Just another little 5k

[Jay66UK]

Started with my Apple Watch pretending to be bricked following an overnight update. Not at all stressful, trying to work out what to do. As if by magic it then just came back to life.

Took a different route today looking to the increasing runs ahead so I followed the canal south.

Lots of shade and, although I was out later than usual and it was hotter, there was a nice breeze and the humidity was dropping.

Had my usual mental struggle of being on a new route and feeling disoriented about pace and time left to run - I find this really difficult to explain or to fight with. Kept having that “you can’t do this” mental conversation, all the while being blown past by several faster runners.

Legs and body really tired on top so it wasn’t a fast run at all for me.

The route is mainly flat up to a canal basin and you can take different routes from there. One leads uphill to what I think was once a tram terminus. At 2.5k out I turned and retraced my route, so didn’t quite get that far.

It’s going to be interesting to see if I can take that hill when I’m doing longer runs, or if I bottle it and head in a different direction! It’s going to be the final part of the first half. I’ve done it on a bike and you need to use a lot of gears!

Anyway, another 5k chalked up. Second time on that route will be easier now I know the landmarks a little better. Big achievement: overtaking a canal boat!

Tip for the day. After a hot run try using Original Source Mint and Tea Tree shower gel. It really cools the skin and the feeling intensifies then lasts after you wash it off. (Be careful on your umm sensitive parts, though.)

Happy running.

[Hidden]

tackle that hill. you can always walk part of it to begin with. If you keep tackling it, it will get easier and will do your legs and stamina a power of good. Lovely run description, really enjoyed reading it x

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. And good advice, damn you 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

heeheee

[Marvo69 in reply to Jay66UK]

Go downhill!! 😂much better advice than Flick!!!!

[David_G]

Hi Jay, great post as ever. I’m glad you got your tech issues sorted out. 🙂 You’ve got to watch those canal boats, some can go quite fast 😂

Funnily enough, I’ve been looking for new routes to fit in with 7K, 8K and 9K for the next few weeks 🏃‍♂️ I’m hoping to be on holiday for my 55th birthday and 10K run, but I’ll see how I get on over the next 4 weeks first. 😀

It looks like the weather’s going to be warm and sunny for a while longer so we’ll all have to wary of that 🌞😎😳

Good luck with your next run!

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to David_G]

How is the route search going? What are the features you are after?

[David_G in reply to Jay66UK]

I’ve found some local routes, just expanding my normal circuit route a few more roads eastwards 🙂 Time will tell whether I’ve got it right or not. No doubt Strava will tell me! 😊

If I haven’t, I’ll try local parks, particularly Lloyd Park where my nearest Parkrun is, or maybe further afield. 🤔

Holiday will be in Bognor then in Weymouth, so should be a little more scenic than Croydon ! 🌞😎😂

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to David_G]

Running along the front should be good.

[Chrisj31 in reply to David_G]

I have been using mapmyrun to see what local routes have been mapped for 7,8 and 9k

[David_G in reply to Chrisj31]

Thanks Chris, I might give that a try if my calculations aren’t accurate, which is entirely possible 😂🤣

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Well done on another 5k, Jay! Sounds like a good new route. 😊🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️❤️

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks. It’s clearly popular with the local runners. Saw more this morning than in all of the past three and a half months I’ve been running.

Is that really all it’s been 😳🐌

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

So make sure you do your longer runs on familiar, easier routes. First time I did 10k, I cycled it the day before so I knew what to expect 👌🏽

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Good advice. I’ll do some long walks and clock the lie of the land for the different distances.

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Well done Jay! You’re definitely ready to bridge 👌🏽

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks. I wish I had your confidence.

Something flying through my mind in the first 5 or so minutes: “how the F do you expect to reach 10k when you can’t even run 5 on a new route”.

I recognise it for what it is and beat it down but it’s horrible.

I’ll do my best and I am bloody stubborn so I hope I’ll make it. Gremlins won’t stop me.

[Empem Graduate10]

Brilliant thanks that sounds just great.Clocking up the runs....nice one.New routes do pose problems and joys.

Yes busy on my 5k route this morning too, but don't normally run Sundays and as late as 8am.Where are you on Juju's plan?

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Empem]

About to start. Week 1 from Tuesday.

Not quite terrified but certainly very respectful of the challenge ahead as I’m still quite overweight and unfit. But I can grind out a slow 5k reliably now.

[Empem Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

I'm sure everyone here would say reliable is perfect. Just go slow , go strong . That's my motto. Longer recovery time s are working for me. I'm taking about a week and a half to do three 'weekly' runs. I share your feelings of being daunted but you've taken the plunge and you're here. Congratulations!

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Empem]

Thanks - good advice.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Sounds lovely Jay! Love your descriptive runs. 😀👍🏻🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I had quite descriptive runs once I got back home. 😳🤣

Sorry, couldn’t resist!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

😅🤣😅🤣😅🤣😅🤣😅🤣😅🤣

[Jelon]

Well done you for tackling new route. I agree it is challenging but looking back after done it is a good feeling. I’ve just started incorporating hills (previously terrified and there was no way I was going on a run with a hill) and there not nearly as bad as I feared in my head!! Firstly I jogged and walked and steadily jigging further up. Also the view from the top is worth it all. Give it a try I dare you! 🏃🏻‍♂️😬🙄😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Jay, it might help to stop over thinking it.

