This is not really a run report, more of a musing about what to do next.
As I couldn't do the run on Sunday I decided that yesterday morning would work for me. It's only my fifth 10k run (and my second after a hernia repair back in February which put me out of action for a couple of weeks). As expected it was slow, but steady.
I have a very good friend who has been running for a few years more than me, has completed quite a few half marathons and three or four marathons and is trying to encourage me to try a half marathon. I have always said that 10k is probably far enough for me but now I am starting to wonder - should I try to extend my distances and maybe get to the half marathon distance. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to do this?
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Leotigris
Graduate10
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Congratulations on running 5/10Ks Leotigris, I completed C25K then a few months later ran my first full 5k and then thought that distance was long enough but like most other runners I gradually increased my distance to 10K, I intend to run that HU Spring 10K tomorrow which will be my 36th at that distance, I have also ran 6/10 mile runs and 1 half marathon.If you wish to increase your distance you could do what I did, gradually week by week or every 2 weeks increase your distance by 1 Kilometre until you get to 16K, that's ten miles, have a few weeks running only that distance then gradually increase again by 1K a week until you get to 21.1K which is a half marathon, good luck.
Could you try to extend your distance? Absolutely. Should you? That’s totally up to you! Do you want to?
I used the Nike Run Club half marathon programme to get from 10k to half marathon and that was great. There are five runs offered a week but I chose three/four or made my week last longer. It’s more time on your feet which takes, er, more time commitment each week. I’d recommend taking strength and conditioning seriously to reduce your risk of injury too (I’m recovering from one at the moment). The main thing I found trickier was needing to properly think about fuel and hydration on runs. Up to 10k, I wouldn’t take anything but once I started the longer distances, I had to get used to using them and finding what worked for me.
It might be worth popping over to Marathon and Race Support where there’s lots of friendly advice and options for plans in their pinned posts. You’ll notice a lot of the same names there too!
Thanks MissUnderstanding, I think I want to! I don't think I'll have time to fit in more than 3 runs per week so maybe I'll have to adapt one of the plans. I will definitely try & fit in some strength and conditioning.
Congratulations on your 5th 10k! Was this your 5th in 5 months? If so then that's some achievement in itself. I think it was about that time for me to go from 10k to HM or there abouts back in 2021. I didn't know of anything like training plans back then and gradually built up myself.It takes a lot of commitment to do a 10k and you have the base for a HM there. The plans I follow have 10k, 10 mile and HM in the same trainin bracket.
Try an NRC 10 miler and see how you go and then the HM. The key to it all is stamina, self control and confidence. The long distance runs should be ran at a slow steady conversation pace like when your were doing the c25k although you will probably find that this pace has since got a bit quicker. Also never think of the time you're running your Kms at, that's too much pressure. I used to think too much about that and got tired very quick. The only thing I really concentrate on now is heart rate and trying to make sure I run within the green zone on my Garmin regardless of pace.
Remember there's no pressure to do any distance apart from what you choose to do yourself. You may find that 10k is the max and it's a fantastic achievement and probably my favourite non event run.
First question..do You want to do a HM....I did..way back in 2019...I was 69....and just wanted to see if I could.. chose a stunning one and had an absolutely great day!!
So if you want to....? Then go for it..
MissUnderstanding has given you some great advice..so pop across to the Marathon forum ,get some ideas and...you're on your way!
I find for me personally, I generally need something to work towards, like a distance, time or specific race to keep the motivation that gets me out the door. Therefore I’d say go for it and see how a half marathon goes. However, I’d also say give yourself loads of time to get from 10k to HM and follow a specific HM plan for the usual 14 weeks or so. As with where we all started with C25k, a well formulated plan not only gets you to the distance but most importantly it gives you the best chances of staying injury free!
It sounds that you really want to inside from your post, I'm just starting the NRC half marathon plan which is flexible, there are a mix of runs that you can do in any order depending on time you have. Although it's worth doing the first 15 minute run first because coach outlines what the week involves and gives great tips. Have fun whatever you decide to do
For fun I recently completed the NRC10k plan (as provided by CBDB ) …I only ran 3x a week, but *did* run all the runs…so it took a lot longer!
I’m now playing with the NRC HM Plan in the same way…all the runs, however long it takes. My plan is to see how far I get. I’m a slow runner, my 10k runs this year have all been over 1hr 50 minutes, so I may decide to stop before I reach a HM, possibly just aim for 10 miles…I shall see.
I found that 10 miles was a good stepping stone to HM, by which I mean I ran a few 10 milers before attempting a HM. I too used the free NRC app when preparing for my third HM which I completed on Monday. The app definitely helped; pace, breathing, setting off slowly…in-run reminders of lots of things we know but forget as soon as we put our running shoes on! I found that those little things made a big difference. Of course, it isn’t just about the final HM. I got so much out of the weekly runs (I only ran three per week, and I listened to the weekly 15 minute day 1 run as I walked home from the cafe. The content of the latter helped, but I didn’t need to run it). So, the longer recovery run , a speed run and a long run each week was enough. Just enjoy it.🙂
You should do whatever you want to do! there is no 'should' about it. Everyone is different. Always remember that running is for you and is meant to be fun. If you decide you'd like to think about HM distance then there is loads of info over on the Marathon and race support forum (a bit of a misnomer unfortuantely as all distances count!!!). You might want to think about going for the 10 mile distance first - that's another 6k from where you are now and a nice stepping stone rather than diving straight into half marathon. But remember - the main thing is to have fun 😊
thanks linda9389, I think that's what I have decided to do - aim for 10 miles initially and see how that goes. I might have to mentally break it down into km chunks rather than mile chunks and think of the whole distance as 16k (I think) rather then 10 miles!!
There's a shiny badge waiting for you on the Marathon forum once you conquer that 16k💪 Breaking a run into chunks is a great way to tackle long distances - count up to the half way mark, then down from there 😊
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