Negative splits fail, but 10K PB, and 11.3k so I don't care!!

Good evening lovely running friends,

I know I probably post too often on here, so I'll keep it short. Mind you, that's what I said about today's run, look how well that worked out lol Yeah, anyway... day off today, so thought I'd do a little run.

I seem really bad at little runs. I was only aiming to do between 5 and 7k today, and I was in a bad mood for some reason. Probably hormones, I don't know, male menopause or something. Anyway, given that I was only supposed to be doing a short run, I thought I'd have a crack at negative splits again. In the words of Jeremy Clarkson, how hard can it be?

Turns out, really quite hard. I have Strava set to nag me every 0.5km. As some of you will know I've been divorced for a year or two now, so I guess Strava is filling that void in my life, apparently I needed to be nagged again. Determined to conquer this negative splits thing, I set off at what felt like an astonishingly slow pace for me. Honestly, when the first nag came in I was fully expecting my pace to be 7:30/km or something, or for Strava to start doing that auto-pause thing it does when you run too slowly. After 0.5km my pace had been 6:06/km. Doh! At this point, the grumpiness set in, because I knew I had failed this challenge, but I sure as heck wasn't going to give up. I deliberately slowed down some more. Trouble is, as I was doing this, I was warming up, so despite my best efforts I couldn't get my pace down at the start. I was trying to aim for 7:00/km but I was way off.

So - I had already failed at the splits, so time to fail at something else: running for only 5 or 7k. The point at which I would turn back home for an approx 7k run came, and I felt especially grumpy. Every bone in my body wanted to give up, but I made a decision. I was going to keep going, I needed to do this for me. Well, me, you lot, and my favourite best VRB of course (Sadie-runs) . I ignored 2 further options for shortening the run, using the excuse that it was either too steep, too muddy or both, so at this point I was committed to a run of a little over 11k. Fine. Whatever. I've run that far before, I can do it again.

I nearly lost my nerve at about 10.5k when I remembered belatedly that I'd chosen the route with the stupid hump-backed canal bridge which, at the end of a long run, looms like everest, and is as hard to get down as it is to get up. I managed it though, without Strava auto-pausing, and on I went, to complete my run where I started, after 8 miles. That's 11.3k in a time of 1:18:31 with a personal record for a 10k. Strava called out 10k after 1:08 something, though it now says 1:09:04. Who knows!!

I know I've banged on about this rather a lot, but this running lark is great for improving your mood, isn't it?

If you've read this far, well done (and why???!)

Run safe,

Neil

[Equi-geek Graduate10]

Haha! Great run Neil - well done there!

[Hidden in reply to Equi-geek]

Thank you It didn't feel like a great run certainly in the first half, but you know what, it wasn't so bad was it? I have this little routine now of punching the air and cheering when I pass the 10k mark. Goodness knows what the other towpath users must have thought.

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Sounds good to me! I can barely gasp ‘Woo....Hoo...’😰 on the very few times I’ve passed 10K😁👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

No F words here...!!!!

You know that by now!!

Except for.....

Fabulous......Fantastic ...Fantasmagorical and...

Flipping awesome!!!

Go you !!!😊 xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Well at least it wasn't a failed run, that's the important thing But heck you're right, I used the F Word. I shall now wash my mouth out with concentrated hydrochloric acid or something.

The other F words I rather like though!!

How are you getting on though Oldfloss ? I checked your profile and there was lots of stuff where you were supporting others on the various forums which is wonderful, and what you do best, but how are you actually doing yourself?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Neil... thank you ... I do my best for the forum... but thanks for thinking about me...

I am okay....I have just had a few rough months with one daft thing after the other...injuries which have had nothing to do with running, but have set me back a fair bit...I am finally back on track..I had a personal best for a 10K....( not as impressive as yours.... mine was 1 hr 13... :)....but have been feeling pretty knocked about sometimes

It means a lot that you have noticed x

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

How could I not notice? You’ve been with me from day 1, encouraging me, instinctively knowing just what to say, knowing when tough love is the right thing, supporting, advising and just generally being awesome. Ok??

Well done on your 10k PB, that’s brill! Doesn’t look very snail like to me though. I’m so, so glad you’re back running again. I was actually getting quite concerned, especially because you were spending all your time supporting runners when you yourself couldn’t. Did I mention you’re awesome? Xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Neil... thank you...that means a great deal to me. xxx

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Well done Oldfloss - great to hear you got a new 10k PB!!! 😃❤️🏃‍♀️💥

Glad you’re feeling back on track. Was particularly thinking of you and your poor toes yesterday when I wellied one foot into a doorframe. Shall be doing Tatton Park 10k race on Saturday with one very purple toe! 😖❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Ouchie.... you will be fine...even with nine toes... take me with you please

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I’m thinking back to Monty Python’s Quest for the Holy Grail now... tis but a flesh wound!!

