I have recently been so focused on trying to improve my 5K time that I was no longer enjoying running outside. My heart has been pounding through my chest. I've been stopping regularly to catch my breath or take my inhaler. I had become so deflated especially as my Husband is only on week 6 of
C25K and I can't keep up with him to go out running together. Today I seriously considered not going out running at all. However I got up, put on my gear and decided to play my favourite album (Sam Smith) and just run at my own pace. I really enjoyed it! There were no inhaler stops and I ran 7.2 km in 48 mins at a comfortable pace. I was tempted to carry on to do 10k but decided to build up to that over the next few weeks. I have come to the conclusion I am not a fast runner and don't think I am built for speed. Maybe I should just accept that. However I do have endurance and have been receiving compliments on how my shape is changing. Maybe I'm doing something right.
Written by
vengadriver
Graduate
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You are better than me -- I just ran 7Klm in 60 minutes -- but I have to admit that it was at a really easy pace. Personally, I think that "times" and "pace" are words that I had rather never heard of when it comes to this running. Who really cares if you can run the 5 K in 5 minutes less?? - the Universe doesn't
Confucious says : " What does man do with 1/10th of second saved in 100 meter race??"
For me, the mere fact that I can run 5K and soon-to-be 10K non-stop, when NOBODY that I know in my close circle of friends and relatives can't (at any pace) is enough for me .
Thanks Bazza for talking so much sense! I too have many friends, even gym buddies who are envious of how far I can run. 2 years ago I never thought it was achievable.
I think the most important thing is for you to enjoy your running (and stay injury free, speaking with the voice of experience).
If you look at any "training programme" you might be surprised to see that the vast majority of runs are to be done at what is described as an easy pace. There are ways of calculating what this should be, but basically it's the pace where you can run and talk in sentences without getting out of breath. That pace will be improving your strength and endurance and should be enjoyable. As you've found, you'll be able to run for longer.
These same programmes also have one run a week where you do some intervals - you could try the speed podcast (which is mercifully short and sweet but hard work), or just try running faster between 2 or 3 lampposts.
You will probably find that long slow runs, short slow runs and a few fast intervals will give you a variety of things to do when you go out for a run. And then on the rare occasion when you think "I wonder if I could push myself today?" then you will probably find that your pace improves. The key, as I think you're finding, is NOT to push yourself every time and run because you enjoy it and enjoy its benefits.
I do a short interval run on the treadmill at the gym once a week after my boby pump class.This has helped me achieve 5k in 30mins on the treadmill.Think I have been pushing myself too much outside as you say.I will now plan 1 short interval run and one easy longer run per week.
This post is nearly identical to one I posted on c25kers Facebook page on Sunday . I have learned this lesson too vengadriver I'm going to stop pushing myself & am just going to go at my comfortable pace . I felt just like you , as in was going to pack in , but all I needed to do was slow it down & it's a much more enjoyable experience . Good luck with your runs & take care
You shouldn't push your pace on regular runs even if increasing your pace is what you are after. Distance runs should always be at slow conversational pace. If speed is really what you want then short focussed interval, tempo, hill and fartlek sessions once a week will help with that but the vast majority of your running should be at easy pace.
I think that's so sensible. A while ago when I was running regularly (and everything was going well, ah me ) I got to the point where every run was better than the last one, so it was further than the last, or faster than the last. Every run. For about 15 or 16 runs in succession. The pressure became such that I no longer wanted to go running because I was sure that this was the run where I would fail. I went, but I drove myself to do better and it was grim and didn't enjoy it. In the end, of course, I did 'fail' and it was almost a relief - as you say, lesson learnt.
I think 7.2k in 48 mins is brilliant, personally! But the best statement in there is 'I really enjoyed it'. Keep on enjoying it
There will always be someone faster just as there will always be someone slower.just enjoy your runs and also all those lovely compliments that you would probably not be getting if you weren't running
I would be so thrilled with 7.2k in whatever time I could manage!
I have only just noticed I never enjoy my runs when I am trying to knock a few seconds off and the best ones are those where I don't switch on mapmyrun or even look at my watch as I set off. Now that I've drawn it to my very own attention I have put a ban on watches and mapmyrun for the next two weeks.
I agree Snookie - ever since I stopped carrying the old grandfather clock around on my back my running has been easier too.
I can only echo the comments above. I have heard that the vast majority of the runs that people who are relatively new to running do are too fast. I think that is common when (frankly) we don't really know better. I certainly felt that I had plateaued about two months back at about 7m50s per km and was getting depressed. I kept going and threw in the odd interval run and almost without trying my pace increased. I am now running about 6m30s per km.
I would suggest that you concentrate on keeping injury free and enjoying your running. Over time I guarantee that you will get faster!
It should be fun. We're not here to kill ourselves. I think we all sign up to the programme to get fitter and/or lose weight
A leisurely run round the streets and through the local park or wherever should be a pleasure, not a chore. As you get fitter the runs will become less strenuous, and if you run slowly and steadily, you should start to enjoy them more. Running gives you time and space to yourself to be free with your own thoughts. Make the most of it
You're absolutely right. Your story sounds so familiar to me too! For the last few weeks I've not looked at the Garmin for the whole run to check pace and just enjoyed each run and it's made a huge difference. Ironically, my times haven't been that bad either! Thanks for posting.
Sounds like you have learnt the lesson the hard way, but the key point is that you now know it. It is meant to be fun, and self discipline will only take us that far if we don't find the running enjoyable. So well done for changing your tack and getting back into running a way you like!
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Personally, I think that "times" and "pace" are words that I had rather never heard of when it comes to this running. Who really cares if you can run the 5 K in 5 minutes less?? - the Universe doesn't 
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