Ran my first 5k today...Somehow way faster than I thought?!..

[jag13]

Hi all,

Just a bit of background - I graduated back in May and have been running on and off since then. I 're-graduated' last month after re-doing weeks 5-9 in July/Aug to get back into it again after a longer break.

I run at the gym on a treadmill most of the time (have occasionally run outside) at a consistent speed of 7.3 km/h, which leaves me tired but not completely exhausted at the end and with a distance of about 3.6k. I did my first 5k event today and estimated I'd complete it in about 40-41min based on my usual speed - and was amazed to find myself completing it at 34min50sec - which means I ran an average speed of 8.6 km/h. I didnt push myself too hard/get overtired and felt like my pace was pretty consistent but.... (1) how is this possible?! Has it happened to anyone else? and (2) should I push myself to pick up the pace on my normal runs treadmill from here on out?

Thanks

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Sounds to me that you run better outside, I know I do, but I hate dreadmills. There is nothing wrong in pushing yourself so long as you don't overdo it but listen to your body and at the first sign of any discomfort ease off the speed a bit.

Its much more interesting to run outside though and the longer distances are more manageable and much more enjoyable.

[dylanski Graduate]

Also, running with others usually lifts your game. I think it's easy to get a bit complacent - especially on a treadmill, which is setting you pace for you - and you continue doing what you always do. Now, you've proved to your self that you can do it, try just stepping up the speed a little, although as Oldgirl says, don't try to push too far too soon

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Running outdoors is inevitably different, with variable surfaces and gradients and the weather. It is the other runners that bring out the runner in you. You find a pace from those around you and they can lift you into another area, as I found with my first park run. I am going to try one run per week where I put in twenty second intervals of a faster pace every five minutes, in an effort to improve my speed and to learn to control my pace more precisely. I have read that this is more beneficial than just upping your overall pace.

[jag13]

Thanks all -

Oldgirl, I tend to run on treadmills mostly because of a knee injury and advice from my physio. However I agree that running outside was really nice and enjoyable so I think a good compromise would be mixing it up with gym and outdoor combinations..

Dylanski - I think that makes sense, being around other runners did lift my game even if it was subconscious! I really made sure not to overdo it because I wanted to run the whole thing. In any case it has shown me I can step it up. I have learned from my previous knee injury and will definitely be mindful of not doing too much too soon though!

Iannoda - I think I will try the 20s faster intervals too that makes a lot of sense to improve speed and control it- thank you!