B1R2 - first sub-40 minute 5k

[Jay66UK]

Well. Blimey. What happened there?

Depending who you believe (Strava, 38:59 or Garmin Connect, 39:07, both fed off the same device!) I just ran a sub-40 minute 5k.

My fastest before was 41:29 so I’ve taken roughly 1.5 minutes off. 😳🤷‍♂️🏅

This was one of those runs where everything seemed to come together.

I spent yesterday eating sensibly (apart from the Haribo, @Sutsha!) and hydrating well. I had a lovely evening chatting with some friends and felt very much at peace with the world. I then slept well (evidenced by the Garmin sleep tracker).

I went out there and felt I “attacked” the run, rather than let running attack me!

I was getting 500m distance alerts so I would know where to turn and that prompted me to look at my watch slightly more than usual. I could see early on that my pace was high. Rather than my usual response - slow down, conserve energy - I knew I had it in me to get there and back, even if I would be crawling the last part.

The final K and my mental maths wasn’t great (my pulse trace shows why - way high!) and so I pushed, determined to come in just under 40 mins.

I put it down to several things. Yesterday being a good preparation day. Being in a great frame of mind thanks to support of good friends. Feeling special about having a proper runner’s watch. Jancanrun’s Ska playlist and the way it takes me right back to my youth. The weather being okay. Weight-loss and (whisper it) getting fitter.

Immense high on seeing the time then straight into that most mellow of mellow feelings I’ve only known after a less vertical activity. I know I have felt happier but I can’t remember when.

Sirens Hill taken to Uptown Top Ranking by Althea and Donna. So appropriate. “See me in ma pants and ting!” However I struggled up there today due to my pace and it annoys me so much that I am considering renaming it the Naughty Steppe.

Looking forward to the 5.5k on Saturday morning.

Whatever run you have next, enjoy it x

[Hidden]

What a great write up and a fantastic run! Don't blame me with the Haribo, you know you wanted them. Hey they came to hand quick enough 😂😂😂

I'm so very pleased for you. Another goal checked off. (Must've been those intervals...that you didn't do!).

Isn't it wonderful when it all falls into place 😁😁😁

Edit: Was that Naughty Steppe or Naughty Steep???

[David_G]

Great work Jay! 😀👍 It’s always good to see someone progressing so well. 🙂

What a fabulous post too, so upbeat and motivating 😀 I like the sound of that playlist, just the sort of thing I need 😊

Good luck with your next run mate.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done Jay66UK, that is brilliant. It sounds like all is well with you at the moment and it’s great that you’ve gone sub 40. I think as you run further, your time for 5k will get quicker. I’m going to have to jump off the bridge to keep up with you.

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Go on Dexy!!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

I’ll let you know when I do the leap ripcurl- at the moment 2x4 and a 5 seems right . Once I can do 3x5 like Jay can it will feel right

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Come on Dexy, time to leap!! We'll catch you

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

I think I’ll let UpTheStanley take that path first Lorijay but I know when I do you’ll have lots of advice on support for me 😀

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

So so pleased for you Jay!! Know how hard you have worked on these 5k’s. Not only on the run itself but looking after your body and mind.

Waiting on the 10K podium for you getting sloshed! 🙌🏼😍🙌🏼

[Lorijay Graduate10]

Absolutely fantastic Jay!! Wonderful post by great guy/runner. So very pleased for you.

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

I tried editing the gain and it created a different copy. It was a 2.5 minute faster run 😳

[SendWine]

Lovely when it all comes together, sounds like you're smashing it x

[roseabi]

Beautiful view!! And well done!!!!

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

Yay! High 5! I'm so chuffed for you so let's do another High 5! Great result.

I think that the shorter runs help because they tell your legs how to run faster.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Goforitmama]

I’m loving this concept of shorter runs. 2.5k.

And then I think back to C25K W1R1 and the struggle to go for a minute. And you expect me to do another minute? And ANOTHER? What? Now?? 🤣🤣🤣

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

So true!

[Marvo69]

Yay!! Go Jay! Great effort - glad it came good for you! No more 45 minute jokes for you sir - you're moving into Panther territory! Well done mate

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Fabulous, and the playlist makes such a difference on a run I think....

[Saartjie Graduate10]

Massive well done Jay! X

[Saartjie Graduate10]

Massive well done Jay! X

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Fantastic!

[limberlou Graduate10]

Well done Jay!!! I am going to have to do some serious work to catch you guys up again when I’m back running. One more week of the dreaded Stormtrooper boot. I can see the end in sight then I’m setting myself a 50 miles walking throughout August challenge. I signed up last night so that I don’t slip back into couch mode.

It’s quite a good one for £12.99 you get a medal,certificate,ice towel and running belt. And you can choose 25,50,75,100 miles to run walk or cycle

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Excellent. How many 5ks in 25 miles?