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Of course you’re coming with me Oldfloss ! It should be fun despite the toe. Looks like a scenic route with a very pretty medal! Will take photos. 😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️❤️

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

Ouch!! Good luck for Saturday, hope your foot recovers. Tatton is not a million miles from me... maybe I should have looked into that myself!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I did...not too far from me either... then forgot about it!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I’m not sure I’m brave enough for public races yet. Parkrun scare me enough 😂According to my phone though, I’m only 13 miles away. That could be my HM training, you know?

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Perhaps we need to organize a C25k / B210k team for one in the future! 😃❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Great fun

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil. There seem to be a whole series of 10ks at Tatton throughout the year. This weekend it’s a 10k on Saturday, then a HM on Sunday. Looks a pretty route around the park / lake / closed roads - and flat too, which is a bonus to me. Comes with a nice looking medal as well! 😊❤️

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

I don’t have any proper bling yet... would be nice though. I need to get over the whole social anxiety thing first

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

We could do the runs all of us together.. i am a solo runner too!

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I may be going with my OH, but definitely count as a solo runner too! (He’ll disappear off into the distance and leave me in his dust! 😂😂😂) ❤️

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Will let you know how big it is for future plotting. Our numbers are ~500ish, so I’m hoping this will be a fairly small and friendly event. ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

It would be great for future runs.. we are all so close together Tatton I like..

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Haha you’re such a failure Neil! 😅😅😅 Teasing, don’t worry, you’re clearly an awesome runner! 👏👏👏🏃🏃🏃 I love your detail, it’s like we’re on the run with you, except I’d be the one at the back, snailing!

I’ll be going for the big 10k next week! Isn’t running epic? 😀😀

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Good luck for next week cheekyc 🤞😃❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks MD, whenever I think of it I get gigantic 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[mountaindreamer Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Think of it as like that 1st 20min run in C25k. We all worry we can’t, but we’ve followed the programme and we’re ready. You’ve got this! 😃❤️❤️

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

MD is right, it’s just like W5R3 of C25K all over again. You’re just running for a tiny bit longer, that’s all

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you!!! I do my best to describe the runs as I see them, though I suspect if you were actually running with me, my "interesting" sense of humour, ability to talk complete twaddle, and uncanny ability at making "dad jokes", you'd suddenly develop a turn of speed and be off into the distance

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Oh yes, and hope your own 10k goes really well. I'm sure with your positive attitude you'll smash it. Comes round quickly, doesn't it? Have you enjoyed yourself?

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil! Oh yes I’ve enjoyed myself since starting C25K in June. Can’t get enough running now, having been an avid running avoider/hater in the past!

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Me too!!! I used to thing joggers were just being silly. Why would anyone do that when they could... not do it? How wrong I was. C25K/Bridge/Running/You lovely lot have all changed my lift so much for the better. So glad you seem to be feeling a similar thing.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Also for me, these forums have made a massive difference. There’s always someone ready to advise, encourage and generally send positive vibes. Brilliant online community! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You'll get there..no worries

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Brilliant, Neil! No real failures today then! 😂🏃‍♂️💥❤️

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks MD, yes, I suppose it was OK

Actually, more than OK. I'm thrilled I managed 10k+ again. I often doubt myself as a runner when I probably don't need to. I remember it well - my utter shock at actually completing C25K and not giving up. Thanks for your support though, that's what this forum's really really good at.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Well done to Neil, interesting saying a humped back bridge over the canal looks like Mt Everest🤔, yes it does after you have ran a 10k or more. 😊

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

It's a nasty little thing actually, all cobblestones too, so it can be a little slippery, and you have to switch from uphill running to trying not to tumble down very quickly. It's across a little canal arm in High Lane, the entrance to the North Cheshire Cruising Club I think. This is a picture of the bridge in question. Doesn't look that much from a distance. penninewaterways.co.uk/macc...

When I run it, it's usually coming towards the camera after a long run!!

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Great run... Distance and time!!! Well done. And I love the fact it improved your mood. It does that , doesn't it. Good way to spend some of yr day off and u can relax!

[Hidden in reply to Deals1]

Thank you! Actually looking back, I'm pretty happy with the time, I just wish I could have managed the splits a bit better. I read Sybilw 's post earlier about obsession with numbers (about to reply, honest!!) and that certainly got me thinking...

