TO CRUNCH OR NOT TO CRUNCH.........

[IannodaTruffe]

When I started C25k, last June, one of my aims was to run my local 10k race, the Crediton Crunch, which takes place on May 18th this year. However, as time has passed I have discovered that running is primarily a solitary pursuit for me, despite the fact that I enjoy the occasional Parkrun. So I had decided that I would not bother with the Crunch, because I don't want to run with loads of other sweating people, when I could be out across the fields by myself. When I mentioned this to my niece, she said I would really enjoy it: she had been overtaken three times by a fridge on her last organised run. So not wanting to be outdone by random white goods and coming to the conclusion that I was displaying symptoms of “curmudgeonly old bastard” syndrome, the decision was made that I could not say I don't like running with other people if I haven't tried it. A year ago I didn't like running............and now....

With little time left, I hurriedly adapted the last three weeks of the free Runkeeper Sub 55m 10k training plan. Well, I know I can get under the hour, on similar terrain to the Crunch, so a bit of ambition is ok. Roll on intervals, strides and a bit of fartlek, (excuse my Swedish). Then, this week, my lower back started aching again, after months of core strengthening exercises, which had reduced this to almost zero. It could be changes in stride patterns and pace or just old age or even coincidence. I need to make my mind up and get my entry submitted soon, so a final decision had to be made and today's run was to be 14k over some of the Crunch course and the decider on the condition of my back.

It was a perfect running morning, cool, quiet and windless. The occasional bright yellow fields of rape contrasting dramatically with the fresh green of new spring growth and the deep red of ploughed Mid Devon earth, highlighted by the sun breaking through every now and then. The beech trees in almost full translucent leaf and the gnarly oaks rapidly catching up, standing in all their glory against the lightening sky. But hey, I am here to do some running, not enjoy the scenery.

So, I have a 14k route, which covers some of the Crunch route, the difference being that this time mine was divided into three intervals: 8k steady, 4k fast and 2k steady. With Annabel Runkeeper-Smythe keeping me company (I haven't heard from Gwendolen for quite some time) all went well. As we all know, pacing is the secret and also the most difficult part of running. The steady pace is meant to be between 6.12 and 6.31m/k , while the fast pace is between 5.44 and 5.57m/k. Well, I did 6 of my first “8k steady”, too fast, some faster than the fast pace is meant to be and the killer 500metre hill knocked back my pace to 7.48 for that kilometre (although I was way slower than that on the actual hill).

Ok, so now I have done 8k, I just have to run faster for the next 4k!!! Only one kilometre of this interval was at a fast pace (5.35m/k) while all the others fell outside the target steady pace. Doh!! Ploughed fields are not good terrain for setting fast pace, with one leg disappearing into a furrow while the other is on the ridge, a good six inches higher up because of the slope of the ground.

The last section of the run is through parkland at Shobrooke Park, which was in full glory now that the sun was fully awake, and I loved the downhill run past the lake with picturesque Crediton nestling in the valley, beyond the industrial estate. It is actually beautiful (not the industrial estate). The last “steady 2k” ended up being my fastest overall interval, averaging 6.07m/k just proving that I am absolutely c**p at pacing. With the first 8k averaging 6.13m/k, the mid section averaging 6.37m/k and that final one, my overall pace averaged at 6.19m/k. Maybe I should have used the Sub 60m 10k Training plan?

Anyway it was a lovely run and my back seems fine, so I will be completing my online application for the Crediton Crunch shortly and get back to my fartleks. If anybody wants to come and join me on the 18th of May, I will make sure I am wearing my red C25k graduate T-shirt and it really is a great multi terrain run ….....and only 10k, not 14!!!!

Keep running, keep smiling.

PS. I swear I haven't edited these tags.

[Beads Graduate]

I'll be joining you, in spirit rather than body. The Hillcrest 10k run is on that day in this neck of the woods, not sure of the terrain but it was advertised on the Riddlesdown parkrun FB page. Now all I need to do is get my application form in before next Saturday. It's been sitting here filled in (can't do online) and I've been meaning to put it in an envelope for about 3 weeks now but not getting round to it. MUST DO IT!

Keep on running!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Beads]

Good luck with your run, Beads and get that entry form in.....NOW!!

[misswobble Graduate]

I signed up for a race after much dithering. Never so much as done a Parkrun yet though. I just felt it was there so I had to do it just to prove (or not) that I can do it. If you just train for it, and decide not to run the race in the end for whatever reason, at least you got through the training. When you've finished the training you can make the decision then whether to take the plunge and run, or not. That's what I'm doing at the moment for the 10 miler that I signed up to do. If I can get through the training then I shall be delighted. If I run the race and finish then even better. My worry is that I won't finish it as there are some miles of serious hills, and I could be in over my thick head. Oh well, time will tell won't it. Whether we're wise to submit to race day or plain daft for thinking we have what it takes.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to misswobble]

Why worry? Every run is just training for the next one, so you will be in a better place after the training than you were before. How long have you got before your 10 miler?

[notbad Graduate]

Those tags are wonderful Mr IT, still chuckling as I write. I too am Cr*p at pacing, when I do my 10k I just try to stick to as near as 6 min k as I can but nearly always go too fast too soon. Enjoy your Crunch and keep us posted.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to notbad]

My problem is that I am always pushing too hard and never go for a run at easy pace, especially since I have been sticking at 10k over the last couple of months. I sometimes start out slowish, but surprise myself with my time and then want to push for a PB. Positively Brainless that is.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Glad to hear your back gave you the go ahead. I find when I change my training just slightly I have to be very protective for a few weeks. I seem to have a very sensitive muscle structure. But I am learning to treat it with respect. Sounds like a really fun run with lots of different things to keep you engaged. I hope the entrance submission goes well and training keeps going from stregnth to stregnth.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I just love my weekend runs, when there is no pressure and yes, it was great.

[Hidden]

Sounds like a really brilliant run and just right for deciding whether to race or not. Good luck with the Crediton Crunch and best wishes.

[misswobble Graduate]

It's great just doing a bit of free running isn't it. Very liberating. The world should do more of it and that way there might be less strife!

My race is on 6th July Iannoda. It's just getting hard, and I keep feeling like I want to quit on my runs. I did once but turned my watch on and started running again almost straight away after I'd told myself off

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to misswobble]

I know what you mean. I am not used to proper training, but as I said, I can't say I don't like it if i haven't tried it. I may as well do the best I can. Stick with it. I am sure it will be worth it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Yeah, but once you are on the hill, you are meant to run back down again!

[Hidden]

Thank you for your post. You are not "alone" in enjoying running by yourself. Although my OH and I have been following C25k together, we've found that after a few weeks, we started running seperately because we were progressing at different rates. Running for us means different things, and in a way, it's our alone time if that makes any sense. For my OH, it's a chance to unwind rather than a specific fitness goal, whereas for me I have specific health and fitness goals. So now we have graduated, we have different running goals and training plans. We took part in our local park run this weekend with my sister, and it was fun being part of a group of runners.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Hidden]

"Alone" time makes total sense. My wife and I both run, but not normally together, partly because of the pacing issue, but also because we enjoy our alone time too. That said, we have done some brilliant run/walks where we stopped to admire the view as well as capered through the woods like a couple of kids. She is pretty close to attending her first Parkrun as a runner....something to look forward to.