Talk about ending October with a bang! After 5 weeks of training, I finally achieved my latest fitness goal yesterday morning: to run 10 miles (16 km). To say I’m proud of myself is an understatement, for both completing the distance as well as with my overall time. I had aimed to finish in 100 minutes but came in at 97 minutes 17 seconds (average pace of 9:43 min/mile). In addition to increasing my fitness levels, achieving this goal is proof that any target is attainable with a little bit of effort…and a lot of carbs :D!
Overall, the run went great: I finished strong…and sane. Besides that, here are some other reflections of the past 5 weeks:
- I expected my hunger levels to go crazy on my ‘long run’ days. On the contrary, they stayed the same but I did make the conscious effort to eat enough to make up my calories.
- At the start, I clarified that I wasn’t running for weight loss but would be happy if I lost anything at all. I plan on doing a whole post on this so won’t get into this today. The results were interesting to say the least.
- Whether it was hitting the runners’ wall, underestimating my capability to run a certain distance, getting discouraged by my speed/time remaining on certain days, or even just playing mental tricks to kill the treadmill boredom, training was both a physical & mental challenge.
- Having a goal to work towards and a schedule to stick to kept me focused: nothing gave me more pleasure than ticking off each completed workout. Although I didn’t miss any of the planned workouts, I did switch up the workout days as and when life came in the way.
- After one long run, I “forgot” to ice my legs and didn’t stretch properly. When I woke up the next morning, my legs had cramped up so badly and stayed that way for a good 3 or so days. I vowed to never make the same mistake again…even if it meant waking up even earlier to fit it all in.
- I definitely see a half marathon in my radar, although I think I will wait till the weather in Mumbai cools downs. Ten miles on a treadmill is fine but I’m not sure I can say the same about 13.1. Until then, I want to work on increasing my speed with shorter distances.
What goal(s) are you currently working towards?
Congrats! Ten miles, holy cow! I’m impressed if I make it three, haha.
Wow 10 miles! You go girl!! 😀 I wish I had your running skills haha
I’ll swap for some of your weight-lifting skills 🙂
Ouch I can only imagine what a cramped up leg feels like! Congratulations, Khushboo, I need to set up some goals for myself as well…which at this time is really to make the extra effort to drive to the gym before work…other than that my main exercise has been walking around the office in my high heels 😉
Thanks, Sara :)! As much as I love running, I am convinced that walking in high heels give my calves an incredible workout….even better if dancing is involved!
Way to go KT!! Am so proud / impressed with how you stuck to your 10mile goal and managed to do it faster than planned – simply fantastic. You are a true inspiration x
Thanks, and good luck with the 10 km!
well done girl! my fitness goal… to do a muscle up. they are my nemesis at the moment!
CONGRATS GIRL!!! That is so amazing and you should be very proud of yourself! I can not believe you did it all on a treadmill. I don’t think I could last!
Thank you :)! I can’t believe I did it on a treadmill, however that being said at least I know running 10 miles will seem like a breeze (mentally) outdoors!
Well done KT 🙂 It must feel so amazing! My current goal is to embrace other forms of cardio other than running and still feel I have had a good workout!
That is so awesome! I’m a newish runner too, and I love the feeling of progress.
Wow great job on the 10 miles! That is seriously an amazing feat 🙂 You just have to keep sticking with it and you will continue to see the awesome benefits of training 😀
Thanks…I’m always surprised with just how quickly improvement comes about with running!
Congrats! Stick with it!
amazing
I think I’m going to start working to get just as fast as you!!! Awesome work 🙂
Ha thanks but fast is relative right 🙂
Congratulations!! I always feel so empowered when I finish a new long distance. I feel like my appetite dies, and I have to make a conscious effort to refuel, but my body doesn’t fight it. It’s just not telling me it’s hungry, so once I start eating I realize that I actually was!
Icing and stretching after long runs is CRUCIAL! I usually do ice baths, stretching, and massage with the foam roller. Also what you eat immediately after running has a big impact on soreness. They always tell us to drink chocolate milk because it helps build muscles and speed recovery!
And I’m the last person to turn down an opportunity to drink choc milk 😀
GO, K!!! How awesome. You are proof that if you put your mind to something, you can do it! Congrats!
Thanks a million!
Congratulations on your 10 miles. I hope to reach that point one of these days. =]
P.S. I just found your blog and I’m excited to start exploring it further!
Thanks and welcome 😀
[…] in the gym, because anything less felt like an incomplete workout. Heck less than a year ago, I trained to run (and finally did) 16km on the treadmill. However over the last 5 weeks that I’ve been following BFL, I can be in out of […]
[…] summer running but I just can’t do it anymore, nor do I want to. Honestly I don’t know how I once ran 16 kilometers at the gym- kudos to me 2 years ago . Aside from the obvious reasons (i.e. better scenery & more […]