This year's goal was to run a half marathon. Duly done.
I've been sitting eating Christmas cake and thinking about my goal for 2021. Originally, it was to enjoy running and get through the year injury free, but I don't think that's specific enough - bit of a cop out.
I'm the one who's always banging on about the benefits of distance over speed, but I have to admit to being a bit disheartened not to have broken any PBs since early June. I know all the mantra about 'running slow to run fast', I just never seem to get beyond the 'running slow' bit. I'm wondering whether I have a sub 30 minute 5k in me (pb 32 minutes 27 seconds). 🤔
Anybody think my original goal to get through the year injury free is incompatible with my new goal? If not, is it just hills, intervals and longer runs (but with more discipline than hitherto 😔)? Strength training? Stay away from the Christmas cake? All suggestions welcome. 😊.
(Please bear in mind my advanced age 😆)
Written by
Speedy60
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I think you’ve covered it. The only way to run faster is to run faster.
Set milestone targets e.g. a 32 minute 5k. Keep your long runs easy. Make your short runs quicker. Your training for a 5K so longer intervals at slightly quicker than target pace will work well.
I love the bracket phrase!....which I always feel like adding to my posts but don't. Nice to know we're in the same boat 🙂 In more ways than one...I think I'd like to crack a 30 minute 5k this coming year - injury free. For that I'd have to run consistently I think - I need more structure to my training. Even calling it training though just seems to make it a bit more 'not for fun/enjoyment ' and I haven't run a half marathon!
It's not original, I'm afraid. It's a film franchise. It's what happens to your brain when you spend your life working with teenager boys. 🤪
I've found consistency a bit easier this year - about the only benefit of a global pandemic. 😔 I struggle with discipline. I start out with good intentions; three runs a week- intervals, hills and a long run. Something happens when I'm out though and they all turn into medium paced 10ks. I'm torn because that's what I love running and I feel I should just enjoy myself, then I get frustrated because I haven't improved as much as I'd have liked. 🤷♀️
I bet you have a half marathon in you if you wanted it. I only did it the week before Christmas. Just make your long run gradually longer and take no notice of your pace. My half was very slow. 🐌
Yes, I did start to run to keep myself sane so why am I going for bigger, better, longer, faster? I'm just putting pressure on myself. I managed my 10k not so long ago which was a tick on my list so I'm glad about that. I'm needing to start building up again. Maybe more of the same only easier? 🤭Like you, I start out thinking I'll stick to a regime but life gets in the way. When do runners start running in miles as opposed to kilometres anyway? 🤪A Happy New Healthy Year to you too 😉
I’ve been thinking about your questions Speedy as I’ve been wondering if I can do the same. On the plus side we have a whole year, at least some of which will be in Lockdown of one form or other! Finding a nice flat course for the sub 30 min 5k attempt is definitely going on a ‘Make it happen’ plan if I decide to go for it. My PB for 5k is 32.17 on 31 July so we’re not far off but like you I love the longer slow running. I guess it’s as much a mental challenge, do we really want it? will we commit to make it happen? Can we believe we can? I only want to do it once 🤣🤗
No problem with the flat course - I run at sea level. 😆It's definitely a long term project. Distance for me is a mental challenge. No amount of mental will is going to increase my speed; it's going to be one hard slog. We should keep each other company. 👍
‘Never seem to get beyond the running slow bit’ - love it, me too! I did manage a sub 30 5k once, but only just (29 min and some seconds!). It was during a flat, road/pavements event, but strangely in the dark (SuperNova) - seems an unlikely PB, but I find running with others gives me a boost, I am competitive!
Congrats on your HM, fantastic 👍😀. I am thinking of trying to achieve that this year.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Speed, stamina and stepping stone gripes
Tried out speed intervals ,🏃♀️💨
Speed challenge for a snail.
Speed intervals
After work speed run 
