Didn't quite follow the 'only increase by 10%' rule - I blame 5x50.

[Tati]

So I went out for my run tonight (keeping you company Theresa, still here) and for the first time didn't have Laura or any timing device but just listened to my own music. What a difference. I had that magic feeling of running properly and being able to just keep going.... so I did. I went a completely new route for running, similar to one I did by bike for a 5x50. It was an absolutely perfect evening. Slightly warm but not hot, beautiful sky and sunset, running mostly through parks and next to the river. My breathing was ace almost from the start by some miracle and I just knew I would be able to go further than before. I've only run 5k twice. Tonight I ran 6.81k in 45m 28s. I was hoping it would have been over the 7k mark but I'm still pretty pleased. I'll be interested to see how my legs hold up tomorrow. I feel now a 10k is totally doable within the next few months.

I also am getting really tempted by a Garmin because I'm getting a bit fed up with having to map everything on Mapmyrun after the fact. Tonight I also had to add up the time by totalling the songs' length too! Ok, maybe I should try getting a new phone first and seeing if the apps are better....

[greenlegs Graduate]

What a lovely run that was! I much prefer not listening to music - but I am very lucky in having lovely routes to run in. Maybe it would be less attractive running round towns.

Bet you have a garmin very soon!

Now I shouldn't really say this... but my next run after my 7k run was a 10. Very naughty. Though it was very slow and very steady (100 minutes!) And I haven't done anything more than 6k since. Anyway, as you've discovered, maybe it isn't so much about the distance or the time, but more just about the experience. May you have many more runs like that one.

[talkrhubarb]

Well done on a solid run!

I think the 10% rule is a useful rule of thumb for preventing injury but is more usefully applied to the total running distance. And while the 5x50 isn't all running it's still considerable.

I ran with my iPhone on an armband and the runkeeper app for quite a while before getting a Garmin. I found the phone helpful at speaking my pace every minute and being able to see the stats straight after a run was great. I've now got a Garmin 410, I love it as it's less bulky, but it's been more difficult to use than the phone and I have to wait to be near a computer to get the detailed results.

[SBG356 Graduate]

Sounds like a lovely run Tati! Its just fab when you have a good run like that and you will be at 7k, 8k and 10k in no time!

Bet too that you get a Garmin!! I used to track on 'map my run' after runs but just love my Garmin now, so much easier!

Sue

[jenniej Graduate]

What a great run. Sounds like you have a lovely route. I think that makes all the difference as you start to run further. As for distance and time - you are doing great. I envy your pace. You'll be at 10k very soon.

As the others say, bet you get a garmin soon. I wouldnt be without mine now. Good luck!

[suzybenj Graduate]

I am week 8 - and pay day fri - so i will be ordering my garmin. From a previous post this week - tesco seem to have the best offer - and an extra 10% code.

Get us being runners and wanting a Garmin!

[gdeann Graduate]

The run sounds great! I see a pretty little Garmin in your future. Afterall, a runner must gave proper gear and gadgets. If you can run 7K, a 10K is within your reach. Its nice to follow the 10% rule but sometimes we just have to go for it! Wishing you continued success! Gayle