Gradually moving from snail to tortoise?

[Gwenllian1]

I haven't posted for a bit but I need to share today's triumph with someone other than my lovely supportive husband who just might be running out of things to say! Long post warning by the way.

I am a regular reader but not a regular poster here. I love the helpful and supportive community but I sometimes feel a little bit of an imposter. Most people here run further and faster than I do and that is fine. I am running for my health and for the sheer pleasure of running so I try very hard not to compare myself. I set myself targets because I like the structure of working towards something and I try not to worry how long it takes to get there!

I graduated in April and did my first ever 5k in June at my first park run. It took me 46 minutes and I was really not sure I could make it. I was 128th out of 135 runners but I was so delighted to have done it. I did another couple of parkruns and then my local parkrun closed because the venue was put up for sale. That was a real pity but I started the Magic Plan and gradually worked through it (taking way longer than nine weeks!) and on the 4th August I managed to run for sixty minutes! It was really, really hard!!

So I decided that what I would like is for the running to get easier and that I would work my way through the Magic Plan again, trying to run the distance plan, not really bothering about how slow I was but just chugging along. Again I am taking my time. I am just about to try to run 9k and have been putting it off because it seems like a very long way. Daft I know, I have done 8 so I must be able to do 9!

So today I hadn't decided whether to try to run 9k. I have been doing my longer runs with my husband who has just done the Cardiff Half Marathon but he is not well right now so I went out by myself. I have also been having some twinges from my hip so I decided that maybe I would do another 5k today and save the 9k for a day next week when I could have some company.

It was a beautiful day down by the sea here in North Wales. The tide was high and the seafront was full of families with small children watching the waves and dog walkers waiting for the tide to fall a little to release the dogs onto the sand. The sun was shining and far to the west the mountains of snowdonia shone in the morning light. I would try to run a bit faster today I decided, taking advantage of birthday present watch, a Garmin Forerunner 30, which I love. Ian had used it in Cardiff to help him not to go out too fast. I decided I would use it to see if I could increase my pace a little, not too much, but I wondered if I could keep my average pace under 7.5 minutes per kilometre. It would be fabulous to get my time for 5k below 40 minutes. My best time so far had been 40.32 and I seemed to have stuck around there for six weeks or so.

And do you know I could run faster!! I tried to relax, dropping my shoulders, breathing as easily as I could, watching the children, smiling at dogwalkers, laughing at three black labradors throwing themselves into the edge of the waves. My legs were happy although my breathing was a bit more ragged than usual. I knew I must be near to breaking my 40 minute barrier as I started the last kilometre and I was determined not to just miss it so I increased my pace (and who knew you could even do that?!) and ran the last k in just over 7 minutes.

My watch beeped, 5k. I stopped, my chest heaving. 38 minutes and 57 seconds. I was so delighted I can't tell you. I know, I know, that this is still slow and that it might not seem like a big deal to the speedy runners but it's a big deal to me! I might never be fast. In fact I would be astonished if I ran much faster. Months ago I realised that the idea of 5k in 30 minutes was always going to be something other people did and I really don't mind that, but I wonder if I could do 5k in 35 minutes? It is amazing what our bodies can do so who knows......

Tonight I think I shall have a glass of wine and just enjoy myself!!

[backintime Graduate10]

Really well done - on both your time (much better than mine) and on your progress.

You will get to 9k and 10k I am sure of that. Keep going !

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Oh thank you backintime! I see your posts and see how far you are running now and I am so impressed!

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Thank you 💕You would be less impressed if you could see how slow it is : )

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Oh no, that is definitely not true. I am a big fan of slow!

[Fatgirlslim19 60minGraduate]

I love this!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Fatgirlslim19]

Thank you! I am hoping people don't think celebrating something that most runners would take for granted is too weird!

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

You are doing really great . I am just starting to increase my distance and it will take as long as it takes. I like reading posts like this as I hopefully will get to 10k or 60 minutes one day . 😊😊

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

I suppose we all have different aims and different abilities. That is one of the great things about this forum: it lets us share our very different experiences. I don't think I will ever be as fast as you are but you never know! I'll keep trotting along and see where we get to!

[Buddy34 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

There's no way I could do a 5k pace for a 10k. I'm learning now to go slower to go longer as I was getting so out of breath I thought about just sticking to 5k but I posted on here about this and was told to slow down , it's the only think that's going to work. 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

To get to 10K Buddy34, there are many ways, however, the way I got to 10K was to slowly increase the distance, I increased my distance once a fortnight on a Wednesday by 1 Kilometre with shorter runs such as the 5K parkrun on a Saturday morning, the Wednesday morning after the Saturday I ran at parkrun was the day I increased it by 1 k, the non Saturday parkrun Saturday and the following Wednesday I ran shorter run, usually one of the 20 or 25 minute runs from C25K with Laura.

