Going the extra mile/km

[Richard7]

This morning I set off on a planned 5k run. (I find that if I decide beforehand how far I want to run for and plan a route accordingly then it forces me to go the distance)

Having planned my route including my first attempt at the hill climb into town I set off this morning on what was a lovely January day. (My hills are not as steep or frequent as some but are still a challenge to me)

Off into town I ran up the hill and then turned towards the Fire station and then the field where the council gym is. This then led down to the golf course and eventually joined up with a more familiar route over a disused filled in canal. Temptation was there to deviate for a lap around the pond but I continued en route instead - maybe next time.

At the end of the run I allowed myself a rest on a bench and took in the surroundings. I don't like stopping my run in the middle even to take a picture (I really need to chill out a bit more). I enjoyed 10 minutes peace watching nothing much other than a couple of runners going by. Did there seem to be a lot more people running today than usual to anybody else!?

Whether it was the new route or the mixture of undulations I don't know but I really enjoyed today's run. It felt good to be outside.

When I got back and synched my watch up with Strava and checked my pace I realised that it had been pretty slow (as usual) - whilst I would love to go faster I am sure this will come with time - today I really didn't mind. Stamina is still my weakness as I found the 5th km hard going. Stamina will come with practice. Parkrun beckons but still putting it off.

Enjoy running everyone and keep believing.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Richard another 5k in the bag😊xx

You will do that extra lap around the pond one of these days.x

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Sad I know but I actually measured the pond using an app and found it is exactly 500m - have considered using it as a simple training track!! 10 laps and I am done!! Over thinking as usual!!

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Sounds like a great run Richard!

I was a bit disappointed that I ran more slowly today (especially as it didn't feel that way during the run) but am over it now - the important thing is we were out there enjoying it 😊

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to DebJogsOn]

Too true. I chose to run on a treadmill mid week to see what it was like as backup for bad weather - boy it was great to be back outside!!

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Getting outside was part of the plan for me from the beginning - spend far too much time cooped up inside at work. I've never run on a treadmill - and have a sneaky feeling if I did that I'd end up getting spun of the end like in every comedy sketch involving them ever 😂.

[Kimterry Graduate]

That's fantastic Richard! I'm still trying to run 5K non stop - I can run 35 mins non stop but it takes me about 45 mins to get to 5K (with a bit of walking). Like you, I think I will put a bit more thought into planning my route and I will tell myself that I'm going to run 5K. Thank you for your inspiration. And, it does feel good to be outside and take in what's around us. Happy running 😀

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Kimterry]

When in the last week's of C25K I extended my run from 3k route to 4k route just because 3 was too short. I found on w9 it allowed me to run 4k (longer than 30 mins). I ended up walking the warm up and cool down and it made it 5k total. New Years Day was my 1st 5k run it was about 45mins. Today was my 2nd 5k. I find route planning certainly helps me, obviously it's not as spontaneous but at least I know when the hills will be and can plan my speed accordingly. For the record I deliberately set out slower if I know I am doing 5k! Good luck in getting up to 5k but don't beat yourself up about it either - just enjoy the run.

[Kimterry Graduate]

Thank you. Yes, I start out slower now and I don't listen to music because I found I was starting too fast and running out of puff! I'll get there and I'm not going to beat myself up. 6 months ago I was still sitting on the couch... now, I'm a runner!🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

[Pm3eak Graduate]

Well done Richard. I too found the 5th Km hard going today.

Your route sounds interesting and varied.

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Pm3eak]

Not waterlogged like yours. I count my blessings!!

[davelinks Graduate]

Good stuff! Mind you don't fall into the pond!😁

[kiwi-calon]

Don't put park run off. If you don't like it you don't have to do it again and if you do like it you will kick yourself that you didn't go sooner.