Accidental 10ks!

[wyrdwolf]

So after a few weeks ago saying I couldn't improve my time doing 5k, I decided to go on a completely different tangent and just run around randomly to explore the heath and find some new trails and places to go, and most importantly, completely ignoring my phone (except the map of where to go) and any timings. It's been really pretty, lots of autumnal colour!

The first week I did this, I ended up running 4.31 miles and then 5.01 miles, then 5.01 miles again. Last week I did 6.05 miles, 6.21 miles, and then a park run. This week I've done 6.21 miles and this morning 7 miles. I was going to follow a plan but was so distracted by the view and wating to see where mystery paths went on my map app that I've got much further than I probably should have done.

So I guess it's not the distance that is the problem - once I have got past the first mile of horror, it doesn't seem to matter how far I go (at this level anyway, it might get worse quickly now! :D). But the thing that I am most pleased about is that my speed is weirdly now increasing. My park run time last Saturday was way better than my 'nowadays' 5k time, and my 'accidental 10k' time is decreasing by 2 minutes every time I do it.

Pleased with my random progress, even though I've probably gone a bit over the top with it to the point I've entered a couple of races early next year, I think I am a bit addicted!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Sounds like you are having fun exploring. I always think a new route is great for helping you ignore the actual effort part. So happy for you and fantastic photo. Enjoy your exploration.

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

It is very good being so easily distracted

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

That looks so lovely and your runs are increasing well, it always seems dark cold and wet here unless I’m at work in which case i have to get on with stuff

Enjoy the colorful trees and running

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

It's too dark now to run before or after work so I have an early lunch break and do it then (on work from home days)! I am so mesmerised by the pretty autumn trees, even if it is raining! 😄

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to wyrdwolf]

It’s very dark after work so we are going to go round a local park for our short run of the week

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

I have thought when working at our other work site I could go to the park there as it has lighting at night (especially as it does have a park run so I could sneakily practice the route)! Local parks are very handy! 😄

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to wyrdwolf]

That sounds like a great idea, we like parks too but could barely see the path tonight and nearly fell over some branches and a dog. it phew done and dusted

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Maybe get a head torch or something for the dark runs? 😄

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to wyrdwolf]

We will have to brave the sea front it’s lit up there

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Sounds very nice (and possibly refreshing)! 😄

[trogdelight Graduate10]

I love the idea of doing this. I'm going to find some woodland trails and do the same.

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to trogdelight]

Woodland trails are absolutely the best, and the most distracting! I always make a detour through the woods, but have been looking at some routes on the map to incorporate even more! 😄

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Well done on your 10k - sounds like you crept up on it unawares!👍

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

I was very much not expecting it 🤣

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10]

I found the same. Running longer distances helped my 5k time a lot. Well done.

[wyrdwolf Graduate10 in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Some people on here said it would, so glad it worked, even though it was very much by accident 🙃