased as I'm managed 2 nonstop 5ks with a 2min drink& stretch in the middle beaut morning but boy that was hot hot hot.

I just ran 7.5k!!

I can't believe it. It really all is in the head, isn't it?

So chuffed!!

Well done Mum that's fab.

I've done 2 runs and 3 classes since Thursday so feeling good. I'm signing up for a half marathon in October so I start my training plan tomorrow. Really want to challenge myself and loving this!

Great running and swimming going on.

Well done mum
Ooohhh good luck shortaris that's a jump to half I hope it goes ok. I'd quite like to see if I can up my distance but I'd like to get more comfy at 10k first

Does anyone have any sneaking ambitions that they dream about achieving?

Mine are The Great North Run and (slightly more unrealistic) the Boston Marathon

No idea why Boston. I've never even been. Would love to do it though.

Ha, not a chance, Mum! I'll happily cheer you on in Boston though

I enjoy my running at moment my fear is if I put the pressure on of doing a half or full marathon it just stops being fun and becomes a training grind (I've done that with cycling in the past) so I'll pottle along at 10k for now

Oh gosh, I'm not in training for them!

But in my little running fantasies ( ) they're the events of choice.

I totally get that Ski and I might well feel like that by next week but I'm going to see how I go. Did interval training last night, up a hill in the heat. Hellish but it will work so I'm keeping going with it!

Sounds like everyone's doing brilliantly!

I've just spent a week dogsitting & lying around with an ice pack on my hurt foot, & it's getting better. I really, really want to go for a run but I'm going to resist the temptation to run on it again until it's all better.

On the way home now & tomorrow night, first visit to the local pool.

Half marathon? Good luck Shortaris!

I just got back from a run.

I managed my first ever 10k. I'm in shock. It took me over an hour (1hr 8 mins to be precise) but I did it.

Thank you for all your psychological tips and tricks. I used them all on the way round.

Now I know I can do it I can look forward to the race I signed up for in August rather than dreading it.

CONGRATULATIONS Mum!!!!

And that's a bloody good time. Especially in this heat.

Thank you! I'm so delighted.

It's not that warm here today - cloudy and about 20 degrees with a cool breeze. Perfect conditions, really.

I'm truly, truly amazed at myself, and it's in no small part down to this thread. Thank you.

Here's another psychological tip someone at my gym gave me.

Once you've done 10K a few times, go for 11k. It only needs to be once but knowing 10K isn't your max makes a big difference.

That makes sense. I didn't feel totally depleted at 10, which is weird because I was on my knees at 5 last week. It really is in the head, at least for me.