All the gear and no idea!

[Teresa1632]

Had a couple of months off - combination of injury, friends coming to stay, two family bereavements, four wakes/funerals and a heavy cold. So started back on the running a month ago. Slow would be an understatement. There are faster walkers out there. I had a goal in mind though ; a 5k run on Boxing Day - a local fundraiser. And the OH had bought me a Garmin watch for Christmas. Very fancy it is too.

So, me and 499 other people lined up at the start. The rest of the field took off as though they were running with Mo Farah in the Olympics. I stayed at the back, looking like I know what I’m doing, (my fancy watch and all), and tried not to panic!

Got up the first hill OK, (in part because the photographers ( and I know them all) were at the top of the hill and I wanted to look like a runner for the photos 😎).

The second hill loomed and my calves cramped. Arrrgh. Walked for about 5 minutes, and stopped to chat at the people on the water station. Then another ‘hello’ to a couple of the marshalls I know....

Started to run again and felt light headed. Slowed down to recover and then sped up a bit when the spectators came into view (gotta look the part!), finishing with the 10kers overtaking me near the line. I could pretend I’d run a 10k, and like all the pros, look at my watch as I crossed the finish line 🤣🤣

It’s the slowest 5k I’ve ever run - 40 minutes - eeek!

I’m recovering on the couch while I think of my next move. I can hear my late mother saying “You’re 62, you have a bad knee and you are diabetic. You should have more sense by now!”

At least the entry money was for a good cause! (And the Garmin is good.)

[Oldishrunner Graduate]

Well you've done more than me, so congratulations on finishing. I'm waiting a bit on 30min runs before attempting a Park Run.

[Teresa1632 Graduate in reply to Oldishrunner]

Do the park run! No need to wait for the 30min goal. There will be runners, walkers and (if mine is anything to go by) runners with children in pushchairs. It’s great craic too!

I did my PB of 33min on a park run. (That time may be a distant memory now, but ye never know, I might get there again).

So I’d say, give it a go - nothing to lose and you’ll enjoy it!

[Oldishrunner Graduate in reply to Oldishrunner]

If you've seen my running attire you'd be surprised I'm a bit shy when it comes to running. I will do it when the time is right- hate being pushed but thanks for your support.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, but your story exemplifies the "us it or lose it" aspect of physical fitness............ you can't take two months off and expect to pick up where you were.

Get back to regular running and the fitness and performance will return.

[Teresa1632 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

You are right, though after a month of 2/3 runs a week I mistakenly thought I’d be around the 35/36 min mark by now.

Must work harder! Hopefully I’ll get back to previous times soon. It’s a bit disheartening when everyone runs past! 😟

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Teresa1632]

Assessing your running by a target time is of limited use. It is recommended that 75-80% of your running should be at an easy conversational pace, as described in the guide to post C25K running healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow running develops stamina.

[Teresa1632 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Oh, my running is always at easy conversational pace. Especially as I know I have to make my own way home, no buses around here 😬

[Boofle999 Graduate]

I have always been pleased that I'm running 5K in 40 mins, doesn't seem to shabby to me!

[Teresa1632 Graduate in reply to Boofle999]

It was the hills that near killed me!

[mafee Graduate]

after everything you have been experiencing, you were very ambitious , determined and successful - who cares about the time - you did it xxx celebrate and keep going

[Teresa1632 Graduate in reply to mafee]

Thank you, that makes me feel loads better.

[skysue16 Graduate]

Well done for giving it a go after a busy and difficult few months. Hills are hard work 😬 but an audience certainly helps 😉

[Katnap Graduate]

What does the time matter? A run is better than no run! 😸