One of “THOSE” runs...

Hi folks,

Please excuse the post title... I meant one of *those* runs, in a good way!

Given that my weekend is looking busy, I thought I would try week 3 run 3 of the 10k plan. So... I just ran 7k and it was BRILLIANT! I loved it! I set off at a nice steady pace, and everything just felt right. By 1.5k I was really settling into it. Before I knew it, I was at 3.5k, time to turn round. I felt good, so I kept on.

Not much more to report really, an uneventful but incredibly enjoyable run, I did 7k in 50:55. My pace was very consistent it seems, I ended up with an average of 7:14/km which it was for much of the run. I’m really happy with that! Pretty sure I could have continued to 10k as well, but I was good

Happy runnering folks! I’m looking forward to my next two shorter runs.

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

Oooh love hearing this! Gives me some hope. Brilliant. 👍🏼😬

[Hidden in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Oh there's always hope! I reckon if you just keep progressing at a speed which is right for you, and listening to your body, you should be fine.

Actually, I was intending to do one of the shorter runs today, but I felt so happy and settled I just did the 7k. That means I can probably manage the 3.5k run at lunch time on Friday, and the 5k on Sunday morning, keeping my rest days this week.

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

So you can mix up Ju ju’s weekly plan? Or is it supposed to be a progressive week?

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

You can mix up the three runs, doing in the order of your choosing (I believe) – please correct me if I am wrong, ju-ju- !

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you 😊

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

I hope so, coz that’s what I’m doing!! seems to be working, mind...

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

You can do them in the order you see fit. Best to try and not do the long runs back to back mind you, but if that's what you need to do, it's all golden.

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thank you 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Great work, Neil! What a fantastic run. You are doing amazingly! And enjoying it, to boot – which to me, is the main thing. You paced yourself well and were amply rewarded.

I cannot wait to get runnering again.

Sadie-runs x

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks lovely running buddy

I love those runs when it all just comes together. I can’t believe at 7k I was seriously contemplating going for the 10. I decided to be good 😇

So - when are you out again?

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I think you did the right thing by resisting the urge to go to 10k! Enjoy the journey! But, I have a sneaking suspicion that by the week of the 8k you will do 10k! LOL.

I might go out and do a gentle 3.5k tomorrow, with the 7k on the weekend. I have a slightly sore lower back (from over-doing it in Pilates last week!), so am waiting for that to heal up a bit more. Bloody Pilates.

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Good to know you’re still doing ok, sorry about the back though, see, I always suspected exercise was dangerous!

I saw my GP this morning, in a month or so I should be off the anti-depressants which is great news. I also mentioned to him that my upper leg was niggling a bit, but was fine when running. He reassured me that it’s most likely that as the muscles repair their microtears, sometimes the fibres can get sort of tangled, and that it should sort itself out. I can still run though. He gave some stretches to do

I have a sneaking suspicion you’re right. The way things are going, I can’t see myself doing those 2 repeat weeks. Do you know if those are essential?

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Well, it makes sense that if you are more active, and using your body more, you are going to be more prone to niggles and small injuries. The benefits of more activity far outweigh the niggles, right? Glad to hear that your leg is okay, and that some gentle stretches should sort it out. In other news, the anti-depressants, that is fantastic news! How much of this is down to running, do you think? I am so happy you are on the mend.

Hmmm. I don't know if the repeats are essential, best ask Ju-Ju. But after months of lurking on the Bridge to 10k forum, I do know that a lot of people achieve 10k in less than 8 weeks, and if you are to drop any runs at all, the repeats would be the ones to drop. Being the kind of gal that always does things by the letter, i am going to do the repeats and god dang it I am going to enjoy them!

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Regarding coming off the anti-depressants, the running has certainly helped. I needed them at first just to get back to some level of stability where I could start to deal with stuff. The counselling helped me to deal with it, and the running has made me healthier, given me something to be proud of, and encouraged me out of the house and into the fresh air. I still can't believe I'm actually doing it!

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ju-ju's plan originally was 6 weeks without the repeats, but as some people favoured doing it over a longer period she added them in. At the end of the plan when you have run 10k, your going to want to consolidate this I assume so the repeat weeks then are immaterial as they are the same as what you would be doing anyways ie running 10k again Good luck, think I did it on week 5 instead of the 9k, but many do it at 8k also.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I have done it in 6 weeks twice and in four weeks the third time...each time getting a better 10k pb. I really like the structure ( in case you hadn't noticed😆)

[Hidden]

Well done, and nice pace x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Flick! I surprised myself today. I didn't set out to be quick, but I was pleasantly surprised that I could sustain 7:15/km fairly constantly, and also that I managed not to get giddy and speed up lol

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Indeed one of those runs. They are gold 😊

[DebJogsOn]

Great run - and a really good time Neil.

10k before you know it I reckon. 😊

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

Thanks Deb! I am really looking forward to 10k, mad as it sounds. Something magical happens in those longer runs.

[DebJogsOn in reply to Hidden]

I love them - they really help me to chill out. I never thought running would be relaxing but I find longer runs the perfect antidote to a stressful week at work and a great start to a weekend.

And, probably a bit pathetically, it still amazes me that I can do them!

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

I can relate to that... never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever think I could run 5k, let alone the 7 I did, or the 10 I am hoping for soon!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Ooh Neil, you are doing it! 😊... Yes 7k and felt fairly comfortable. Yes looking forward to the shorter runs, they are enjoyable, a little treat for the legs (😉)...Go you😎x

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan! It may sound odd, but I actually find the longer runs easier, as I know I can drop the pace. I’m trying to use the shorter runs to push myself a bit... but even that is getting easier as I gain fitness. Who’d have thought... me, a runner?!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

This is just fab Hidden ...you are so inspiring! 💪🏻🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you, never thought the idea of a middle-aged man stumbling along the canal path could be inspiring lol