[Buddy34 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr my plan is to add half a k at a time or like you say a kilometre. I'm in no rush and hopefully will get to 10k one day 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

👍 🏃🏾

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Well done! That is a big increase in pace. I think everyone here is on their own path. I thought that a 30 minute 5k was impossible for me and the idea of running longer distances seemed like something other people did. My perceptions have changed gradually, and I now run a bit further and a bit faster (not on the same run!). The programme of 3 runs per week, one short faster one, a 5k and a long slow run have been the base (starting with Ju -Jus 10k plan). All a question of a changing perceptions of what is possible by slowly pushing the boundaries week on week, which is exactly what you did on your last run. The main thing is to find what puts a smile on your face, and in that you have just been 100% successful. 👏👏👏👏👏🥇🏆

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

I like the reference to changing perceptions Beachcomber! That is spot on. I am doing this now I never would have imagined I could do at the beginning of the year. It was a slow change I suppose so you almost don't notice!

[Papillon17 Graduate10]

Massive congratulations always good to have targets well done

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Papillon17]

Thank you! I like to have a target and then I like to take my time on getting there!

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

So do I, having done 41 consolidation runs I now have a half marathon in my targets running for the hospice that cared for my mum and dad for their last days.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Papillon17]

What a great cause! My husband just ran the Cardiff Half Marathon for our local hospice as his mother and sister both had hospice care at the end of their lives. When is your half marathon?

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Next March doing the vitality London BigHalf on March 1st so have some time to raise what I need.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Papillon17]

Would like to sponsor you if you have a just giving page?

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Yes I have and tat would be great justgiving.com/fundraising/...

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Thank you if that was you who sponsored me.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Papillon17]

You are very welcome!

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Thank you 🙏

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Getting nearer to my target

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

It’s almost a year to the day I graduated and my mum passed.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done. It just proves that running further can increase speed on the shorter runs. Glad to hear that your OH is supportive too. 🏃‍♀️👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

I hadn't appreciated how much running for longer distances would help with speed over shorter ones but it makes sense I suppose! And yes, makes a big difference that my husband is on his own running journey (like you and your OH I suppose!) and is really supportive of mine!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Just beautiful... absolutely and well done you... I ran, also today, this morning... by the sea at Criccieth...your post almost describes my run... Sea, sunshine and a great run

You did wonderfully... well done you... and remember, snails totally rock and tortoises too...

This snail did 10K in 1 hr 4 m. 33 seconds, today... this Welsh Air holds magic

Go you!!! xxxx

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

The pleasures of North Wales! I love running by the sea and also by the river near here. You are my inspiration in terms of what snails can do. It has taken a while to lose the sense left over from school days that a run is a race but I have done it completely now and left behind that feeling that running is for other people. I don't ever intend to run a half marathon but reading about yours was part of what made me decide to have a go at 10k (not in a public way atm!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

I am privileged to play a small part in your running journey and what a location we have to run in ? xx

[JaoJao Graduate10]

This is a lovely post, we continue to suprise ourselves through running. When I graduated c25k my first park run time was 39 minutes, I shaved off 8 minutes from my graduation run. I've cotinued to run 3 times a week and am nearing the end of the Juju plan and I am now averaging 5k in 35 minutes at parkrun. It hasn't been easy, it's been slow getting my time down, I still believe my little legs have more in them and I want to strengthen my body and muscles to see how far/fast I can go, one thing i've accepted is that it's not going to be an overnight job, it will take months, years... but i'm on this journey for the long haul now, there is no turning back now..

You've got this xx

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

You are so right about the time scale. It took me a while to realise that becoming a runner might take a couple of years, or more! Now I am used to the idea that I am here for the long haul!

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Gwenllian1]

Running will enjoy having you!

[RunningChocoholic Graduate10]

Such a lovely post to read. Congratulations! X

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to RunningChocoholic]

Thank you!

[Keswickfan]

Absolutely love that story! Well done you! X

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Keswickfan]

Glad other people have enjoyed it!

[AliHC Graduate10]

What a great post Gwenllian1 ❤️

and very well done with your time ⌚ Here's wishing you all the very best for getting to your next milestone... 10K! 🏅

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to AliHC]

Really hoping I will get there!

[Kallyfudge]

It is a big deal well done you smashed it!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Kallyfudge]

Oh thank you, feels like a big deal to me!

[lollytwist Graduate10]

Very well done! You must be very proud. What an achievement x

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to lollytwist]

That is really kind!

