Return of the (aged) gazelle : I'm very... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

16,523 members26,581 posts

Return of the (aged) gazelle

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate10
25 Replies

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!!!!

Written by
Fionamags profile image
Fionamags
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
25 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

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

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toAlMorr

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

CaptFrey profile image
CaptFrey60minGraduate

Result 🤗

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10

Go girl! You’re coming back ⚡️

Ooh well done! Looking good 😃

Peter44 profile image
Peter44Graduate10

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toPeter44

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

Allbarron profile image
Allbarron60minGraduate

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toAllbarron

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toAllbarron

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

Allbarron profile image
Allbarron60minGraduate in reply toFionamags

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toAllbarron

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

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply todijep

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 profile image
CBDBGraduate10

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

🏃🏽‍♀️🦌🏃🏽‍♀️🐌🏃🏽‍♀️🐆🏃🏽‍♀️🐢🏃🏽‍♀️

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toCBDB

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

CBDB profile image
CBDBGraduate10 in reply toFionamags

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toCBDB

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 profile image
CBDBGraduate10 in reply toFionamags

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toCBDB

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 profile image
Scruff5560minGraduate

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

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toScruff55

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

Scruff55 profile image
Scruff5560minGraduate in reply toFionamags

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 profile image
FionamagsGraduate10 in reply toScruff55

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 profile image
Scruff5560minGraduate in reply toFionamags

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

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Disappointed

Planned 11k this morning...increasing each long run again. Thought I'd try and do it faster as I...
Mormor1 profile image
Graduate10

Another Recovery run, A steady 4K

This was my 4th run since my break and I'm still feeling it is still in the Recovery process. It's...
Instructor57 profile image
Graduate10

Week 3 of Ju Ju's plan...

That's me 2 runs down and the long one to go! Did the intervals again for the first run and took 30...
Fionamags profile image
Graduate10

A frozen lake 5k Run

Today, I got to return to where my C25k journey began last summer - the lake where I try to spend...
SaskAlliecat profile image
Graduate10

Return of the 5K "Bunny route" 🐰

Some here will know what I mean with the title 😁 Thought I'd get another run in this morning as my...
Instructor57 profile image
Graduate10

Moderation team

See all
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

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.