Disclaimer: This blog reflects my personal experience only and is not professional exercise, health, or medical advice.
Written by Remi Bampton
When people usually sign up to run a 5k, they usually train or are already an avid runner where a 5k is nothing to them.
I on the other hand, saw a TikTok about the medal you get when you participate in the Cadbury virtual marathon, 10k, 5k OR 1k, and unfortunately the 1k had sold out. But I was determined to get that cute freddo frog medal.
So, I bought my place, went to work, came home, got changed, and off I went.
I had two goals:
- Don’t come last
- Aim for under one hour
Not that coming last is a bad thing, but I just needed a time goal to push myself towards.
KM 1: In this kilometre I jogged for 2 mins and walked for 3 mins. I was starting to realise what I had signed up for, but the medal kept me going.
KM 2: In this kilometre I was already slowing down. I probably walked for half of it. I was worried I wouldn’t make it if I burnt out too soon, but I started jogging towards the end.
KM 3: This kilometre was the hardest, the sun was piercing my skin. I was having some serious self-doubts. Totally reasonable for someone who doesn’t run.
KM 4: In this kilometre I started to feel a bit better, I was jogging and mainly walking, but I was getting it done.
KM 5: The last kilometre felt great because I knew how close I was to the finish line! Well virtual finish line. I jogged for most of it. My legs felt so heavy and like jelly.
And then, boom! I finished!!
When I finished and turned Strava off, I was knackered and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to walk again or if I was going to be sick, but I proved to myself that even though I don’t have experience in something doesn’t mean I can’t give something a go.
Albeit, I probably should’ve trained, but I didn’t come last and I ran just under an hour, so the next step was waiting for my medal to be shipped to me.
What a wonderful day it was to receive the package and open it. It hangs in my room reminding me to give new things a go!
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