Funny build up to weekend 10k debut

[Beachcomber66]

A bit of a bad news/ good news week...and not easy to pick which is which! On Monday I set out to see how far I could get at a pace of 6:45 as a guide to pace for the 10k. Not a good run; after 5k it was obvious I was going to have to slow down, so I stopped it at 5.5k at a pace of 6:48. Maybe the 5k PB the previous Saturday was still "in my legs".

Today I didn't feel like running at all; in fact I was stressing over whether I would make 10k on Sunday at all....ridiculous I know. So I decided to go for a stress test 8k over my hilliest route to see what happened! Answer, quickest 8k ever at a pace of 6:44, and bags of energy left in the tank for another 2k if I had chosen to run it. 🤷‍♂️Not sure whether this good prep for Sunday or not; confidence is increased but maybe I have taken too much out my legs! Fortunately all that is at stake is what is left of my dignity......so not much to lose 😊😊

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I suggest you do an easy (slow) short run next Beachcomber66. I’m talking 10 minutes, just to get the legs moving but conserving your energy for Sunday. You can do this; no problem.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

10 minutes on Saturday then..,I do like a plan! Still get my flat white and chocolate brownie though! Thanks Dexy5😊😊

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Come to parkrun 😜

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

You’ll be fine! You completely underestimate yourself consistently! Have you seen the weather forecast? We may get saturated! 🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧🌧

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Saw that! We had a good drenching in a Park Run a few weeks ago and survived. Not bothered about the weather. 🌈⚡️💦☔️

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Sounds like you are ready for that 10k Beachcomber! Good luck at the weekend!🙂

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra....may be running in flippers by the look of the forecast. Might change before then 🤞

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Loads of time to recover before Sunday 😀 Do your exercises, bit of massage maybe and an extra chocolate brownie. You don’t have to go for a PB y’know, although I wouldn’t put it past you. You’ll smash it anyway, you are such a good runner. And enjoy!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie. I think the odd crisis of confidence is ok; keeps me on my toes! I always look for rationale, but I know deep down that some runs are below par for no particular reason at all. We'll see what Sunday brings 😊

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Well, there is no doubt you’ll finish and you’ll get bling 😊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Great job. I’m with the above... nice short gentle recovery run next and then enjoy that race day.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UNM. 10 mins slow run with cafe at the end of it.....result! 😊 I think part of the anxiety is having to produce on the day. With my solo runs I can just "go with the flow".Bit of discipline required 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

You’re only ever producing on the day to yourself... there maybe many people running and lots more cheering, but it’s just you in your race. It’s a celebration of your journey to the start line, and they’re closing roads and/or paths to make that celebration more fun.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh I’d say that was great prep BC! I think going into a run confident works wonders, and if your 10k route has any hills to contend with, well you’ll eat them for breakfast! 👊

Brilliant! Good for you. 👏👏👏

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Taking Molly to check out the scene this morning!! 😊

[JonathanP Graduate10]

All the best for Sunday BC - I'm sure you'll be fine👍

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Have a grand time. Enjoy every single moment. I have masses of confidence in you! I hope that the run surpasses your expectations. 🏃🏽😊

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks >61. At the moment we are forecast to have 16mm of rain in the early hours of Sunday morning!! Will be interesting if that doesn't change! ☔️☔️

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Splosh! Splish! Splash! 💦💦💦 Keep safe.

[Decker]

That is great prep BC! Yes I'd also agree, a quick shakeout run before the race is all you need to do now - even if you'd want to rest till Sunday that should be good too. Enjoy it all on Sunday!

[Couchpotato2]

You’ll be great just enjoy the run (nearly) all the time!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Couchpotato2]

Finally getting my ass in gear now Cp2. Had a huge rain shower this afternoon...may be just the warm up for the weekend’s deluge! Good job the run is on roads! 😊

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Thanks Decker. Just watching the athletics for a bit of inspiration; doing my exercises at the same time of course! Legs feel ok, so should be ready👍