This 3k run is too short for this forum!

Morning lovely virtual cheerleaders!

This week has been a tough one regarding fitting in running, so as I know I'm even going to struggle to fit a run in this weekend (though I will!) I decided that I'd just do a short one before work. 3k. That's all I did, simply because that's the distance round the housing estate next to where I work.

I was still pretty pleased though. As I've mentioned before, this route has fairly gentle but long gradients for much of it, but I still managed a respectable [for me] 6:32 per km and did the run in 19:48 which I was happy enough with, as it's only 6 seconds per km slower than my last 5k run which was completely on the flat. Looking at my stats I also kept a virtually constant pace through the whole thing too, which I was happy about.

Flippin' heck though, I got a little warm, even at 7:30 in the morning. No shower at work, so now that I've recovered and posted, I'll follow Sadie's suggestion of a rub down with baby wipes - and a change of clothes, obviously

Have a great day, running friends!

[roseabi]

No run too small

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Thank you! I'm itching to do my next 10k though, I have a new slightly more interesting route planned out and everything. It starts and finishes at the same point and only has downward hills... oh wait, that can't be right

I've just been reading your profile... I love the way you say that 5k wil be more than enough That's what I said, and now I'm on 10ks - with the odd 3k thrown in, obviously, and half considering working towards a half marathon. Life gets in the way sometimes though, and it's really really annoying...

[roseabi in reply to Hidden]

My husband won't believe anything I say anymore

Wow, a dream 10K, I love that! Have you seen my dream marathon poll? Because you know, after a half marathon there's... heh heh heh...

Know what you mean about life though, it's a juggling act!

[DebJogsOn]

No run is too short! I am loving you're developing stats obsession though - it's addictive isn't it?

I'm in thrall to Strava (though am often pretty sure I run faster than it says 😉). And only a year a go I was glad to complete intervals of 60seconds of running without dying!

What are you planning now you've cracked 10k?

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

Ah morning Deb! Interesting one isn't it, the whole stats thing. I don't want to be a slave to stats, yet being a scientific-minded person I love the no-nonsense nature of stats. For example, the first 5 minutes of this morning's short run were really hard, but my phone told me I was actually running at the same pace I would attempt to run a 5k on the flat, so that would be why. I can see myself getting better over the weeks and months, and I find that really encouraging.

Thank you for all your continued support and encouragement. Again, you are one of those runners I really look up to!

[DebJogsOn in reply to Hidden]

Ah don't be looking up to me - I'mjust bumbling along in my own way! Interestingly the running thing has taught me to compare myself much less with everyone else (and not just in running!) - another benefit!

Am mightily happy to have been virtually running along with you all this time though 😊

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

The feeling is mutual!

Oh - what am I planning? Consolidating 10ks, probably throwing in another parkrun, maybe doing the Marple 10k race in September as it's pretty much my new 10k route, convincing myself that I really don't want to step up to HM distance

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I’m trying to convince myself of the same 😂

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

Short runs just fit nicely into the day sometimes, and they allow us to set ourselves new challenges (like running as fast as I can, it's fun, they feel kinda refreshing and they are enough to clear my head).

Run happy Neil.

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Yes indeed, I enjoyed pushing myself this morning, and felt happy that I'd achieved the pace I did, which I know is still slow by many people's standards, because I know how much slower I was a few months back on that same route.

If I'd done a longer run I would either have to have got up stupidly early (5:30 was bad enough on a work day) or run after work, which I haven't got thie time to do most days.

It is fun this running lark isn't it? And quite addictive too!

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

A good addiction I think 😉

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

A run is a run!! Well done Neil. 😎

[Hidden in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Yes, a run is indeed a run If I worry about the shorter runs being short, I remember that a year ago the 1 minute runs of Week 1 of Couch to 5K seemed completely out of reach. We've all progressed, haven't we?

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I know still amazed! I’m doing a ‘quick’ 4-5k on Saturday - QUICK??! 😂😂😂

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

Short runs are great, and if they aren't enough to fill you up, just have another one later

[Hidden in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thanks Actually this one was really fun. And regarding the filling up? I'm taking the same approach today with cups of tea

[pianoteacher Graduate10]

A run is a run and you managed more than me Neil! My son and I set out with the intention of doing 5k this morning but it was so bloomin' hot even in the shade he asked to turn round after 1km and I was more than happy to oblige 😂

[Hidden in reply to pianoteacher]

Thanks pianoteacher

Oh, this wretched heat! It's brutal isn't it? Well, as you just said to me, a run is indeed a run, and that's 2k (assuming 1k there and back) more than you would have run if you didn't go out at all, so 4k between you. Doing it whilst it's hot is no fun at all!! Well done for getting out there anyway.

[Hidden]

I did 8km today, but my previous two this week were 1.5 and 2km. It’s hot!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

8k? I am so jealous! Great that you got to do it though. There's another 10k with my name all over it, if I could only fit it in!!!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You really have to pick your time. Look how I’ll i was doing 12k in the heat last week. I know now to be well hydrated.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

This is true! The trouble is I don’t want to end up needing a wee half way through 😁

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I swigged electrolyted water the whole way round (my garmin claims it was 27 degrees for part of the run) and didn’t need a wee. You’re more likely to sweat it out in this heat 😊

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

I did a 2k the other day just because I wanted to fit an extra bit in. A run is a run. More miles on the legs 👍🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

A run is a run, quite right. These days I seem to have got into the habit of feeling cheated if I run less than 5k, but anything is better than nothing, right?

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Absolutely! This weather isn’t normal either! I don’t think it’ll ever break for me to do a 10k ever again! Wouldn’t it be dreamy to go out in the rain ❤️ Those were the days

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

I went out in drizzle (hardly rain, but still...) last weekend, and it was just glorious!

[quirkybee]

Aww Neil, that's a great start. Sounds like a nice 5k route you have there though. Nice to know that when you've done a route you know that it takes you to 5k or 8k, etc.

Plus, stats are indeed why they're called, 'stats' and that's what they're there for, whether we are competitive or otherwise. Just knowing how good or not so good or not what we expected of ourselves and how we've done, just keeps us on our toes from time to time and a little tester here and there hoping we've beaten the last run's figures is definately good for our minds and soul. Xx 👍😊

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

I’m still very keen do explore my new 10k route... but I ran yesterday, and it’s way too hot today... so maybe tomorrow? How are you getting on these days?