Today I ran with the "big boys and girls"

[PippiRuns]

I run with my fantastic running club twice a week - Tuesdays and Saturdays - and have been running with the beginners' group where we run 4-5k, but as I have already covered 8k (with walking breaks) and my trainer has encouraged me to consider moving up to the group that runs 6-7k, I decided to give it at try today...

I couldn't keep up with them. I kept up for 3k and then had to give in and take a shorter route home.

It wasn't the distance - I can definitely run 6-7k now - it was the speed. They run at a pace around 6.30 and I can't keep that up for very long.

I'm feeling a bit deflated about it... but at the same time I am glad I gave it a go. Now I know that I am not ready for the next level yet and can stay with the beginners - a group of people that I really enjoy spending time with! That's actually really nice.

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Don't feel deflated you have done very well and if you stay in your old group for a bit longer maybe some of that group can move up to the 'big group' together with you next time!

[PippiRuns in reply to SuperMouse]

We were two today who tried it out. We both gave in at the same point. I'm sure when we move up, we will do it together.

[Vanessa291 Graduate]

Yes I like what super mouse said, you'll be taking some of them up with you if you can stay a bit longer.

[PippiRuns in reply to Vanessa291]

Hope so (my old group is so much more fun )

[Hidden]

Well,done for giving it a go. Hopefully a few of you can Move up together in a few weeks

[PippiRuns in reply to Hidden]

Weeks or months, it doesn't really matter. I enjoy being with the beginners.

[Noaky12 Graduate]

Well done Iben! You gave it a go & you stuck with it for about 50% of the time. Thats a great job at that pace. No way I could've kept that pace for even a km!

Great run in my books 👍☺

[PippiRuns in reply to Noaky12]

You're right Noaky. That was definitely my fastest 3k ever! I ought to celebrate a personal best!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Perhaps your current group can move up together to form an intermediate group that would do longer distance but not so fast?

[PippiRuns in reply to Ullyrunner]

Actually I have suggested just that, and my trainer was very supportive. She says we could do what we do now together (4-5k, running intervals, strength training), and then do 2-3 slow km afterwards. That would be PERFECT for me!

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Well done for giving it a go. It's tough to move on from where you feel confident. As the others say it would be nice for a few of you to move up together so that you can work as a group to reach the next stage. You need to be happy to keep on running

[PippiRuns in reply to RunningGeek]

Yes, I hope to move up in at month or two and maybe do it with some of the others.

[poppypug Graduate]

That is a fast pace Iben . Well done for keeping up for 3k ! That's really good !

It will be good to move up with some others when you're ready xxx

[PippiRuns in reply to poppypug]

It really is, isn't it! I didn't realise how fast it was until Noaky12 mentioned it. I did really well, no need to feel deflated; lots of reason to feel proud and happy. [This forum does that to me every time I feel down about anything running-related]

[Irish-John Graduate]

See? It all worked out - you may not be a 'fast' runner but you sure will be back running with the 'nice' Runners now Nice is always good

[PippiRuns in reply to Irish-John]

Exactly, just had to work up the courage to give it at try, and you helped me to do that. And so lovely to know that I am right where I belong.

[McFitty Graduate]

If you hadn't tried, you wouldn't have known whether you would enjoy it or not (and you wouldn't have found how fast you can do 3k) win win Now you can just enjoy your running. Hope the intermediate group idea comes to fruition, that would be ideal wouldnt it!

[PippiRuns in reply to McFitty]

I think it is a great lesson that I can take with me to other situation "Just give it a try. If it doesn't feel right, you don't have to keep doing it." Really! My sister always says "what is the worst thing that can happen?" and that is a very, very important question to ask oneself! It is rarely dangerous to give things a try!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Well done for giving it a go, Iben! Like you say it's nice you can stay with your friendly lot. Sure you'll be running a 6.30 in no time.

[PippiRuns in reply to melly4012]

Thanks Melly I'm not sure about the "no time", but the rest is spot on