Hmmm

[Blossom-]

I had to get out this morning to do speed challenge week 2, before Roseabi asks for week 3 results 🙄. Gosh it was cold and icy. Didn't like having to scrape ice off the windscreen. Thought those days were over since I retired. Anyway I shaved 10 secs off my baseline time. So, I know my run is my run but .... I also know I can go a bit faster but something in my head stops me from pushing myself, and I don't know how to work around that. It took me weeks to go for longer than 30 mins after graduation - the same mindset stopping me. Any tips to overcome this?

[Catho78 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your PB! That is excellent. I think after C25K when you progress weekly it is frustrating that it then takes weeks to improve on time or distance. Progress is happening over time and with running experience, and 10 secs is an excellent PB in a week.

I struggled with the fear of burning out and having to walk to recover (doesn’t suit my all or nothing crazy head lol). I set myself mini challenges to stay focused so speed challenge on short run and training for 10K when I run at a comfortable pace for distance.

We’re building stamina and strength on all our runs, then an occasional push like speed challenges tells your body I’m ready for this and can surprise you.

You’re doing amazing!

PS I hate de-icing the car too lol 🥶☃️❄️

[Blossom- 60minGraduate in reply to Catho78]

Thanks Catho, such a positive response! 😃x

[58soon Graduate10]

Hey Blossom. Well done for shaving 10 secs off your baseline. That's quite a lot, so it sounds like you're doing well! 💥I'm not sure how much one should push for a faster pace. Coach Bennett says only do what's natural, and put in as much effort as you can so long as your breathing is controlled. Having been on the IC several times since I started running back in May, I find I'm cautious too for fear of another injury. But I'm interested to hear what others have to say. 😀

[Blossom- 60minGraduate in reply to 58soon]

Thanks 58. I ♥️ coach Bennett. I think my cautiousness stems from self doubt ..... 🙄

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate10]

Great result Blossom, I stand in awe of you for doing this. I chickened out🐥🐥. Sorry, but no tips from me. Don’t really have enough knowledge yet, still learning🤣🤣, will watch the replies with interest.

[Blossom- 60minGraduate in reply to Hareshaw-Granny]

Thanks HG, yes all still a massive, but enjoyable, learning experience! I thought I needed the bit of push the speed challenge would give me, which I do, and it is but it's also bringing up all the 'I can't do this' thoughts which I had in the early days! 🤪

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate10 in reply to Blossom-]

Please give these bad boy gremlins 👿👹a big kick from me.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Great new time, 10sec is brilliant. You're doing great and remember still a reasonably new runner. Accept all improvements as marvellous but also relax into your other runs, whatever speed or distance, as its ultimately total miles under the feet which will help. Happy running 🤗

[Blossom- 60minGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you Grannyhugs. Yes, I'm pleased with 10 secs and I'm out of the 9 something and into the 8 something pace, and it feels ok. I certainly love the longer runs I've done ☺️ x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Retirement certainly has it’s advantages doesn’t it Blossom-, like not having to do the supermarket run on a Saturday or having to get up early on a Monday morning! Sounds like your speed challenge is going well, 10 seconds, wow! I managed 4 off mine! I don’t know about your mindset, it sounds good to me - you’ve already shaved 10 seconds off your baseline apparently with no problem and you know you have more to go. It took me ages to go for longer than 30 minutes at the beginning as well, it was almost as if I’d trained for that and wasn’t allowed to do anything else. In the end I decided to run 5k and see how long it took me and hey presto, I was running more than 30 minutes (quite a lot more actually but never mind, I got to 5k!). Perhaps something similar would work for you? Otherwise I would say don’t fret too much, I reckon your running brain will soon be putting your stubborn mindset firmly back in its place!

[Blossom- 60minGraduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Yes, loving retirement, best thing ever! 5k takes me about 44 mins, and I've completed JuJu's time plan. Doing lots of different NRC runs as well. I am improving no doubt about that; maybe I expected speed to happen more quickly but I think I just need a bit of patience and not beat myself up! Thank you for your encouragement ☺️ x

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

Really well done on shaving those 10 seconds off. 👏😀

There’s great advice here already and I would reiterate the need to get more miles under your belt.

A varied training routine helps a lot too. remember to set yourself small targets each week so that your body and mind are challenged.

In time your running legs will develop and your times will improve as a by product of that.

I wouldn’t worry about not pushing yourself too hard just yet. If you have a running watch try to hit the red zone at least on one of your runs a week.

Good luck 👍

[Blossom- 60minGraduate]

Thank you Brian. Words of wisdom. I need to focus on those small targets 🙂