No going back now...🏃🏃🏻🏃

[AbracaDeborah]

No going back now! I've entered a local race at end of April to keep me focused -Newchurch Nine (9K)

I'm no speed merchant, but would like to run the whole distance, that's my goal.

Currently do parkrun every Sat, and running club on a Tuesday.

Last night the route we did was a hilly one, and just over 7K. That's the maximum distance I've run so far.

Is there a distance less than 9K that once I could manage comfortably I would still have enough 'left in the tank' to complete 9K?

I can see it's something that must vary between people, but I thought I'd read that you should increase distances by 10%. Does that mean if I know I can run 8K, I should be able to pull 9K out the bag on the day?

Or is it just better to make sure can run 9K before! 😜

Hope this makes some sense!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

I guess we're all different, but I think once you can manage 8k, you will be able to do 9k. I know I did an 8k run the week before I increased to 10k. If you have already run a hilly 7k, then I don't think a 9k run will trouble you, especially as it's two months away. Having said that, a lot of people seem to like to know that they have actually run the distance prior to an event.

Maybe aim to run the 9k a couple of weeks before the race, and then you will know you can do it and can then run shorter distances in the build up so as not to be overtired on the day. Whatever you decide, have fun and lots of luck!😀

[AbracaDeborah Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra, hopefully I'll enjoy it, entered with a friend so we will keep each other going 🏃😀

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

Most people never train to the distance they will run on the day, but if it was me I would want to know I can do the full distance. Several times! It's said, though, that the atmosphere and other runners will pull you round on the day. Good luck!

[AbracaDeborah Graduate10]

I'll probably end up doing the full distance before, as I tend to worry about things! But reading everyone's advice is reassuring 😀 thanks Curly

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Keep on plodding and you will reach the mystical 10k

[aliboo70 Graduate10]

Well done Deborah! Thats a new race over here?? that hilly route was a tough one on tuesday and we have it all again to do this week! I reckon by end of April you'll be 100% fine to do 9km !

[AbracaDeborah Graduate10 in reply to aliboo70]

Hi Ali, yes I picked up the entry form at parkrun 😀 Certainly found the hilly bits hard last week, but kept on plodding. I've got a bit of a sore throat and cough at the moment so hoping I have my energy back for Tuesday 🏃🏻🏃🏻

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

We are all different. I've always liked to do the full distance before a race. It's a mental thing. However I didn't last year for my marathon, I only trained to 23 miles. That last 3.2 miles was the hardest ever and I know a lot of that was mental. From your training however this is no reason why you can't do that distance, your body is ready. Good luck

[AbracaDeborah Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks for the vote of confidence...and it's great to hear what other people find from their experience 🏃😀