Cheeky little 5K PB! :D

Hello lovely runner friends!

Having gone on a wonderful steam railway adventure yesterday (The Cumbrian Mountain Express - Railway Touring Company), complete with on-board catering, I came back tired, and rather stuffed full of delicious food. That made getting out of bed this morning rather hard. When I did, it was raining - well, more light drizzle really. I waited. It didn't subside, so in the end I gave up waiting and went out of the door about 10:30am. I don't mind running in rain, it's actually quite cooling, it's more that I need to wear glasses, which very quickly because optically suboptimal(!) due to the increasing amount of water on the lenses.

At this point I should say I had every intention of doing 10k. When I saw the weather though, I decided maybe my 6.5k route would be good, to the end of the canal and back. Off I trotted. After the first delicate wisperings of my captive virtual running lady in my ear, it became apparent that this pace was not a 10k pace, probably not a 6.5k pace, and maybe not even a 5k pace. The tempo of the track I was using was the same as the last run, but somehow I was faster. So - I decided that I would use this run to focus on my 5k pace, as that's what my body seemed to want to do.

I passed various dog walkers, all bundled up in coats looking like it was winter. It really wasn't cold at all. That made me chuckle as I ran along. At about the 2k mark another runner passed me going in the opposite direction. We exchanged a quick "hello", and then I realised, I was no longer embarrassed for other runners to see me. I may not be the fastest, the fittest, the most handsome, or have the best technique, but I am a proper runner now, and that thought must have spurred me on because the next time virtual runnergirl whispered in my ear, my average pace had increased. I was definitely going to turn round at the 2.5k mark and make this an attempt at a fast run.

The return leg was just as fun, and I got to say "hello" again to a couple of walkers I'd overtaken minutes previously. I actually really enjoy that now. At about 4k I started to feel a little out of breath, but there was no way on this planet I was letting my pace drop, so as long as I still could breath and run, I did. I certainly had to push through on the last k a bit, but I was able to, and that amazed me.

The end result? Well I didn't smash the 30 minute barrier, and I'm nowhere near as fast as my lovely running buddy Speedy Sadie-runs, but I did it it in 32:17, giving an average pace of 6:26/km which is my personal best for a 5k, or indeed any distance. Watch out 30 minute 5k, I'm coming for ya

I enjoyed a glorious shower, a cup of coffee, and then made some flapjack for church. So far - a good day.

Have a great day too everyone

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

Well done and a lovely write up 👍

[Hidden in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thank you pinkaardvark , one of those really satisfying runs, I pushed myself, but still kept it enjoyable. It has to be enjoyable in my book, otherwise I probably would give up knowing me!!

[quirkybee]

Oh Neil, that was a good run yo be fair, you will pass that 30 minute barrier, keep going and each time you will get that little bit faster.

Have you tried contact lenses (if you're able to wear them), as they're ideal for running? I have been running without my glasses lately, can't see who anyone is mind should they beep their horn at me 🤣🤣 I just wave anyway, lol. I wear them all day for work and driving.

Your trip sounded lovely too with all that delicious food x 👍👌

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

Thanks quirkybee , always great to hear from you! I didn't intend to do a really fast run today, but it was going well, so I thought why not go with it and see what happens And yes, the trip was great, but I definitely felt I had to run it off

Contact lenses, interesting thought. I haven't tried them since I started running, but a few years ago I gave them a go, and could never seem to get my presciption sorted so it was quite right. I have astigmatism, and I found that the toric lenses struggled to stay in the right orientation in my eyes. I have a friend who is an optometrist though, so I might give them another shot with some expert advice.

Oh - I just noticed the last thing you posted about your mental health motivation run, and I honestly thought I'd replied. Sorry about that, I'll take a look later x

[Hidden]

Wonderful run and well written. I'm thinking about your glasses issue and wondering if you wear a cap? I find it great for a multitude of sins - hiding when I'm putting it down, keeping the sun away, hiding bad hair and tipping slightly to stop the rain bothering my eyes/shades. It is a little hot for it right now, but I won't go out without it!

Fabulous PB too! Great stuff!!! 😁😘

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the kind words Hidden , any encouragement is much appreciated. A cap would be great, but for some odd reason I have an extremely large head (don't laugh!) so most "one size fits all" caps don't actually fit. Today wasn't too bad... I may just fit windscreen wipers to my glasses

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure they must have bigger styles. I'm thinking American baseball players, they'll be pretty large too I'm guessing. Maybe look elsewhere, like Amazon who have a global market rather than high street stores! How this is helpful and not coming across as just plain bossy 😬

All else failing, I'd def go for the wipers idea and patent it! Remember me when you're rich and famous 😁

[DebJogsOn]

A great run Neil and a fab time!

Funny how that embarrassment around other runners disappears isn't it?

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

Thanks Deb, I really appreciate that.

