having to re-think my graduation plan.. :(

[ReyC]

having finished week 8 with 4.5 k I was busy devising ways to speed up a little during week 9 and possibly make the 5k by graduation.

But then, yesterday (my rest day), my knees were giving me loads of trouble, twinging and giving way and generally being weak.

I have always had trouble with my knees and do yoga to strenthen them and this has been one of my biggest worries about running anf that they may get in the way.

My initial plan was to try to increase speed this run and not worry about how far i got. I haven't missed a run all programme and although i was nervous I figured i'd get out there, take it super easy and not worry about time, speed OR distance.

My knees complained a bit for the first 5 mins (although so did my lungs, feet, chest, etc!) and then I managed to settle in. I did a different route to keep me interested and distracted and really held back on pushing myself. I let myself speed up for the final 5 mins and was so thrilled to get to the end of the 30mins without injury!

I did 4.3k which is not what I aimed for before knee-gate but this really made me realise that it really doesn't matter if I do 5k in the next 2 runs...I would like this programme to be the start of a permanent change in my life and I don't want to scupper all the hard work by being over demanding.

So, thanks, knees. you are a pain in my limbs but I appreciate the perspective.

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

I did quote a long response to your post ... Then lost it! Any how, basically I wanted to agree with you that getting to the end of the programme is a great achievement and the 5k will come. You go at a pace that works for you and believe me, 4.3k ain't too shabby ! Enjoy your graduation run when it comes !

[ReyC Graduate in reply to lizziebeth57]

Ah thanks! And you are right I just hope I can find the balance of avoiding injury and challenging myself enough to keep it interesting

[runlikethewind1 Graduate]

I graduated about 2 weeks ago but have not achieved 5k yet. What I do now on my runs is short interval training by increasing my stride for say a minute or so and then go back to my normal pace. I have noticed that I have already increased my distance, in the same time, after just a few of these interval sessions. So little by little you can improve speed without injury. The great thing is that you are running and keeping it up. Well done you.

[Plinth Graduate]

I graduated ages ago. Still can't do 5k in 30. Creeping closer but not there yet. It really is about running the time, not the distance!