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 2.5 minutes off. 😳🤷‍♂️🏅(edited: my maths was wrong earlier!)

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

[pianoteacher Graduate10]

Absolutely brilliant Jay!! 30 secs per km off your previous best is no mean feat - there's no stopping you now

[LoungeLizaard Graduate10]

Go Jay! Go Jay! Go Jay!

Well done mate, sub 30 next!! lol

Congratulations!

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

Somehow editing the gain has made two copies of the post. Sorry.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

I thought it was the effort of a great run was making you see double

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate10]

Amazing Jay - well done! That's a fantastic achievement...you'll be getting sub 30 minutes soon...

[Dbbd Graduate10]

Well done Jay!! That’s wat I’m aiming for - think it’s because I haven’t lost any weight it’s alluding me. Ur an inspiration for me - enjoy that high ur on its well deserved!!

[amanda2463]

Well done Jay what a great run. Im still hobbling so haven’t run since sat at least I can weight bear now !!!

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to amanda2463]

😔 Sorry to hear that, Amanda. Recover well x

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Great going, Jay! Sounds like a great run! 😃❤️

The Naughty Steppe - love it!😂😂

I’m coming over to join you in big school this Saturday, when my Parkrun will become Juju’s week 1 / 5k. Just sharpening my pencils and polishing an apple up right now...😎👍

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Excellent. There’s a nice desk by the window for you!

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Uh oh...put me by the window and I’ll get in trouble with Juju for daydreaming...🙄😊❤️

[Jelon]

Well done Jay you’ve only gone and done it. Loving your attitude 😊😊😊

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Jelon]

Thanks - it’s the only one I’ve got!

[Pippayoungart]

Awesome! well done!

[Lola333]

Wow, that’s great well done! ⭐️

[SandieF]

Well done Jay! That is awesome 👏👏👏 Dont ya just love it when it all comes together. Seriously well done matey 👍👏🎉

[HoagyM Graduate10]

Great stuff Jay, I can see that PB come crashing right down as you get into this, and you conquer your fear of the Naughty Steppe

And yeah, I managed to make two copies of a post due to editing a while back (it was my C25k graduation run), don't know how that happens.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to HoagyM]

Cheers. Double posts - I think we must be special 🤣

[Chrisj31]

Well done Jay!!!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Whoop! Well done, Jay! What an achievement. It is so lovely when we start to see progress, hey? You are doing so so well, there will be no stopping you. x

[18Windmill]

Well done sunshine! Keep on trucking. 👍👍👍

[Ang62]

Great time Jay! I am way off that at the moment. I am going to try your preparation technique - it sounds lovely in itself 😊

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Ang62]

I recommend it. Needs good friends to work properly.

[Itsmillie]

Well done!!!!!!! 🏃‍♂️🎉🎉 you're winning!

[sallenson Graduate10]

Well done!! That 10K is beckoning....

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

Yeah. But it’s using two fingers!

[sallenson Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Sorry. I was trying to be encouraging....

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to sallenson]

It was. Very 😃

[Hidden]

Well done! And take the Garmin time. Strava rounds it up or down, even though it’s getting the info from Connect.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Flick - useful to know.

[Crittermad]

Well done! All the stars aligned for you today. It must be the fancy new watch. I do find preparation the day before contributes to performance massively.

Sirens hill is always going to be difficult as it’s steep, but as you get fitter you are beginning to get the better of it and will tame it 👏👏👏

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

Top man!! Well done! I blame the Garmin 😝😃

[Razouski]

Wow check you out, Jay! That's fantastic.

[Bridget007]

Well done that’s brilliant! 😀