Run with other people - fail!

[southlundon]

I'm away at a conference this week and I told my colleague that I was going for a run tonight. She tagged along but promised me she was slow. Then another colleague somehow found out we were going for a quick run and said she'd come as she is currently training for a half marathon (...) and wanted something short after the 15km she ran at the weekend.

Anyway, I got a 2.5 km jogging route from the venue and off we went. The HM lady had already done one circuit before she met us and said she'd keep pace. Unfortunately her pace meant 6km/minute consistently up and down hills when my usual is 6.5km downhill and about 7.5 uphill so I kept up with her for the first 1.5km but it pretty much wiped me out. I finished after 17 mins having done 2.6km which was one circuit but let them carry on for another go.

I'm here all week and plan to get another two runs in, but I think I'll stick to doing it on my own!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well... that’s no F word.

While trying to keep up with an established HM runner was gonna hurt at least and predictably made you run out of gas sooner than you’d like, you just effectively did a session of speedwork which will help you out hugely as you continue on. Yes, you could certainly use a regular run next... you need to keep working endurance too. I wish I could do 1.5 at an uncomfortable pace right now... you must be stronger than you think that 17 minutes says.

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Yes you’re right!! Brilliant distance in 17 minutes southlundon!! 😁❤️

[southlundon Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you - your words are so encouraging. ☺️ Definitely taking it at my normal pace next time!

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Well done Southlundon! I can tell you without doubt I’d be leaving them to it. If it isn’t fun, don’t do it!! You’ve lots of experience in running on your own and loving it!! Don’t compromise! 😉❤️

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fab! They are lovely ladies but it was easy for them and I’m still building up my stamina. Proud that I kept up the pace up the hill though 😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Too right!! You did great!! I’m sure they are and there lovely and there are benefits in stretching yourself a little, but it should ideally leave you feeling great afterwards too. You can always run with them another time. 😁❤️!

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

I feel great after reading everyone’s lovely messages on here 😚

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done for giving it a go. Best decision sticking to your own pace, you'll only get injured.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Very good point ancient! That would be awful if I fell onto the IC now.

[theoldfellow in reply to southlundon]

Yes. PLEASE don't get hurt.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

I promise to try not to OF! 🙏🏻

[rolysmate Graduate]

saddens me a little to read this, if you are going to run with a new/slower runner then you should let them take the lead and follow their pace

[southlundon Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

She was apologetic when we met up for dinner and I think she was trying to set a ‘slow’ pace but the other two of us did explain to her in advance that we were more 7-8km/min kind of people...!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

We all have our own pace and when running with others it is only polite to allow the slowest runner to set the pace.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’m sure she didn’t mean to wreck me 😅 As I have just said above, she was apologetic at dinner (and she seems like a nice person) so I’ll forgive her!

[SnailRunner71 Graduate]

Bit unfair, as they joined you would have been polite to keep to your pace.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to SnailRunner71]

Well yes I did think that too but was trying to be polite 😉

[Tasha99 Graduate]

But that’s a good little speed session done! Do one a week! Well done!

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

I hadn’t thought about that!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Probably did you loads of good actually!

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

My lungs may just have forgiven me 😁

[MarkyD Graduate]

There are 2 types of runners.

The first kind are those that run on their own, are happy to run on their own, and run on their own.

The second kind of runner are the ones that say "I'll come running with you, it would be good to keep you company". This type of runner should be avoided: they are always faster than me, always want to run at their own pace (or run at my pace for 200 meters giving 'advice' on how I can run faster), are training for a half marathon, and are the most selfish kind of arrogant show-offs known to man. It seems that having enough self-confidence to run with a work colleague automatically removes the same proportion of compassion and self-awareness.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Marky that’s very funny - and yes probably very true!! HM lady is also 16 years younger than me and a kickboxer who was telling me that for her next grading she has to run 3x 10kms in one week... 😳

I am going to sneak out next time early in the morning and not tell them!

[Run1980 Graduate]

Well done to you for doing that distance in 17mins! I don’t like running with other people. As markyD pointed out, I fall into the first category of runners- I am a lone runner, I enjoy running alone. I can set my own pace and don’t feel that I have to keep up with anyone. As you say maybe sneak out without them next time 😂

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Run1980]

Well I did the c25k on my own and that was fine with me! I think I'd have to definitely get more experienced in both speed and distance before I try again.

[Agelesslass]

Yes that’s a good idea, I like running alone after a similar incident to yours, I had to stop before my usual distance as the other person ran so fast compared to me.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Agelesslass]

Glad it wasn't just me then

[Crolla]

One of the main reasons I like the C25k programme is that I can do it alone. I don't like gyms or classes because I want to be able to do my own thing without having other people around. Hope you manage to complete your next two runs the way you want.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Crolla]

Thanks Crolla - I hope so too! Currently sitting in a seminar room (we haven't started yet) and staring out of the window at the bright and cool weather thinking it would be perfect for a run right now

[Little-runner Graduate]

Definite Kudos to you for trying to keep pace, and remarkably so, but I do believe that the slowest runner should set pace, especially as it was you who suggested going for a run in the first place!

I would sneak out on my own next time if I were you and enjoy a lovely solitary run at whatever pace pleases you! ☺️

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

You're right - and actually I didn't suggest to anyone that they came with me! I just happened to mention that I was going to go for a run before dinner to one colleague and a couple of hours afterwards she asked if she could tag along, and it was only after that that superwoman invited herself along too!

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to southlundon]

I think superwoman was a bit naughty, and being a more experienced runner she should have known better! Ah well, at least she apologised. This does worry me about running with other people...part of me wants to join a running club to meet more fellow runners, but because I’m not super quick, I should maybe keep it a solo activity to keep the worry levels down!

[southlundon Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

No please don’t let my one-off experience put you off! So many people say that joining a club is the best thing. I suppose the secret is finding one that is at your level.

Someone has set one up in a village near me but when they post on Strava they are running for 40 mins and it just seems a bit further than where I am at the moment.

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Yeh I’ve looked at my local running club and they ask that you can run 5k in 33 mins....I’m not quite there yet but I think I’ll give it a go when I can. I want to feel comfortable with the running and not to feel like I’m holding people up!