[Puppy-love]

Congratulations. Lovely post and great improvement in time. 👏😊

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Puppy-love]

It is one of the good things about having been so very very slow to begin with!

[kpnuts53]

What a lovely way to start my Sunday morning readying your post - really really well done. I'm sitting looking out at the heavy rain and contemplating my 9k run today - lots of loud music required I think. Keep on running - you can as you have proved achieve your personal goals and that's all you can ask of yourself!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to kpnuts53]

That is the challenge: not comparing myself too much!

[Getfitok]

Great story - well done on your PB 👏👏

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Getfitok]

Thank you so much!

[Sybilw Graduate10]

Well done - more than a minute off your PB! Be proud of that and if you’re like me you’ll see those numbers creep down. If I look at my first parkrun I’ve really made progress but sometimes it’s so small that you can’t see it at the time. Look at the big picture - you’re amazing.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

That is totally it, looking at the big picture and realising that things change slowly, but they do change!

[Carowood Graduate10]

You are doing great 👍 and obviously really enjoying what/how you are doing it and that is all that matters! Very similar to my thoughts 💭 and progress - I am stuck on 8k and have no wish to do HM but just doing ju-ju’s plan to get 5k more comfortable/speedier. I no longer dream of 30 minutes - slow and slower still is good as I just need to nurse the hip round 5k parkruns, as cannot imagine now not being able to run?

Keep going and enjoy and have another glass of wine?!?

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Carowood]

I so agree with not being able to imagine not running now. Life would be so much poorer!

[martinhermanus]

Well done, for you it's like running a marathon in under 2 hours. We celebrate with you. We know how much work and effort it takes to run that personal best. Keep going. For two years I am suck on 29 minutes so am also trusting in a big breakthrough.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to martinhermanus]

Very best of luck for your big breakthrough!

[DebJogsOn]

Congratulations - a well earned glass of wine I reckon.

You're so right about not comparing yourself to other runners. My lowest moments have always been when I've been temped into doing that.

You'll do 10k (if you can already do 8k) and get to sub 35 minutes (and who knows what else in the future) if you just keep challenging yourself.

I was running 5k in about 40 mins when I graduated nearly two years ago - I can now run it in 32mins (and haven' t given up on 30 mins) and run 10k every couple of weeks (my favourite distance). I try to think about is as running against myself and not worry too much about what everyone else is doing.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to DebJogsOn]

I love the idea of 10k being your favourite distance! That's fab. I wonder if it could ever be mine?!

[DebJogsOn in reply to Gwenllian1]

It's a great distance - long enough to put the world to rights in my head (or catch up on a radio drama) but not so long that you have to carry supplies of anything 😊

[CicaDa]

Well deserved glass of wine! Keep running!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to CicaDa]

I did enjoy it!

[limberlou Graduate10]

Wow that sounds like a great run. That’s round about my best time too for 5k and I don’t think il ever get sub 30 but I don’t care. Well done you

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

You and I are clearly on the same page here!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Wow that’s an amazing journey and such achievement

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you!

[Jalk]

it's a massively big deal, fabulous and seems like you enjoyed it too!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Jalk]

I suppose everyone has their own idea of a big deal!

[Jalk in reply to Gwenllian1]

my next big deal is getting to 7km

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Jalk]

Good luck with it! I am sure you will do it. I did it so that must mean you can!

[Jalk in reply to Gwenllian1]

1km at a time

[Jandys]

Well done! A sub 40min 5k is my goal too. I feel inspired 👏🏻

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Jandys]

Oh thank you! I'm very surprised and tickled by the idea of doing anything inspiring in relation to running!

[BarbaraH4]

Well done, there's hope for me yet then. I seem to be stuck on 42/43 minutes for a 5K parkrun. Have done 30 parkruns now, really enjoy them. I even ran a local 10K last weekend at 1hr 31 minutes.

My husband runs also at a much faster time. He encourages me along the way as many other runners do, but my legs don't seem to want to move much quicker.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to BarbaraH4]

I thought for ages that I only had one pace. Running for longer has shown me that I can go a bit slower, in order to keep going. What I hadn't expected was that if I tried to increase speed over a shorter distance it would work. Mind you, it has taken about four months to speed up a bit and I am still, and I suspect always will be, slow!!

[Meepmum Graduate10]

Thanks for the post, I'm still trying to not compare against others who run faster than me. I've been disheartened lately by my lack of progress, but I'll be reminding myself as you said it's a longer job

[Gwenllian1 Graduate10 in reply to Meepmum]

Do you use Strava or have a running watch to record what you do? I have found that I can think a run has not been a good one and then find when I look at the stats that I have improved a bit. It might not be enough for me to notice without the stats!!