Bank holiday morning run, I’m not crazy, I’m a runner!

[JaoJao]

It’s 7.40am and I’m ready to go! This will be a long run this morning, clocking around 8k which should take me an hour and a bit.

Those running today, or starting JuJu’s plan, good luck!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

(I'll write in past tense so that you see my post after you have ran)

I hope that you enjoyed your 8K run JaoJao, you were very wise on running at that time in the morning as later today in the afternoon the temperature is going up into the upper 80's F around 31C.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you AlMorr, yes I deliberately went out in the morning to dodge the heat. I enjoyed my run which took me around 1hr 20 mins. It was the timeout and switching off that I needed to pick me up 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

I think that I did mention to you that I have been gradually increasing my distance 1k a week in a goal, quest as they say here to get to 10K, sort of Ju Ju's plan with a bit of my own, this Wednesday it will be 9K and the following Wednesday I hope to run for the first time 10K.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Ahhh I see, when did you start this? I look forward to your updates next two weeks, you’re nearly there now, wonderful!

The only thing that gets me is how long it takes me to cover the distance, I put it down on me being small (short) but I’m determined to keep going and hopefully improvements will come 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

I started trying for a 10K a few weeks ago, I only run twice a week rather than the three when I was doing C25K.

I thought OK mid-week between the parkruns on a Saturday I'll try, using my metronome app at 162 steps/beats a minute to increase my distance up to 10K, I ran a 6K a few weeks ago now, my split 5K time was 36.01, then I ran the 6k in 43.36, the following Wednesday the times were much the same when I ran a 7k in 50.54.

Last Wednesday when I ran an 8K, my 5k split time was 37.50, 6k:-45.26, 7K:-53.05, and the 8K time was 61.08, so this Wednesday for the 9K my time will be around 68 minutes with the app at 162 steps a minute, so I am getting there gradually.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you for sharing AlMorr, your approach is working for you and I hope the good progress continues.

I might checkout the metronome app you mention. See if it might help me too xx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

It's called "Metronome Beats" I installed it on to my Sony Experia Smartphone from the Android Store, I think it may work on other devices as well.

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Brilliant! well done! I cycled through Upton Court again today

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Did you spot the sign that says the footpath bridge to Datchet/Eton is going to close from Sept for 18 months! That’s annoying for people who come that way to parkrun xx

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

No I didn't - in my own little dreamworld as usual probably 😀. That's a long time! Wonder if it's one of the parhs I've used.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

It’s the foot bridge that crosses the M4. I think you did that cycle path into Eton after we met at parkrun x

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Oh dear! I did pretty much the same route today as well. Will have to be prepared to divert in future 😂

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

I will give you the diversion route for next time Don’t worry I got your back 😉

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Is it the bridge opposite the Myrke that leads down to the Jubilee river? if so, yes I go over it and yes here were notices ... but I didn't read any of them

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Yep that’s the one 👍

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Good luck, sending cooling vibes all the way round 🙂

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda, your cooling vibes were well received 😊 I was thinking on my run that we’ve probably only got a few more weeks of this before it really starts cooling down. It’s quite nice as a runner to catch the seasons and changes in the nature around you, not something I’ve previously paid much attention to.

[Stephen_UK Graduate10]

Good luck with the run, JaoJao.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thank you Stephen, I’m back now and feel like I’ve started the day beautifully. How are you getting on with your runs and Parkruns?

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Well, thanks. Missed Parkrun this week because I am on holiday in Scotland. But I’m running there. Glad yours went so well.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Stephen_UK]

Enjoy your holidays. We all need time out now and again from running, it’s what rejuvenates is and keeps us going.

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Thank you!

[LUHAN Graduate10]

I was out the door at 7.30 this morning for my first long run on jojo's plan. I meant to do 5.5km but ended up doing 6.5km as it was a flat route compared to my normal hilly route. Xx hope yours went well x

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to LUHAN]

Hey Luhan, nice to meet a fellow juju! I don’t think it matters that we went the extra distance as part of the juju plan so long as we do it safely. It’s nice to feel a part of something by doing this plan.

What’s your motivation for the juju plan? Is it to reach 10k? Mine is to improve parkrun performance!

[LUHAN Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Hi! I would love to build distance and learn how to run for a longer time by not going to fast! I think if honest I have probably pushed it a little today but I fell into the trap if it feeling good and having a goal of 7.605km to reach! I was aiming to walk first km (which I did) run 5.5 as on plan and then walk the rest! Just carried on instead

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to LUHAN]

Sure, I often see distance runners in my park and I am envious at how effortless it seems for them. We are well on our way to getting there some day too.

Do take care with the plan and if unsure listen to your body, twinges are normal, make sure you stretch before and after. I forgot to do the suggested planks today! Might do them in the evening!

[LUHAN Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Are the stretches every day or on great days? I have stretches and strength excercises from physio ( really need to get back to doing them!)

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to LUHAN]

I do my normal stretches routine before and after running, both are different types of stretches too. For week 1, juju states planks and the advice is to do it after the run while the body is still warm. I totally missed this after my run today, but I might try planks on rest days, can’t hurt. Not sure about holding it for 30 seconds though! Goodness! 😯