Well that was different ...... 11 days to the Great South Run, and my last run before tapering was supposed to be 12k at race pace (5'30"/k), with an emphasis on not letting myself go too fast early on this time, as I've been fading towards the end of all my recent longer runs. And it worked fine for 11k , with all the splits falling between 5'22" and 5'30", resulting in me being 51 secs ahead of schedule, averaging 5'25" (sorry, but I do love a good stat or two). K11 was one of the quicker ones at 5'23", and I was trying to work out the implications for how I should approach the race itself - and 150m later I hit the wall . Just 10 paces, from running free of any problems to knowing I couldn't run another step, and sinking onto the concrete bench that (luckily) runs along the length of the prom at that point.
The same thing happened to me just once before, training for the GSR a couple of years ago. Then I had to walk home. This time, I was able to get up less than a couple of minutes later and run a final k in 5'30", presumably trying to make a point to myself. Couldn't have maintained it, though.
So the implications for the race - amend "race pace" to 5'35"/k and glue myself to the 1 hr 30 pacer until I can smell the finish!
Onwards and upwards!!
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UpTheStanley
Graduate10
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Aik, I can't imagine how that must feel like, hitting a wall. Do you think it was purely because of the fast pace or maybe something to do with fuel / water? I think I would be a little scared to be honest to feel that way. But good that you could go a bit further afterwards, that proved your body would recuperate quickly, no?
I actually thought I was better hydrated than usual, and was sipping Tailwind every couple of k. And I've gone further and faster than that within the last few weeks .... we'll just take it as part of life's rich tapestry, for now at least.
Yep. I recognise that too. It’s weird isn’t it one minute you’re running along just fine and then oof,
Mostly I tend to know in the first k whether it’s going to bed a bad run or not, but I’ve been caught out like this on a few occasions, not least in the Brighton 10k last month.
As you say, it’s really just one of those things that happens.
I've never had that happen - but I've never run as much as 10k before. I hope you'll be OK for the Great South Run - I can't offer any advice on how to avoid it, other than the standard "don't start too fast!"Best wishes,
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, with all the splits falling between 5'22" and 5'30", resulting in me being 51 secs ahead of schedule, averaging 5'25" (sorry, but I do love a good stat or two). K11 was one of the quicker ones at 5'23", and I was trying to work out the implications for how I should approach the race itself - and 150m later I hit the wall 
. Just 10 paces, from running free of any problems to knowing I couldn't run another step, and sinking onto the concrete bench that (luckily) runs along the length of the prom at that point.
🌸 February Quest Week 1 : Put a spring in your step! 🌸
5k brick wall
Thanks - a repeat of a post I’ve just put on Strava
Who else here gets nervous before long runs?
