No Parkrun last week, and a slow start to this one...

[theoldfellow]

Astute friends will have noticed that I didn't post a Keswick Parkrun report last week. I work on Sundays (Orthodox Clergy), and all the indications were that it would be a huge challenge this week, so I decided to skip the Parkrun in favour of a lie-in. 😱

Today I am starting a new phase of attempting to develop a longer run, by doing a short 3Km uphill very slowly (8min/Km pace). Juju's plan just doesn't seem to work for me at the moment - I know it will eventually though. I run out of 'go' at about 5Km and my heart rate rockets to 170ish, so the plan is to teach me to keep the pace down with a metronome at 140bpm. It's harder than I thought it would be - the legs just want to do 150-160.

Anyway, that's my news. I am continuing to watch yours with the usual delight, and prayers for your continuing success. 👏👣👏👣👏👣👏👣👏👣

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Yes I did notice you didn’t post TOF but everyone needs a lie-in occasionally. 🛌

I hope that your new plan works for you and you get to achieve your main goals. It doesn’t matter which way you do it but it must fit in with your environment and your lifestyle. I am in no doubt that my journey to 10k was far easier as a result of flat runs.

I tend to ignore the HR on my watch and go by my physical signs such as ability to breathe. That was the most important thing I learned on the 5-10 bridge.

We still want to hear how you are getting on though.

🏃‍♂️👏👏

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Sorry to hear over 5k is causing problems at the moment, OF. As Dexy says, I’d definitely go with how you feel, not what HR your Garmin says, but if it makes you feel terrible then slowing things down sounds a sensible plan. Just remember that running 5k regularly is still a tremendous achievement, so don’t feel there is anything written in stone that says you have to go any further. ❤️❤️❤️

I think I’d really struggle to drop to 140 steps per minute. I can fast walk at 150. Have you tried taking shorter steps instead to slow down? That should work too. Hope you can find the right answer for you. Good luck.🤞😊 🏃‍♂️❤️

[theoldfellow in reply to mountaindreamer]

Those ARE shorter steps....☺

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to theoldfellow]

Even smaller?? 😊❤️

I have to admit I gave up trying to get my own pulse down to what is supposed to be my calculated aerobic zone, on the basis that I go above it even walking, and wasn’t going to be running anywhere!😂 I’m working on free range for my artificial pacemaker pulse, with the idea that it may (or may not) come down after I’ve been running for longer! I figure I feel fine, and must be getting fitter whatever heart rate zone I’m in.

If you don’t feel fine then I guess you either slow down until you do, or really don’t worry about going for bigger distances? 🤔❤️🏃‍♂️

[theoldfellow in reply to mountaindreamer]

I just feel totally wasted and tired until I get the HR down, even just walking a bit helps a lot. I've been to the doc, and had the ECG, they are all good.

So yes, I am consolidating some more, and not trying to go over 5Km for now.

I'm not really moaning about it, I just wanted you all to know that I am no longer trying to bridge. Next spring maybe....

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to theoldfellow]

Sounds sensible. Just listening to your own body always seems to be the safest policy. I’m just entering the world of Strava to try and keep up with what everyone is upto. It’s nice to see folk are still getting out running, even if we don’t all get chance to post as often. 😊❤️

[southlundon]

Hope you enjoyed that lie-in Old! Glad it wasn't the dodgy knee that kept you from running

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Good plan re lie in, and also regarding the consolidation of 5k and the slowing down..... well done on your progress too