And yes, it is. I think after graduating C25K I considered myself a fledgling runner, and started to be less self-conscious. That's improved no end having graduated from B210K - I feel accepted here as a proper runner now, I see that somehow my posts occasionally inspire people, and think that actually, I must be doing something right!!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Well done, Cheeky! Glad you had one of those satisfying runs, and a good time too! (I have only rarely had a sub-30 min 5k, and find it a killer!)

Run for the joy, my friend. xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you dear Sadie! I'm thinking I might do a bit of speed work... but then again I'm desperate to run another 10k... or who knows, further?

The two girls at church who run have been trying to badger me into signing up for the Manchester HM in October. They reckon it would be doable. I reckon I would probably die!!! They are younger than I am

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yup, I too haven’t decided where to go with my running...I might just consolidate the 10k for a bit, and throw in some shorter, gentler runs (for the joy) for a while. I need to do the speed podcast again, and try a park run!

If you follow a plan, I see no reason why you couldn’t do a HM, Neil! You are a good, solid runner. But don’t be pressured into it! 🤭

Sadie-runs xx

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

That's running and choo-choos we have in common (and eating) - don't suppose you support Accy Stanley as well?

[Hidden in reply to UpTheStanley]

Hahaha! This is true!

Unfortunately I'm not a football fan, I wasn't a fan of any sports, the only way I can cope with running is to think of it as not being a sport!

However... if I did support a team, it would either be Stockport County (local to me) or quite possibly Stanley actually. I really admire the way they've fought to get where they are now. Plus they are fairly local to me too I live in Stockport, work in Chorley, and have spent a fair bit of time in Blackburn over the years as my Grandpa (sadly deceased now) was from there.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

You are clearly a scholar and a gentleman

[Lorijay Graduate10]

Great run and write up Neil. Wow you are getting speedy!! Sub 30 is just a matter of when definitely not if. Steam train trip sounds fabulous especially the "delicious food, might have to consider this as grandson would love it! Have a great week

[Hidden in reply to Lorijay]

Thank you Lorijay , I have to say it's not the cheapest thing, but it makes for a great day out, if you enjoy rail travel and being hauled by a steam locomotive, and like really lovely food, you can't beat it. Premier dining is the posh option (my parents paid!!) but I can recommend it: railwaytouring.net/uk-day-t...

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil, will have a look at the link. Happy running week Neil

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

We did the York to Carlisle and back for OHs 60th birthday, going over the settle viaduct . It was a great day out.

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

Oh fantastic! You mean the Ribblehead viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle line? We did that on Saturday. Long day but really really lovely! Hope you enjoyed the 60th celebrations

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes that’s the one. Yes it is a long day, but a beautiful journey . And like you say, good food along the way starting with breakfast and Buck’s Fizz . I think we’ll have to return to the viaduct to take a photo of a steam train going along . Definitely the best view. Appleby was pretty too.

[Empem Graduate10]

Love the post.Fabulous 5k.

Go go flap-jack maker extraordinaire!

[Hidden in reply to Empem]

Thank you Empem , I've got to admit, they tasted pretty good, even if I do say so myself!

Since my separation and divorce (which I don't recommend!!!) I have had to learn to make my own flapjack. It's quick and easy, and doesn't have the taste of plastic and preservatives like the shop bought ones can.

[Empem Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I do the Hugh Fernley one with added coconut. Ummm

[Hidden in reply to Empem]

That sounds interesting - I shall look that up!

[jeffbird Graduate10]

sounds great. thanks for posting as accounts like this are inspirational (I know that sounds cheesy but I can't think of another word)

[Hidden in reply to jeffbird]

Thanks Jeff, I try my best to find positives in my running. I think if I didn’t I would have given up by now.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Oh what I’d give to run in drizzle. Well done on your PB Neil

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy! Yes the drizzle was very unexpected, but felt sooo good, keeping me cool throughout.

I’m trying to decide for the next run... do another 10k or work on 5k pace...

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Or you could just turn everything off and run until you want to stop. You never know where you might end up.

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

I’m not a great drinker, so if it’s not the pub about 2 miles down the canal, quite possibly the bacon buttie van 😂

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

You speedster! Many congratulations on your lovely run, it's all coming together rather nicely by the sound of things, which is lovely to hear.... apart from the glasses bit. I wear an old pair and just wipe them with my fingers every now and then.

Flapjacks for church?? You really are a lovely guy!

[Hidden in reply to Fishypieface]

Awww thanks FPF! My quads are aching more than I’d like them to though, so I’m going to try and work on my core a bit on the rest days. I think that will help as If I do stuff on the rest days as well, everything will probably hurt all the time, so running will be no worse 😂

Thanks for your kind comments, I’m certainly no masterchef or anything, but being divorced after being married to a fantastic cook for 20 years, I now get chance to try my hand in the kitchen. We have these bring and share meals once a month at church, and, well, flapjacks are actually really easy (don’t tell anyone!)