OMG, I've only gone and done it.....

[Nerdio]

It's Wednesday, that's work at home day, so that means up early for run day. Except today it was 'persisting down' (raining). Now I know I should just 'man up' and get out there and do it, but this was really raining. Two very soggy cats appeared on the bed shortly after (I know they shouldn't be allowed on the bed, but they are our cats....). So I rolled over and had 30 mins more sleep. Now, Mrs. B detected that I was unhappy about a missed run, particularly as it had now stopped raining. She suggested I went at lunch time. Good idea, but complicated by the fact that I would have to work through lunch today. So, I decided to break for an early lunch at 11:15.

11:15 came, breakfast was well behind me, and I had eaten a power banana 45 mins before. I would have to be back at my desk in an hour, so this would have to be a shorter run (ie more like 5K than 6 - 7K). I decided that since I had been up and mobile for an hour or so, and I was well fuelled up, this would be a great time to go for a new PB.

I have long harboured the thought that I could break 25 mins (current PB at a ParkRun was 25:26, which I had got nowhere near of late). I know hacking 26 seconds off is a tall order, but it was something I thought I could aspire too. So I set off for a brisk 5 min warm up to my measured 5K start point, then I was off. A quick bit of mental arithmetic as I ran said I needed at least two individual KM's at < 5 mins each, then 3 at a little over to be on target. I have to say I felt loose, and energetic and seemed to be flying. Endomondo chirped up with the first 1K done in 4:33. Streuth that was quick. A quick glance at running shoes confirmed that they had not started smouldering yet. 2K came in at 9:20, so that was my two sub 5min KM's done. (Running shoes still not on fire, dampness underfoot must be suppressing flames), The third Km also came up < 5 mins, but by now I had the mother of all stitches across the top of my stomach. I took the tough decision to walk briskly for 15 seconds, and breathe in hard, then off again, revitalised. The last 2K seemed to be really long, even though I knew the route well. The stitch was still there, but I would just have to breath in hard and ignore it. I had some work to do. The finish line approached, and I had upped the pace as much as I could. I strained my ears to hear the news from Endomondo over the noise of the traffic, but I heard nothing. I would have to run a reasonable way through the finish line to be sure I had hit the distance. I stopped at 5.13Km and a time of 25:39. It looks good, but have I broken that 25 minute boundary. I would have to wait until I got home and uploaded the run. First though a shower, I was 'leaking' like you would not believe, despite feeling really good, that had been really hard. But all the better for then seeing a 5K time of 24:56 WHOOOOOOOOO! I've done it.

Sorry, that was a very selfish blog, but I feel so good that I did it. My strategy of extending my runs, but not upping my pace, so I could run shorter distances quicker, seems to have worked.

I am so happy

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There is nothing selfish in that post! You know that we want to know. Congratulations on an excellent time. I am hoping that the longer runs and also the interval sessions might be reflected in my park run this coming Saturday. Fingers crossed.

[Nerdio Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Good luck with your run on Saturday. I do feel like my running has improved by backing off the pace, and building stamina for a longer distance. Then today unleashing it.

Must confess, I feel a bit tired now.

[chickens01 Graduate]

well done on your run, bet you're really pleased its such a good feeling when you have achieved a new goal.I'm just starting to push myself a little further to build stamina, i'm managing to run a little further each time hopefully this will show in my next parkrun which is sadly a couple of weeks away but looking forward to it. Again well done

[Nerdio Graduate in reply to chickens01]

Thanks, I definitely think running a little further each time does the trick, as once you get beyond the 5K, then running 'only 5K' must be easier. Seemed to work for me.

[Tready Graduate]

We'll done! A very impressive time

[Nerdio Graduate in reply to Tready]

Thanks. I know I had tried for it from the outset, but I still cannot believe it. I expected something a little over 25 mins.

Still buzzing (partly from a good night out last night watching 'The South' in concert (formerly 'The Beautiful South').

[ju-ju- Graduate]

What's selfish about that????.... A joy to read, brilliant blog and what an achievement that's quite something....must have been the 'power banana'!!!!!!?

[Nerdio Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks.

I normally run before breakfast. Amazing the diff. when I run a few hours after.

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Wow, that was great! I felt I was flying along there with you! It's not selfish at all - that's an inspirational post

[Nerdio Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

I did really feel I was flying when I passed someone I knew running in the opposite direction at the top of the hill. Glad she saw me running, than gasping and staggering in at the end.

[mrqwest Graduate]

Congrats Nerdio, and a great time too! That's my end target I think, 25min 5k. Amazing to hear you ran your first k in 4:33. Speedy speedy eh?

[Nerdio Graduate in reply to mrqwest]

Thanks. 4:33 was a surprise. I only believed it when I got the time for the 2nd kilometre.

[NewlifeLil Graduate]

Great to read, thanks for posting. And also... I might try a later run... I'm Wk7 R1 done this morning as soon as I got up... it was tough. Maybe later in the day would be better. I'll try on Saturday. Thanks