Return to 10k (PB!), and other stories 😀

[316neil]

Hello lovely running friends! Long rambly post alert!

It's been a while, I know... I'm fairly rubbish at checking HU at the moment, but I am very active on Strava at least, and many of you here who actually remember me probably follow me on Strava anyway. My profile is strava.com/athletes/34392618 if anyone wants to follow me.

This year in one sentance: I got up to 17.5k in early January, then did something to myself and ended up skirting round the inury couch for most of the year so far.

A couple of months ago though, sick of the issues I was getting whenever I tried to push my running, issues with tightness that I couldn't stretch out mainly, I decided to start seeing a personal trainer. I know, a PT, me? He occasionally gets me on the treadmill, spin bike or cross trainer, but mostly he's been doing really boring core stuff with me, things like clams, and it's really been helping. In fact I ran yesterday lunch time, I only have half an hour, so usually do 3 or 4k. I a quick 3k, really tried to concentrate on form, and this morning it's actually my glutes that are feeling it, which I think means I managed to keep my core muscles engaged. It must have worked because I got 4 PBs, possibly helped by the horrendous hill sprint intervals the PT made my do at my last session.

The real point of this post though was to say about Saturday's run. I've not done a 10k in ages, I got to about 8 a week ago and stopped, so as not to push too far too soon. However, I couldn't resist going out. I've really been trying to master negative splits. It didn't really work so well for 10k due to the varing terrain and gradient, but broadly speaking I managed it. I tried to start slow for my first k, which I did (6:43), and I think that helped. I didn't have to stop to catch my breath, I felt I always had something left in the tank, nothing hurt afterwards and I got a PB of 1:02:13, which is over 2 minutes faster than my last 10k, on a similar route.

So that's where I'm up to with running, I'm still in the game even though I don't remember to post that often any more!!

Thank you everyone on here and the Strava crew for your support and encouragement, it means a lot

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

I'm so pleased you have recovered from those niggles that were plaguing you Neil. This (lovely 😆) PT chap is certainly putting you through your paces but it seems like your form has improved with the core work, and you're now reaping the benefits injury free!

What a super 10k run, no wonder you are chuffed with that.👌

So nice to read your post lovely Neil, its what the forum is for. Sharing our highs and lows...

Happy running 😊xxx

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you dear Jan!

"Lovely" PT chap lol!! Actually Matt is a really nice guy, but he always makes me do the stuff I like to avoid. It's annoying as anything, but good that he does, it's what I pay him for, right?

After just one really gruelling speed interval session up a steep hill (which the Matt said was nearly flat!) I definitely got a speed boost. That actually made me feel really good because I didn't honestly think I had it in me. On the 10k run I was just aiming to run 10k at a really easy pace, and to be honest it felt easy, I had no idea I would get a PB. It's quite difficult to judge pace sometimes, as the route I run has a lot of tree cover, which seems to interfere with the GPS on my watch. It sorts itself out eventually, but the instantaneos readout is often slow.

Thank you for all your support though Jan, much appreciated xxxx

[damienair Administrator]

Well done and congratulations to you on your new PB for 10K. You are not far away from a sub 1 hour 10K. Glad your back up to that distance and form after being on the injury couch. Happy running.

Damien

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks for your kind words Damien sub 60 seems so close, but the thought of running at an average pace faster than 6:00/k scares me!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

It's so good to see you getting back out there with confidence 👍🏻💪🏻😁

Get you... a PT!? Maybe I should try that! 👍🏻🤣

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Well like you said to me recently on Strava I think GoGo_JoJo , all of us are really just putting one foot in front of the other. That comment from you actually did give me a confidence boost, so thank you x

Now as regards a PT... I strongly suspect I need one way more than you do as you seem to be doing pretty well on your own, but I can definitely recommend it, as they know just how to get the most out of you, and the best way of accomplishing your fitness goals. Mine is part of the physio practice I use, and they've converted the basement to a gym. I call it a torture dungeon 🤣 It's great fun though as well, and it's good to have an independent qualified opinion of how you're progressing. I kept feeling I was getting nowhere until I realised that if he's doing his job properly and increasing the difficulty as I get fitter, it's never actually going to get easier!!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

No, but you'll get fitter and fitter! 👍🏻💪🏻😁

I think I'll have a look at what's on offer in my area...🤔

[alisonx Graduate10]

Great to hear from you Neil!

Congrats on the PB - what a great way to celebrate the hard work you have been putting in and the fact that you are off the IC! :)👍🏻 Perhaps the torture dungeon needs a new name?

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Thank you alisonx , I set off with no expectations, just aiming to complete 10k, so I was certainly happy with the result, thank you

The torture dungeon just needs naming officially "The Torture Dungeon" if you ask me! Clearly it is good for me, but still torture

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

I love reading your posts. Glad you are listening to your body and finding options that work for you.

Fab time for 10k. Well done!

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Goforitmama]

Awww thanks! I should post more, but recently I’ve not felt like I have too much worthwhile to say... but an update was clearly due. Thank you for all your encouragement, it’s very much needed and appreciated x

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Lovely to read this Neil and glad that you are progressing with your running again. Well done on that PB - and keep up the clams!! I am a great believer in them (and Bridges )as I have had my own niggles this year which seem to have improved as I have worked on my core, glutes and hips.🙂

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you, lovely of you to say that. Sorry you’ve had niggles too, I’m realising it’s part and parcel of putting our bodies through what we do. Yes to bridges, and planks though I’m not so good st those!!