Knocked 15 minutes off my 5k time. Promise not to laugh though -

[Beek]

I am a graduate still trying to get to 5k in 30 minutes. Today I did a new run which included several hill sections (new experience for me) and I ran 5.18k in 'only' 58 minutes. That's less than an hour! Previously I was doing 5.85k in 1 hour 15/19 minutes. I count that as a slight improvement. I may consider doing a Park Run before Christmas!

I have not been feeling good this week and only run once (just now) It is a glorious day, very cool and wonderful trees. A bit clarty underfoot but what the heck! I've found a new route which starts with a very steep uphill for about 500 metres, then off along an undulating road which is being repaired so it was tricky having to keep jumping back into the roadworks to give cars room to pass me. But it was lovely in the sunshine under huge beech trees in their Autumn colours. Then on through a park and down to my river. Really pleased I got myself out because I wanted to bunk off. I didn't get out until 11.00 and ran on empty so really hungry now. I've decided to make it a fast day now!

I'm determined to get to 30 minute 5k by the New Year.

Happy running everyone!

[missanticrowd Graduate]

No laughing here! Hill running is beyond me for now I'm afraid!

[Beek Graduate in reply to missanticrowd]

Thank you missanticrowd. I live at the bottom of a very steep escarpment and I know if I am to improve then I must start to tackle hills. Today is my first attempt and it was a killer for my lungs. Still, onwards and upwards as they say!

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Congratulations that is a big improvement on your time you should be very proud of yourself

[Beek Graduate in reply to Mummysaurus]

Thank you Mummysaurus. It was a battle to get myself out today but glad I did. Still got a long way to go for 5k in 30 minutes!

[danzargo Graduate]

A bit "clarty" underfoot?? I'm going to make that my "Word du jour"! You'll crack the 5K time Beek. try running ALL downhill...haha!

[Beek Graduate]

Clarty is a north eastern term for mud and such. Clarts = muddy lumps. Not to be confused with mucky clarts, they are something VERY different and very, very rude! (Got a thoroughly good hiding once with my twin brother for using those words as children and in earshot of visitors!) You can refer to yourself as 'I got all clarted up' etc.

If I use the car to drive to the top of our steep hill, then run down again does that still count? I was once buzzed by a cyclist right behind me and I was doing 40 in the 30 limit! It's a VERY long steep hill!

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Well done at your new pb, be proud & embrace those hills- will make you so much faster & stronger when you run on the flat!