The Plot Thickens...

[Wantadog]

So after a disappointingly difficult W1R1 with my other half two days ago, which I honestly thought I would breeze through without too many problems (I ran up to week 7 by myself last summer but stopped in the autumn), I faced W1R2 today with my pride deservedly bruised but determination as strong as ever. My boyfriend, who I ran the first run with, had to work tonight but I'm not going to let a little thing like that get in the way of my schedule and so headed out solo today.

What a different experience! I found the run so much easier, each minute seemed to pass too quickly and I even carried on for an extra minute on the last one. To be honest I could probably have done more but I cannot push myself anywhere near as hard as Laura can push me, I really lack will power.

This leaves me with a few questions and a dilemma: Why did I find run two so much better than run one? Was it just a good day? Did I run faster the first time because I was running with my other half? I didn't feel as though I was having to run faster to keep pace with him but I guess that is more likely, in which case, was that a good thing or a bad thing? I don't want to fail the programme because I am running too fast to be able to achieve but will running faster now actually make me better in the long run?

Assuming that I am better running at my own pace, I feel I could quite easily go straight to week two or three right now. Is this wise? I don't want to push myself too far but I am keen to get through the programme as quickly as I can as there is a Race for Life that I am very tempted to sign up for but it is only 8 1/2 weeks away and I think graduating a little before then would be advantageous.

On the other hand, what about my partner? I worked hard to convince him to join me this time round, he's still not 100% keen but I don't want to put him off more. I guess we could continue to run together but just run around the park in opposite directions instead of together, we would pass each other regularly but would be free to run at our own paces.

Any opinions and advice would be gratefully received!

[mrslazy Graduate]

Oh I do feel for you, you have a dilemma. It is so lovely to have someone to share the running with. I often would love someone to run with me, but they really need to have the same pace as you. But you know if you don't go with your boyfriend he won't do it!

I think the passing at the park is a really good idea, you don't want to endanger your training for your 5k and at the end of the day this is a personal challenge.

Don't rush the programme, maybe go to week two and see how that goes at your own pace. Good luck x

[vixiej Graduate]

I wouldn't skip any weeks, you will be fit enough for a 5K at 8 1/2 weeks, almost certainly (I did one, you will be bouyed along by other runners, you might just need an extra rest day afterwards).

You almost certainly did run faster with your boyfriend. Personally, I don't necessarily think that is a good thing, as you are more likely to succeed if you are running your own pace.

In the early weeks, running opposite directions in the park sounds good, as you progress onto longer runs, you might like to try what my daughter does......sorry, DID with me, she now can't keep up with me She runs, but turns and runs back towards me every now and again, so we run together a few paces and then she stretches out in front a bit. This is quite nice, it does make you run a little fast for a few steps (it did for me, anyway), but then I settle to my own pace. This way I lasted for the full length I was supposed to run and we felt we were 'running together'. It made her feel good, because she was really helping me (and was chuffed that she was faster).

I think if I'd run too fast, I would never have completed the runs, especially on the longer ones, so would have meant total failure and loss of confidence.

Of course, you could have just had a bit of an off day, but my guess is you did run faster.

good luck figuring it out!

[Nerdio Graduate]

As someone who walks a lot with friends of varying sizes and heights (I am 6'), walking at your own pace is important. I personally find it tiring walking with slower or shorter people because I have to shorten my stride. And the same applies for shorter people who have to lengthen their stride to walk with me. What works for you won't work for all.

My wife and I are both working towards 5K, but we never once though we could run together so we never started. We are both getting along slow but sure, and can still support each other even though we do it independently. I don't think we would still be doing it if we tried to run together.

So stick with it and do your own thing. If you can get your partner to start independently that would be better I am sure.

Enjoy

[greenlegs Graduate]

I bet you were running faster with him. I think you have to be extremely lucky to find a running partner that needs the same pace. Even running slow and steady, runs are hard work, and I don't think I'd have got through the programme running at someone else's pace.

Opposite directions sounds a good possibility, though you may get bored of running in the same place. I find it helps to distract me if I run in different places, but some people do regularly run the same route, so it could work well for you, as long as you can resist the temptation to keep comparing your pace with his.

Hope you manage to figure out a way that works for you both. It's really good that you've found a pace that works for you.

[Wantadog]

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and suggestions. We went out together again today and he ran at my pace which meant he was jogging more than striding out as he was before. He didn't seem to have trouble doing that and actually looked a lot better than the long, loping strides he was taking before. I think we'll end up doing a mixture of runs together and solo so we'll see how it goes, at least I've got some ideas if it starts to become a struggle again!