So focused on achieving PBs that I lost the enjoyment of running.

[operation2015]

No more obsessing over PBs. Todays run killed me, i went too fast and didnt enjoy it one bit. Time to slow down, increase distance gradually and find the enjoyment again. My shins hurt, my calves hurt.. totes not worth it!

[Hidden]

No pain no gain, keep going.

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Nah, i find distance more impressive than pace so it doesnt make sense to keep pushing myself to run fast at the expense of distance

[AdamB Graduate]

Vary your running - if you don't feel like going for PBs don't bother. The idea is to get out, get some exercise and and enjoy yourself. Try some slower jogs for a change, or if you have a smartphone, try downloading "Zombies Run". It certainly livens things up

[no-excuse Graduate]

Sometimes we can get a bit caught up in the stats. My long slower runs are the best for my comfort but I enjoy parkrun for a bit of a push. Just do what works for you. Mix things up a bit, but always keep that enjoyment, that's the most important thing x

[Hidden in reply to no-excuse]

Good afternoon young lady

[no-excuse Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Howdy!

[operation2015 Graduate]

Exactly, because if i dont enjoy it, i wont stick at it!

[Hidden]

I don't enjoy the dentist I've stuck at it, I go every 3 months.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Sounds like a good time to focus on why you started running. I'm sure a nice slow run on a pretty route with good tunes is the cure for what ails you. And good for you for recognizing the need to pull back - I think we are all in danger of getting too caught up in pbs and training for events that we forget to just enjoy.

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks runswithdogs!

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Good for you.

Of course, as someone who doesn't even have a 5k PB yet, that's easy for me to say.

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

You will soon enough though, you're well on your way!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

I think we are all different in our approach and what brings us satisfaction in our running. For Hussainbolts at the moment it is pushing for speed etc, for many it is greater distance and for some running is for mood enhancing, keeping fit, losing weight, competing in races etc etc. The most important thing is to identify what is most satisfying to you at the moment and go with that. As you say, hard to stick at something that you are not enjoying! Mix it up! Have fun! There is no right and wrong in this.

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Yes thats whats great about running, it keeps it varied and exciting.

[runningnearbeirut Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Very true. Variety is very important - route/speed/distance, etc. But also, keeping injury free is SO important too. Pushing for a better time every run is asking for trouble. Better times sometimes come when we least expect it. And all experienced runners and trainers agree that long slow runs are the key to speeding up and should be what we spend the majority of our running time doing.

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut]

My sentiments exactly thanks for ur advice

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Whilst it is good to 'push yourself' be really careful you don't end up on the injury couch. Whilst I am a fair few years older than you I am currently consigned to easy running only after doing too much in consecutive runs. I pushed myself to achieve my first sub 30 minute 5 k and on my next run did my first 10k. I am now having to ice my knee after every slow and steady run. It is definitely getting better but I could have prevented it in the first place!!!!

You've got yourself a fantastic pb there and a few weeks of working on your distance to build your stamina is a great long term investment for going even quicker in future. Keep yourself healthy and you have a lifetime to enjoy this running malarkey!!!!

Enjoy

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

Thanks for your advice there, i totally agree

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Jeez you are fast

The most important thing surely is enjoyment, satisfaction, health? Success comes in many forms, what it is for me is not for you etc. follow your own gut instinct but keep running as for me, it's slow n steady (I don't seem to have any other pace yet) and I just got back from my own PB running for 35 mins building my time up towards one hour slowly.....

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to Northernspirit]

Exactly- i feel like i have exhausted 'pace' running for the time being and am beginning to feel the effects of it. I look forward to gradually increasing my distance and enjoying long, comfortable (hopefully) runs

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to operation2015]

Remember the hare and the tortoise....?

[ajwyld Graduate]

Sometimes is good just to go for a "fun run". No distance or pace goal, just get out there and remind yourself how great it is to be able to put one foot in front of the other for much longer than you could not so very long ago.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Right Kimberley, pay attention That is a great 5km time and you should be proud of it.

Now, put it behind you and start to think about other goals.

I reckon that you are ready to enter a 10km run - find one that suits you in a couple of months, and start training for that. Once you can readily run 10km, you'll be ready to start bringing down your 10km time. Your 5km pace is similar to mine and so aim for a 6minute pace whilst upping your distance. That will feel slow, but you are trying to get the distance up.

Find some runs with great scenery, and don't take any music: just you, your running and the great outdoors. Long, slow and comfortable always beats short and fast.

Enjoy!

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Blimey thanks for that!!! Excellent advice!!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

...but what a great time though....I know exactly what you mean, I made an early decision in my running that I would aim for endurance rather than speed, far more enjoyable for me!!! However I am about to start a programme designed by my son to get my 5k time down!!! yikes!! well done on that run, and enjoy

[Hidden]

Horses for courses , your race your pace ( it is my fav saying now,sorry) we are all different , it is hard not to get caught up in the stat's and wanting to run better and faster and further .

Try different things, find out what works for you and what you like

[mfamilias Graduate]

I have finally worked out what a PB is - the only one I was familiar with until I joined this forum was Paddington Bear. I'm happy to get to the end of the run without tripping up or giving in to the Gremlins - I have no idea what my speed is and don't really care as long as I've met my goal for duration. I suppose it depends - some people like the challenge of cutting their time down, others need the "me time". The most important is to enjoy the run.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Take time to enjoy a few longer much slower runs and I'm sure you will rekindle the love.

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

I hope so, i feel so proud being able to say my 'hobby' is running

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

You have to have a mix of all of the above I think. My HM is in 2 weeks and I am really looking forward to a fun run with no pressure. I also know that after a couple of weeks I will want a run to push myself and get that boost in confidence that comes with a run just out of my reach when I master it. Some days I just want to go just for the music and the down time. But your right most of all I want to come back and feel something positive was gained by the run, no matter what it was. If that makes sense.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Most of us will lean to one aspect or other of running. But the bottom line is that it is only any good if you actually do it and I reckon few of us don't need a well-rounded approach to fitness and to running.

Better to decide on changes than have them forced on you by the injury couch or just getting fed up with the whole thing. That's not the same as not understanding that sometimes running is hard and that not all achievements are fun, fun, fun all the way.

(I'm vaguely thinking it might be time for me to have a brief dalliance with speeding up a tad. The key words in that sentence are vaguely and brief as my real running motivations are 'what would I like to see?')

[AllieG Graduate]

Oh dear, I feel your pain!!

I ducked out of Parkrun yesterday because my shins were aching again and told myself I'd just do a lap later on (1 mile).

Then I had a row with my other half and went out and ran the PR course, hell for leather, got a PB of 32 mins (previously 33.10) and was nearly sick. My calves and shins are VERY cross with me and my back hurts this morning.

Previously I'd been going out "naked" twice in the week and just letting my body tell me when to slow down/speed up, and only taking notice of the Parkrun time. Now I'm the "proud" owner of the same Garmin as you I think, and I can see its going to be very hard not to get obsessed!

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to AllieG]

Omg the weirdest thing- i had only intended a little run yest but also had a row with my boyf and ended up with my pb!!

Enjoy your garmin!!! What colour??

[AllieG Graduate]

It's a lilac one, for some reason it was the cheapest one! The "masculine" black one was about £20 more for the same model...

[goonkeepgoing Graduate in reply to AllieG]

So I need to start a row with hubby then - I'll build that into my plans

I also bought the "bargain price" Garmin. Thanks for the tip off. Agnes Violet is my new best friend.

[AllieG Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

Ha haaa! Next run scheduled for Tuesday morning; who can I pick a squabble with before I go?