Return of the (aged) gazelle

[Fionamags]

I'm very pleased to report my third run of the week and a sudden increase in pace!

Working slowly back to fitness after a long break, this week saw a slow 30 minute run and my first 5k since the break. Pleased as I was, there was part of me a bit disappointed that both runs were way slower than when I did c25k. Today though... well.....

I set off thinking I'd just get 30 minutes in the legs, no targets. Just after the half way point I had to get my jacket off as I was starting to broil, but while doing the running jacket wrestle manoeuvre I must have nudged one of the buttons on my watch and horrors - it thought I was done! So I had to start another run and finish the job.

When I got home I checked out the stats from the two runs and discovered I'd nearly done 4k in 32 mins with a pace of around 8.11/k. That was a massive improvement as I'd been tootling along at somewhere nearer 9.30/k!!! So totally unexpected and delightful. I am chuffed to bits. Now to chip away at the distance - look out 10k - I'm coming for you!!!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

You deserve to be chuffed Fionamags, well done on that run, good luck for your 10K training. 😊 🏃🏾

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks! I'm looking forwards to gradually increasing the distance. This was a real confidence boost.

[CaptFrey 60minGraduate]

Result 🤗

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Go girl! You’re coming back ⚡️

[Hidden]

Ooh well done! Looking good 😃

[Peter44 Graduate10]

Well done Fiona, nice run, dont be getting too fast, as it's nice to have someone, same sort of speed as me, had trouble overtaking, some speed walking ladies today, but they were very encouraging when we got past! 🤣

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Peter44]

No danger of me going too fast. I will be slower for the longer runs for sure.

[Allbarron 60minGraduate]

Fabulous post!!! Great to hear Fionamags. Keep at it... Slow and steady! That 10k is there for the taking again! You can do this🐌🦌 sorry about the reindeer🤦 couldn't find a gazelle🤣🤣

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Allbarron]

Ha ha ha yes i think we need to have a word with admin - they need to add some more fitting emojis. A portly gazelle would be just the ticket! 🤣🤣🤣

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Allbarron]

How you getting on Allison? I haven't seen your posts for a bit - unless I missed them?

[Allbarron 60minGraduate in reply to Fionamags]

Haven't been running at all after my knee flared again😞trying to work out why?? I'll be back tho🤞once it's sorted. 🥺

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Allbarron]

Oh no! Knees seem to be a thing at the moment. Hope you're sorted soon. Xx

[dijep Graduate10]

Despite the annoying tech causing issues sounds like it was a successful run and left you with a really positive feeling. It's so good when you can see they're light through that tunnel your running down

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

Totally! Great to see progress. I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get back to where I was befire Xmas - so that was a great boost.

[CBDB Graduate10]

Nice! Go you! 👍🏽🦌 And 10k - watch out, there are quite a few snails, tortoises, gazelles and jaguars coming for you!

🏃🏽‍♀️🦌🏃🏽‍♀️🐌🏃🏽‍♀️🐆🏃🏽‍♀️🐢🏃🏽‍♀️

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Ha ha ha yes there seems to be quite a queue. I think you'll be there before me.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

Not so sure, my distance increase has decreased, if that makes sense. And, I think you already have a 10k under your belt? Is it actually easier or harder doing it the second time around?

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I'm not sure tbh. Easier in that I know I can do it but there is also a certain amount of impatience that I need to rein in. What's happening with you that you are decreasing? Are you on the MP? Sometimes I think we need to grit our teeth and crack on even when we're not feeling it - as long as nothing is hurting, of course. I think there is another breed of distance gremlin that keeps wanting to give you permission to "just stop at......" 5k/30mins etc. I had quite a bit of that last time as like all runs, some of the long runs are stinkers!!!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

My thing was that before the icy and snowy in Dec/Jan i managed to get to finish week 8 of the magic plan (8k).

But then there was 10-12 days no running due to snow and ice, so afterwards re-started with just running 5ks, than it got icy again and I don’t run when there is danger of slipping.

So another 7- 8 days. In those days I tended to continue Yoga and rowing, and specific knee strengthening exercises. But on restart, I again just wanted to get a handful of 5ks under my pocket, before moving on.

So then after 5ks felt normal again, started to add longer runs. After 6k, had some knee niggles, so 3 day recovery. Then two 5ks. Then this week 7k.

But I felt the 7k the next day, definitely. So it feels like I increased too quickly. And I guess going from 5 to 6 and then to 7 actually does break the 10% rule.

Sorry for long answer, I’m also thinking my plans through as I write.

But in conclusion it feels like I have been hovering around the middle of the Magic Plan for 2-3 months or so, and having received a post before Xmas suggesting I might finish the MP by Xmas (which I thought was not likely anyway) feels a bit like I’m now on a plateau. I know I’m moving forward but there are also steps backward again in there. 😕

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I was forgetting about the weather - that definitely slowed my comeback progress as well. But with your niggles as well I'm not surprised you haven't gotten further on. But as the weather improves and we can get back to more consistent running that's got to help. Sounds like you're being very sensible - 10k will wait for us - better to get there in good shape.

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

Well done you FM. A good time in spite of tech issues. That 10 k is definitely on the horizon 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👏👏👏

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

I'm so looking forward to building distance again. I really enjoy those longer runs.

[Scruff55 60minGraduate in reply to Fionamags]

I was hoping to get to 10 k after Christmas but my hips are moaning about it so I’m just doing 2 short 3 to 4K runs atm and see how I go. If no better then a trip to drs I think. 🙃🙃🙃

[Fionamags Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

Oh that's a shame. Its so annoying when you're all revved up and the body aint willing. Hope the body gets sorted soon. Just try to avoid doing what I did and having a long break. Sounds like you are doing the right thing by keeping on with the shorter distances. I do remember getting increasingly "creaky" with the longer runs.

[Scruff55 60minGraduate in reply to Fionamags]

🤣🤣🤣creaky I like that. Sums me up atm 🤣🤣🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️