Not the worst either but not feeling it as much this week. Trying to get this heavy feeling out of the legs. Had slowed down to meet the Asics requests earlier on, and my legs must have liked it too much because they don't want to speed up again! Had a hard time with the two faster 7s this week - would like to be in the 6:00 range, but reality says it will be closer to 7 for the race on Saturday. Was averaging between 6:35 and 6:50 pushing harder, so we will see. Not sure I can do that for the full 10k at this point. Also trying to push a little harder but not to the point of injury. Tried the elliptical earlier in the week too, but it pulled something odd in my left knee and was feeling weird - has since cleared up - Seem to really need the stretches this week as it's all feeling tight after the runs. Work has been a bit stressful too, so I likely just need to chill a bit. 
not the best week: Not the worst either but... - Bridge to 10K
not the best week
I know the plans don't take this into account, but it's a good idea to have a complete rest from running or a dramatic decrease in miles every now and again. Perhaps it's your body's way of saying, "I need a little recuperation".
In the race you'll be quicker than you think as the adrenaline and atmosphere will carry you forwards 🙂
Thanks IP - I do have today and Friday off running so maybe that will help a little. Yes I'm hoping to catch a bit of the other racer's momentum on Saturday. Will push the plan back after that and take a few days rest.
You'll be fab 🏃🏃🏃 Just think of the bling 🎖
haha yes of course, can't forget the bling!
Writing this while watching my son preparing for a swimming competition and if l attempted any of that stuff they would need a trawler to fish me out of that pool.
Basically, our competitions are against what our bodies can do. You can try certain times and targets but in reality, what's the point. You want to stay healthy and injury free and pushing ourselves in our age rarely yields a bundle of laughter.
As my physio sagely advised a few days ago when l complained about an Achilles tweak - drop 10K for two weeks, run three easy and steady 5Ks per week instead, do some simple exercises and you will be fine. Of course, she calculated how much each piece of advise cost and charged me accordingly 
We've come far so let's stay there and don't blow it away!
Yes - of course you are right. And part of me is smart enough to listen - while the other part just wants to go faster - so its a struggle some days I see the injury stories and try hard to keep those in mind. And I can't afford a physio either so that is more good incentive!
One day when we hopefully up the game and try dizzy lengths of 21K we will both know that speed hasn't taken us there. There is some great advice from our marathon family here and l listen to those guys carefully.
You heard the one about a middle aged marathon sprinter? No, neither have l.
Good point - yes I've been lurking there too, trying to absorb some of the mountain of experience in that seasoned group.
It's often a conflict between natural impatience vs wisdom. Two bad injuries and cost incurred helped me clarify both. You don't need to go through that stuff, man..
Listen to your body... pull back.. chill out and just enjoy some gentle runs...
I do catch myself thinking "what would Floss do?" and yes, it's time to chill. I have no runs before the race now, so I'm just going to try and get some work done (the kind I sit at my desk for) and go have a regular, easy run on Saturday.
I ran 8K on Sunday.... but have had an extra few days rest.
I should have headed out today, but felt slightly weary...two days of caring for small runner in training, ( which I love ) and a lot of miles walking with her in her buggy.... so....a trip out into the Derbyshire countryside.. a walk and feeling ready to head out tomorrow
You save yourself.....you are going to be fine x
You sound tired Decker. I'm not experienced but I think IP is right..take a bit of time out from running maybe a week off and come back revitalised. 😊xx
Thanks Jan, yes I think after Saturday I will take a few days away - but I know I will miss it - I am kind of schedule-oriented that way fortunately the Asics calendar is flexible and can be pushed back easily - and I have no races to worry about after Saturday
Good luck with your race..getting round is good enough😉xx
Thanks Jan - yes - considering I was still on the couch in April of this year - you are right
You've gotten some great advice so far and nothing new to add. Just wanted to let you know we're cheering you on and we know you'll do great. Enjoy your next couple days off, take some deep breaths and soak up the atmosphere on race day 🙂
Thank you Sask - I really appreciate it and I will try to do just that!
It's really easy to dash after speed, distance, 6min/k, or a long 21k and end up being frustrated because it's not possible to do everything at once. But how do we choose? I think we just have to be patient and realize that after the dizzy heights of c25k it is just not possible to improve every run, or even every week - or let's face it - every month! I've gone for solid runs and distance, but if I want speed I'm going to have to do something else. And not just for a week, but probably for months! But I'm in this for the long-term - I have those months and years. And if it involves taking a week off, then that is good.
You'll be great on race day!
Thanks Jay - yes distance has been a lesson in patience for me from the very beginning. I really enjoy the runs, and I'm a bit afraid that if I stop for too long I won't start back up again - like riding a wave. But I will for sure take a short break after this race is done.
I think that when you come to the end of a plan for an event the legs are tired having been trained for a while. There is reason to have some easy runs and rest before the event; fresh legs! You are so ready for your event so get rid of any doubts and give your legs a break. They will carry you round on the day and do you proud. Good luck!
Yes logically that makes total sense - thanks - I aim to just run and enjoy it. Probably still check my watch though
Best wishes for Saturday. The running club I’m in would advise to put your feet up and rest for 3 to 4 days before a race so as you are well rested and ready to race.
I started a training plan this week for a 5K race on the 27th of December. I would like to finish the year with a new PB. Did the first easy 5K on Monday. When I came home I mowed the lawn, hopefully for the last time of 2017, and when emptying the grass box I pulled muscles in my back. I have not run since. Feeling a good bit better so will hopefully get out for an easy run tomorrow and start the plan from scratch again on Monday.
Hey Damien - I'm sorry about your back. I have a weak spot on my lower back from an old injury that has played up too many times too. I actually tried the espon salt tubsoak thing (forget who posted about it) a while back and it seem to really work for my sore shins at the time. December sounds like it will be a cold one I thought I was pushing the weather gods going into a November race (sounds like it will be cold but dry on the race day) . Thanks for the encouragement and I know you will heal up and be running smokin' ( I mean slow and steady) 5s in no time!
All advice points to me just relaxing already and that's what I aim to do from now to Saturday.
Trying to improve speed and distance at the same time is hard going. You've had plenty of good advice and resting up before your race will do you good.
Good luck for the big day. 👍🏽🤞🏽
Hey Decker ...don’t you dare be hard on yourself...just remember how far you’ve come!!! You are fabulous at this running thing...def an inspiration to me & tonnes of others you don’t know about...do your best, like you always do x
Hey, rest today and you will be fine. Don't push too hard at the start on the day though - it's too easy to go off too fast and not have enough in the tank to keep going as fast as you want through the whole race, and end up disappointed with yourself.
Drink a lot* between now and Saturday (I suppose that's today 
) and - woohoo! - you can carb load tonight
I'm looking forward to your race report and the all-important photo of your bling
*water. Not beer. Beer doesn't count, sadly, not for hydration, not for carb loading. This is a terrible thing.
Hi Annie, thank you. Yes in my first 5k I pushed too hard at the start, and also neglected the detail that it was a hilly trail run, not a flat street course. That one burned me out big time but I did finish. I will keep a close eye on my pace and run my own race tomorrow. And yes, water. I don’t drink enough to begin with, but I will try to get it in today. And maybe a big old carb dinner tonight! And No beer until tomorrow after the race. It really is a shame that it cant count as hydration😀
Good luck Decker🏃👍🏃 we will all be running with you!
I took a week off after reading advice on here and it made a huge difference to my next few runs
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