The first longer run is just 5.5k so you just go the extra 25 metres before you turn... then on the 6k you are just adding on 500m to your 5k til you turn. I know this is obvious, but when you actually come to run it, it helps to not overwhelm yourself with distance. You will be surprised that you can do it and I believe the short run plays it's part.

The short run is your lifeline, your recovery run if you like. You are out running, but you stop before you get to your limit. Physically and physologically a bit of a treat, but you know you are within the program boundaries and will benefit from it.

I hope this is helpful... and slow running is the way forward with this program. Do some extra exercises on your rest day if you can.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Very helpful. And that is exactly how I’ll “chunk” my way through this.

But my gremlins do love to have their little game at the start of every run, bless ‘em. I leave the overthinking to them cos they will do it whether I want them to or not!

I do know I can do this. And I do know it isn’t just as easy as saying it. Good lessons from C25K.

I do need to find some rest day exercise but I’m a complete wuss when it comes to joining things. Bad social anxiety for this sort of thing.

(I even lay awake last night worrying about an evening out I have today, mainly with people I know. Ridiculous and unnecessary but awful.)

Bring on week 1!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Good luck!

I'm not good at fitting in exercises but I do walk lots.

Here are strength and flex things you could try..

google.co.uk/url?sa=t&sourc...

[AnnieW55 in reply to Jay66UK]

Loved your run report Jay (descriptive run at home made me laugh).

Know what you mean about the social worrying - I rehearse all sorts of things and go over and over them when it's all done - and generally, it's all ok at the time with no need to go through all that!

Bluebirdrunner 's advice is great - obvious but doesn't often occur unless pointed out! I think the further you get into this, the gremlins will quieten and find someone else to annoy when they see it's not working😄.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to AnnieW55]

Yup. That was my experience in the post C25K runs so far - they faded away. It’s just setting myself a new target that’s woken them up.

[Dralimc in reply to Jay66UK]

Come to my Pilates class Jay. Short trip to Leeds; we’re very friendly. 😊

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

If that was sustainable I would. I think I will find a Pilates class to join.

Ideally filled with gorgeous women in their late 40s/early 50s with bad eyesight or poor taste 🤣🤣🤣

[Dralimc in reply to Jay66UK]

Yes I probably fall into that category!

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Dralimc]

Excellent. Hello, I’m Jay 🤣

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Well done on your 5k, Jay! I have found switching up routes really helpful; but always return to my old favourite through the woods, eventually.

You can do 10k, you know. I have found the 5-10k plan easier than C25K, truly. You just have to take each runs as it comes, keep it slow and steady, and watch the miracle unfold LOL! Most of all, believe you can. 💪

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks for that encouragement.

I can see how it could be easier as we aren’t starting from base zero. But I’m likely to need to run for over 90 minutes and that is daunting!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I like the sound of your run along the canal Jay. Well done to you for moving off the bridge to increase your distances. I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly.

My husband UpTheStanley is just about to start the bridge too. He hasn’t run longer than 5k, or what it takes to play in s hockey match for many years so he’s taking up the challenge having seen how c25k has worked. So I will be living with it as well as reading everyone’s posts.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Excellent. Wish him luck.

[Hidden]

Sounds heavenly. I love showering before a run too on a hot day. You feel so fresh and still smell the soap as you heat up on the run, mmmm. Maybe it's just me! 🤪

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Sounds like a great idea. I fear I’d end up lingering and then getting dressed in regular clothes for the day and forget the run 🤣

[Saartjie Graduate10]

Well done Jay. The overtaking a canal boat being a highlight made me laugh! We could outrun pedestrian not long ago 😂 Maybe if I ever increase my distance you could run south and I could run north on the canal and see if we manage to meet up!

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Saartjie]

Great plan! 🤣

I realised as I came up to the barge (which came from a different branch of the canal and met me running their way) that the people on board were going to be quite wierded out by me running alongside for a couple of K.

And I remembered the swing bridge at the end of my run. If I didn’t get there first it would spoil my cool down and delay my first cuppa. So I sped up.

He was doing AT LEAST 3mph 🤣🤣🤣

[Saartjie Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

😂😂

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Well done, and on the speedy overtake of the barge. Yes that minty shower gel has caught me out a few times too 😉

[sallenson Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

It should come with a "This will definitely sting" warning....

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

“If you want to experience a UTI without the need for antibiotics...”

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

Not quite as bad as Deep Heat tho...

[sallenson Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Now you're talking!!

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

[Jullaly]

you are talking to the queen of hills here! someone advised me to 'back stitch' an embroidery term I believe ..but basically run up the hill as far as you can then turn round, run down until regain your breath then run up a bit more and eventually you reach the top with added meters as a bonus ..win win

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Jullaly]

🙈🙉🙊

Please don’t make me do hills! 🤣

I will try that if I need to. It’s really not that steep, it’s just very very long. If I got my act together and started using Strava I could do that swish flypast thing that Sutsha does.

[Jullaly in reply to Jay66UK]

Crikey, I do need to come to big school all that swishing and flypast is so grown up.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Jullaly]

There’s a seat I’ve saved you by the window.