Wednesday 21 April 2010

PROUD OF MYSELF: I RAN 8k NON-STOP!

I totally surprised myself today. My friend had offered to babysit for me tonight, so I had planned a longer run. I sat at home earlier, mapping what I felt was an ambitious 8k route:


I thought to myself that I'd never manage to run the whole way, but that I was definitely gonna give it a good old try. And I am pretty stubborn (just ask my mum) so that kinda helps. So I set off, at a nice and steady pace. The route is quite hilly in places and is partly on tarmac/pavements, partly on gravel paths, and partly trail. Nice and varied, and a good preparation for the 12.5k race which is over 8 bridges (= hilly, obviously). Whoa, some of those hills KILLED... but the downhills and flat parts allowed me to recover a bit inbetween so it was ok. The last hill was a proper biatch though, but I wasn't gonna let myself down at the last 500 metres.

And whaddayaknow... I flippin' did it. I ran 8k non stop in pretty much bang on 50 minutes. (That's a pace of 6.25 min/km) And the best bit? I felt as if I could have done 10k if I had pushed on! That is pretty amazing for a person who, just one year ago, used to get really out of breath after the three flights of stairs at work... I am amazed at, and proud of my body that has been able to bounce back from the depths of obesity and bad health - to accomplish this! I am proud of myself for turning my lifestyle round and becoming a healthier, happier person - not just for ME, but for my son too. He deserves to have a healthy and active Mum.

Anyways, though I felt I could have carried on, I decided to stop at 8k today, as I had managed the goal I set for this evening's run and didn't want to overdo it. But... gonna have a few easy 5k runs over the next few days and THEN: next week I aim for a 10k run! Will be good if I have my new shoes and Nike+ sensor before then too!

You know what? That 12.5k race doesn't seem that scary anymore! I've also decided to do a 5k race in June and am trying to gather a few friends to go with me. Coming down from my crazy endorphin high now - time for bed soon :)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Impressive! Way to go, and good luck on continuing your weight loss!

Siri said...

Way to go Petchy! I am proud too:-)

Unknown said...

Now I'm pumped. I'm doing my first run ever. Signed up for an 8k in November. Super nervous but exited to start this new chapter in my life.