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!!!!
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Fionamags
Graduate10
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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! 🤣
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🤣🤣
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
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?
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!!!
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. 😕
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.
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. 🙃🙃🙃
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.
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