Gaining speed

[Scobs]

My running partner is 11 years younger then me, and because I’m a carer I can’t get to park runs etc every week or go out extra running, and I now feel as if I’m holding her back. Her speed is 5 k in 37,5 mins where mine is 5 k in 41.5 mins. The distance of speed between us is growing . I’m 54 she 43. Can anyone tell me how to increase my speed when I’m stuck in house.?

Also is it normal for people’s ankles to feel as if they are on fire and bruised, I feel as if I’ve massive blisters on my one foot but there’s nothing there?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I don't think that you should run with that ankle feeling of massive blisters on your feet although there are none there. The day before you run drink plenty of water and although you say that you are running slowly, until that blister ankle feeling has gone, run slower or not at all than you have up to now, once that blister feeling around your ankle has gone.

[Hidden]

Interval training is good for speed. I think you should get your feet/ankles checked out btw

[Glossy Graduate10]

It’s difficult when you are at different speeds isn’t it. My husband can’t go as slow as me, he finds it too difficult. I am around 10 minutes slower than him over 5k (37 mins v 28!).

We set off together and I send him off on his own, we have a high five when we cross over and then just meet up at the end ☺️.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

As you progress then, all other things being equal, the gap in absolute pace will grow between a 54 year old and a 43 year old... this is something we have to accept really. So if you’re on a run together and going for PBs, just go do your runs at your own paces... and have a chat after the run, celebrate together if either of you beats your time. A PB attempt should only be every now and then... for all other runs you can run together, at the conversational pace of the slower runner and have a great chat as you go.

Possibly your pains are due to trying to keep up and so going too fast for your current level. Back off a little and hopefully it will go away. If the pains persist go get checked out by a doctor or physio.

[Scobs in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Some good advice. Thank you. Sounds like maybe I shouldn’t try and keep up with her

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Scobs]

In general it’s best to not try to keep up with anyone... there are other things you can do like go short and her be running her comfortable, becoming a tempo run for you.... or you could run comfortable while she did intervals to keep catching you. Probably plenty of fun to be had finding workouts that you can share while on individual development plans.