At last an under 30min 5k

[Kat332zz]

I’ve been doing longer runs once a week and 2 5ks. Aiming to get under 30mins before Parkrun starts back. Today I did it 5.01k in 29.00 mins. Pace 5.47/km.

I put it down to several things:-

Mental. Having the courage of my conviction that I could run a sub 30, so I set out fast enough to do that. Knowing I can run the longer distances helped with that. Also knowing that if it was too much I could stop ie not a race, distance entirely up to me.

Route 1. Picked a path route rather than my usual forest trails, so no roots to avoid, even surface etc. ending in a park after several grit covered walking routes. Still a few obstacles to deal with, two roads, a gate and a pedestrian rail crossing but much easier than my other routes.

Route 2. Started on a downhill track, the toxic 10 doesn’t seem so bad downhill!

Physical. Slow 10 on Monday, gentle jog Wednesday, walking the route on Thursday and no complaints from my digestive system to deal with on the day.

Way happy with myself. Will have an easy week next week and maybe try again the week after, just to prove to myself it wasn’t a fluke!!

[RunWillie Graduate10]

That’s amazing. Well done 🥳

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Thanks

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Congratulations, and thats a fast 5k. Are you still smiling😁 have a great weekend 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Walk, stretches, water, shower and I’m still grinning. 😁

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Great work, huge well done to you

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Brilliant - our shorter runs tends to get faster when we extend our distance. I'm the same as you if I am looking for a fast time, I tend to avoid my beloved trail routes and go on my 5k Pavement Pounder!

Great mental attitude too - well done!🙂

[ScottJB Graduate10]

Great effort, well done.

[HeavyFoot Graduate10]

That’s fantastic! I , and several others, can only dream of a 30 minute 5km. Before lockdown, an acquaintance sidled up in the pub and announced that he’d just done his first Parkrun. He’s in his 40's and pretty stick thin. He said “I ran it in 23 minutes. Is that good?”

Mentally, I could have decked him!!

[Fionamags Graduate10]

Brilliant! I'm in awe of that time - my goal is to get under 40 for 5k 🤣🤣🤣

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

Thanks. That under 40 time will come. This is my main positive from lockdown. I have had time and energy to start on the longer runs, which have helped with the 5k time. Just wish the traffic hadn’t started up again but that’s just really selfish of me I know.

[Rayros21]

Very well done 👏👏 Running a 30 minute 5k is my next target. Graduated from C25K just over a week ago. Three consolidation runs so far with a best time of 33m 14s. Determined to crack it.

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to Rayros21]

You will get there, but don’t push too hard and risk injury. The longer slower runs seem to be the way to go to start with. Very slowly increase one of your runs. There is a great plan in the bridge to 10k forum.

[Rayros21 in reply to Kat332zz]

Thank you very much. I will check that out 👍

[Raspberrypink Graduate10]

Good to hear your plan worked. Well done on your speedy 5k 👍🏼

[Barbarella3]

Fantastic job, well done!! A 30 minute 5K is also my goal. I'm not built for speed, but hoping to get there.

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to Barbarella3]

Thanks and I’m sure you will. Just don’t push too hard, I did after my first go through C25k and picked up an injury. I’m trying to take my time and enjoy it a bit more now

[purple_gem Graduate10]

Well done!The longer runs have helped me get my times down too, that's brilliant progress🙂

[Run46 Graduate10]

Fantastic job Kat, I've managed a couple of 30 minutes and lots of seconds runs but never beat the 30 barrier!

A five minute odd pace feel great but is very tiring, well done on keeping it up for the whole 5K 👏🏃‍♀️

[Kat332zz Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

Thank you. I picked my route carefully!!

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Kat332zz]

Lol, you need to, every second counts!

Wonder if there's a nice all downhill 5K anywhere near me 😆

[Wimborne]

Brilliant👏👏👏👏👏🥳🥳🥳. Sub 30 is incredible!!!

[AlysP Graduate10]

Brilliant time🎉🎉🎉🎉

[Hidden]

That’s fantastic Kat332zz and great advice too, it’s no fluke, believe it 😀

It’s definitely something I want to achieve and I am at last beginning to realise I need to be patient with this goal. I shall take your experience with me for the rest of the month 😁🤗