Magic Plan Week 1 Done and a 5k PB (Twice!) 😁but Still Slow

[Birdlady64]

I am slow so the increasing distances of each weeks long run will take up ever more time. Therefore I have decided to do each weekly long run on a Saturday in order to fit around work and other commitments.

Week 1 started for me last Saturday afternoon with a really enjoyable 5.5k run, in near perfect weather, along the sea wall of the Crouch estuary not far from home. This gave me a 5k PB by approaching 3 minutes - 2:53 to be precise 😁 Well I was pretty amazed at that!

Monday evening was my short run, for which I used the C25K+ Speed podcast. I quite enjoyed the intervals, but the music was truly dire 🙉 and Laura's frequent chipping in with "One,two,three,four One,two,three,four" was rather wearing by the end. 🥴

I think I will try intervals again for the weekly short run, but I'll have to find an alternative. I also ran along the road for the first time and didn't enjoy the constant passing vehicles and traffic fumes, or the peurile comments which emanated from one particular passing car. 😧

This morning was my weekly 5k run, but with only just over 4 hours sleep, the gremlins were doing their best to persuade me otherwise !!! 👿👿👿 I eventually prised myself out of bed at 6.15 - the sun not yet risen. It's amazing how the days are getting shorter! Where has summer gone to?

Anyway, for this one, it was back to a mix of largely woodland paths and off road gravel trails. I definitely set off too quickly and paid for it through km 2 and 3 where my pace noticeably dropped right back. However I managed to pick up the pace again over the last 2k and managed to shave another 37 seconds off my 5k PB.😁

But at an "oh so slow" 41.02, I reckon my 10k time is currently heading for about an hour and a half!

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate10]

Great post, great times and 2 pb's what not to like. You should be really proud. You're doing it which is very important. 😁😁

[Birdlady64 Graduate10 in reply to Hareshaw-Granny]

Thanks so much!

I am proud and I still can't really believe I am doing this. Although quite clearly I am. I always vowed never ever to run. What has happened to me?...😂

Thank goodness for this forum as nobody else in my family gets it!

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

I'm in the same boat, none of my lot get it either.

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Well done on your PB. It's nice to have some PBs. I like the strava app because it gives you little PBs for sections if the run. I never actually fully understand what they mean as they'll say somethkng like 'across the park 0.23 miles PB', but seem a bit insignificant! 😂I just laugh and think I've done something special! it doesn't matter! My 5k time is all over the place, sometimes 40 minutes, sometimes less, but averaging around 38 mins. As for my 10k - yep - 1 hour 23 mins. Super slow and I loved it! Suppose I might get faster, but don't want to push myself too much as I'd rather do my lovely runs than be on the IC again! 😂😊 And yes, the music is truly dreadful!😱 Take care and have fun running!

[Birdlady64 Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Yes the PBs were an added bonus. I largely really enjoyed the last 3 runs and maybe, just maybe my pace is starting to improve without my really trying.

I'm just trying to enjoy my runs right now without putting too much pressure on myself to go faster or longer. But if I had to choose, longer and slower would be my preference

Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Tillybeach Graduate10]

Excellent to achieve the PBs, now I've changed to the distance plan I'm trying not to worry about the time it takes. The podcasts do help abit but found the speed one too hard as everytime she said to speed up I was facing a hill and thought "no way!". Stepping stones one ok for a 5k though, if can cope with the music!

Not sure how long the stamina one is, is it longer distance?

I wondered if there are podcasts to get me through, 8k, 9k and 10k?

Happy 🏃

[Birdlady64 Graduate10 in reply to Tillybeach]

I know what you mean! Hills are my nemesis 😤

I don't think there are podcasts but some people seem to like the Nike Run Club guided runs. I haven't looked into those but maybe there is something there?

[Timotea Graduate10]

Fantastic times! I know I will never be Mo Farrer so if I do my 10k in 1.5 hrs that’s fine by me! I agree with you about pace podcast. Back in my music and audible books which I enjoy. Happy running!

[MccHa Graduate10]

Slow is good, remember Niko Niko (smile) pace 👍👍👍

I ran yesterday (course finished early) from Fleetwood to Blackpool tower at very slow pace and felt much better. Not out of breath or tired 😂. Apparently is better for the body to go slow!!! HR 138-(age/2)

[Birdlady64 Graduate10 in reply to MccHa]

Thank you!

Ha ha! Yes! Slowly slowly does it!

That sounds like a lovely run! I remember Morecambe Bay with gray fondness and the odd trip to Blackpool from my Uni days at Lancaster. 😁

I won't say how long ago that was now though...🤣

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You are following the right path in doing your long run at the weekend if your week is busy. But don’t worry about the time it takes. The long run should be taken slowly on the magic plan and you might even start to enjoy that time to yourself, looking at the things around you and switching off from the busy life.

If you cannot spare that time, just run for as long as you can. Sounds like you are doing great to me.

[Birdlady64 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks

Yes that's exactly what I plan to do

And though I am doing the plan, if it takes me longer to get to 10k well so be it.

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

Well, yes - my 10K was 1hr 33 mins 😂 nothing wrong with that at all! I did build up to it slowly over a few weeks.

And my best time for 5K is 44 minutes. I’ll get faster, my pace is already improving!

Well done for your PB! 👏👏👏👍

[Birdlady64 Graduate10 in reply to Jools2020]

Thanks and No nothing wrong with that at all!

I haven't really been trying for a PB, it just kind of happened.

I think like you that longer slower runs are definitely making a difference.