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

* in awe, in awe, in awe* (No! I'm not a donkey 🤣) I'm just impressed. Again Hidden 🤗🤗

[Hidden in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Awe... thank you Flara (see what I did there??!) I did laugh at the donkey thing though. Brilliant!!

At some point I'm going to realise I don't have to prove anything to myself you know? I know full well I don't need to prove anything to you folks, it's me that's the issue. Maybe some unplugged even untracked running is in order

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

When you find the secret to not feeling like you have to prove anything to yourself, please bottle it and give it away generously 🤗 I have a feeling it's not going to be that far into the future 😊

[Hidden in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Oh I’m not there yet, but on a positive note, I’m in a much much better place mentally than I was a year ago.

[Gran4z Graduate10]

Yay read it! Thanks for sharing, good stuff. Amazing run, a good work out certainly lifts the mood. Happy days, happy running 🙃🌻

[Hidden in reply to Gran4z]

Haha thank you for wading through my waffle Yes it’s great for mood lifting isn’t it? Happy running to you as well.

[Gran4z Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ta Neil. How do you do negative splits anyway? I see from what you say it's on Strava - sounds complex! Probably my old brain won't be able to suss it out, but would be good for me I need to up my pace - possibly😳.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

That’s a fab run, Neil, well done! As I said on Strava, don’t get too hung up on the negative split thing - it’s not essential! Just something fun to try to see how it feels for you. Plus, it is hard to gauge your pace without a running watch. When I set out I am checking my pace every min or so in order to keep it slow!

Glad the run 🏃‍♀️ improved your mood; running can be magical like that sometimes. 😁 You sounds truly back to form. No, even better than form! I am seriously impressed and oh my, you really have got the running bug! 😂

Sadie-runs xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you dearest Sadie, as you said to me earlier, what would I do without you, my best virtual cheerleader and dear running friend? And yes, I have got the running bug I think, and I'm not looking for the cure either!!

I do need a running watch though. I need it in my life!! I have no-one to buy that sort of gift for me for Christmas now, so I'll just have to see how much money I have left after spoiling my girls rotten!!! But, I deserve one, I've worked hard for it, right?

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

For me, it’s six fifths impossible to run slower than my “natural” pace if I’m running solo. You need a Dexy to run with 😍 to curb your impetuously!

[Hidden in reply to UpTheStanley]

Oh good grief yes!! I do have some real running friends who I see at church, I haven't dared run with them yet. They all did the Manchester HM, they'll be faster than me. I may not be able to keep up!

[seaspaniel in reply to Hidden]

Oddly enough they ought to be doing at least one slow run (for them) a week, which may be about right for you ( i know it was for me). You can ask to see what they do.

[Hidden in reply to seaspaniel]

Thanks seaspaniel I think you're right, and to be fair they do tell me that they won't go too fast, I think it's just the self-doubt creeping in again.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

I don't really take much notice of my splits and things, need to try and get my head around it!

[Hidden in reply to Deals1]

Well I've come to the conclusion that I'm rubbish at that side of it, so maybe I'll just continue to run for the pure joy of it Anyway, splitting my things sounds rather painful lol

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

😂😂 😱 ha. Yeah it does! Running just for joy sounds good. Maybe once I've got to 10k. I might try it too

[Lordi Graduate10]

Out and back routes are great for stretching your distances; once you're 6k out from base you've got a 12k run baked-in unless you call for an emergency lift home! "Runners' High" really kicks in with longer runs too! You'll be knocking on the door of 12, 13, 14, 15k soon if you're not careful!

[Hidden in reply to Lordi]

This one isn’t quite out and back, the out and back canal route was just getting a bit boring. I am really enjoying the longer runs, especially if I’m sensible enough to drop my pace. Longest so far is 13k, but I would say I have an unofficial goal of 15 by the end of the year.... maybe! This running lark never ceases to amaze me. I never thought I’d do 10 tbh.

[Pete1w]

Silly question, but what are negative splits?? Amazing run by the way.

[MutleyShuffle Graduate10 in reply to Pete1w]

No silly questions on here! As far as I understand it, it's when you pace yourself so that you do the first half of the run slower than the second half, and if you've got any energy left in the tank you can sprint the end! Someone more knowledgeable will probably be along soon...

[Hidden in reply to Pete1w]

I think it’s where you bend over the wrong way and your running pants split, isn’t it 😂

Actually, listen to Mutley, that sounds right to me!!

[Pete1w in reply to Hidden]

😂😂😂😂

[Mckennamark Graduate10]

Great run Neil.

[Hidden in reply to Mckennamark]

Thank you! I’m trying to make sure I keep my runs enjoyable, to keep me motivated