Run Update: My First 10K

When I started running, I set a goal for myself to complete a 10K run by the end of the year. To help motivate me, I decided to join the monthly Strava 10K challenge as well as the Monthly Training Series, which, if completed, I get to have the digital badges on my profile as well as the Gift of Fitness (lol). Two days ago I realized oh no… there’s only a few days left in December and I didn’t want them to expire. Yesterday, the weather was cooperating and since I was armed with my new iPhone and heart rate monitor, I was ready to conquer a long run without fear of my phone dying in the middle of it all (it HAS happened with my old phone – it was so disappointing). So off I went.

I ran 5K along the seawall from the stadium to English Bay… almost to the entrance of Stanley Park. I was feeling good, no problems. I purposely didn’t over-exert myself and just stayed in a comfortable pace. I just got lost in my music and ran to the beat. I was making decent time too so I was happy. At the 5K mark, I decided to run back. Don’t you notice that whenever you run back home, it seems faster? Being familiar with the route and knowing how long it’ll take you to get back home really helps you keep going. Everything was going well…. until the last 500 meters. That’s when I started cramping! I really had to push through the pain and honestly, the last 500 meters when you’re in a lot of pain really feels longer than it is. I guess it’s time to buy a hydration belt. As soon as Strava said I hit 10K, I stopped and I had the biggest smile on my face, even though I was panting and my legs felt like jelly. My time was 1:07:36. Looks like I’m well on my way to my first half marathon!