Never say never?

[JonathanP]

I've been fairly clear recently to myself and VRBs that 10K is 'my' distance and I don't have any motivation to increase that. Well for the last couple of weeks I've been thinking that perhaps I should see how a small increase to my weekly long run would go!

My 5k and 10k times have plateaued and I thought it might help improve my pace at shorter distances. This decision was helped by a change to my normal 10K route which means that it is not quite so hilly and also gives me the opportunity to easily lengthen my run.

So last week I tried 12k - all went well (1.16.02, pace 6.19 min/km) and this week I upped that to 13k (1.22.30, 6.21) with no significant problems apart from the expected post-run aches. Not sure whether or where I will go from here but it has been interesting!😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

10 miles is calling your name Jonathan! If you can do 13k, you can do 16.1. 😀 Just take it slower, as you already know! 👍🏃‍♂️

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hmm - we'll see!😜

[backintime Graduate10]

small(?) HM in your sights maybe?

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

How small can you get?😀

[Irish-John Graduate10]

Yep. Those longer distances kinda sneaked up on me also J. I used to think 10k was my "ultimate", now ten milers are fun, a recent HM rather enjoyable...and I am actually hoping I don't fall for the siren song of a FM, too many other things need doing with the time that would take

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Irish-John]

Yes, it can be a time bandit!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

It's addictive...! 👍🏻🤣

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

And I thought I didn't have an addictive personality!😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Ah ha JonathanP. You know we all said 5k, then 10k and here we are running longer.

You have done brilliantly and it is a natural progression for you to run further. Having said I am likely to return to 10k as soon as I’ve completed the GSR.

Your pace is really good on the 12k and 13k so I’ve no doubt you can join us on the 10 mile podium- there’s still room

PS entries are still open for the Great South Run 😉

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Behave woman!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

😇

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy - but still not convinced!😋

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Nice work. I often look back and remember how happy I was with 5k... and then 10k, but I don’t think I’d be on a HM plan without a reason or a feeling that it was time to go further... well done for waiting to feel the motivation to go a little further before doing so. Where it ends up is anyone’s guess... but the journey there will be wonderful.

Happy running.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Yes I'm not one for targets, so relax and enjoy it is where I am at present👍😀

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Oh Jonathan, it happens to the best of us 😂😂😂. I swore blind I would not go beyond 10k, and yes, it took me a year before I started increasing on that, but out of the blue, one morning at work in May, I signed up for a Sept HM...to this day I cannot tell you what drove me to do it! Adding a bit on to your long run each week is definitely a good way to do it. I was amazed at how much my fitness rocketed when I started going longer...

All the best to you!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks Sadie - it has to be what feels right at the time👍

[TheTaffSnail Graduate10]

Ooh I didn't think about 10 miles as my next target. I'm up to 12km and I was thinking of working up to HM but now got an intermediate target to work to 👍

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to TheTaffSnail]

I'll let you go first Taff!😀

[Katnap Graduate10]

Oh dear... A slippery slope..

Next it will be a round 15k

But it isn't much further to 10 miles after that.

And 10 miles is only a parkrun short of a HM

.... Sigh

There's no hope for you now JP!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

I know - what have I done!!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

You laughed when I said I just "drifted" up to 19k on a 10k run....but it happens! Just a question of the right pace on the right day, especially for a speed merchant like you, and bish bash bosh a HM is in the bag! No pressure😊

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

10 to 19 is not a “drift”, it’s a full scale landslide 😀

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

Honestly, for whatever reason the k's really tick by once I get to 10k....I maintain my defence 😊

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Oh dear - the biter bit! None taken!😀

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Don’t tell anyone but my half/marathon runny friend who did the Wild Wine Run is really pushing me to do a half. I get to choose which one and he’ll stay with me while I run aargh!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

I promise I will not be following you on that adventure Sandie, but I will be cheering you on and supporting you.

[Granspeed Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Careful....

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

I haven’t said yes yet, although Hampton Court HM looks like a fab route 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

I’ll watch this space 🤣🤣

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Trapped!! HM here you come 😊. Just believe me when I say 16 to 21 ( plus a bit) is much easier than 10 to 16 😊. Honest👍

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

I don’t believe you 🤥 I’ve told him I’m not doing anything before GSR, I’m away 3 weekends in November (C25k graduation parkrun with my BFF who is being coached by Katnap at Stratford) and I don’t fancy the depths of winter. Hopefully he might forget, but, knowing him, he won’t 😬

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Ok, apply the 10% rule; you don't have to go up to 21ishK in 1k intervals as you will have worked out. I think my longest runs went 16, 13, 18, 16 then 21 between 8th August and 11 September with 8s and 10s sprinkled In amongst the 5ks. It may because I become delirious through calorie loss, but the time really does seem to fly by over 10k ! I wouldn't tell you porkies 😊

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

My lips are sealed! Best of luck!😋

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Ahh, we all said that ... Slippery slope! Get yourself over to the marathon & race support forum and there'll be lots if bad influences for you over there ... not to mention a 10 mile badge to claim when you're ready.

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Don't tempt me!😀

[Run46 Graduate10]

Very impressive pace too👍

Lots of you more experienced runners seem to do this! I can't imagine wanting to go passed the 10K which I'm working towards, but then I thought that when I got to 5K too so I guess you can never say never.

It's great that you are just doing what's comfortable, enjoy it whatever you decide 😁🏃‍♂️

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

Thanks Run46 - I felt exactly the same at that stage. All the best for your journey to 10k!👍

[LilRunner2019]

Thats some good courage!!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to LilRunner2019]

Thanks!👍

[Couchpotato2]

Well done!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thanks CP!😀