Slowing down and 5k

[Firehorse1]

I ran my third consolidation run this morning and decided to try and slow things down a bit and see if I enjoy it more (not that I am fast or anything, it’s all relative!).

So I did.

And I loved it! No huffing and puffing, even going up the inclines, no trying to think of something to think about to take my mind off it all - just nice smooth running.

I ran for 5km and it took 42 minutes, and could have carried on for longer. So chuffed! My average pace was 8.27 min/km where on previous runs it was always around 8 min/km, so not that much slower really.

Of course there are lots of factors at play and a good or bad experience on one particular day shouldn't necessarily be extrapolated, but today’s run has been a revelation - I feel like I have found the right “place” for me to run in and I am looking forward to Thursday morning already.

Also I was wearing new shorts today so it might just have been that 😉

[mirabel8 Graduate]

That's really inspiring! I slowed down today (W8,2) and loved it. Great to get home and my daughter not laugh at my red face

[Firehorse1 Graduate in reply to mirabel8]

thanks Mirabel - sounds like you are doing great! x

[Maurs12 Graduate]

That’s really interesting - I’m keen to enjoy it more as I only get joyful interludes at the moment - I’m going to adjust my pace and experiment a bit.....or maybe just get some new shorts!!

[Firehorse1 Graduate in reply to Maurs12]

Do both, Maurs!

[runtoeatchocs Graduate]

Hi,

I too find it really difficult to enjoy running!! I do play music and try and listen to the lyrics very carefully to distract me, I am also at about 8 minute pace and have just finished 1st consolidation run. I tried a new route which unfortunately had a hill that nearly made me give up completely. I will try the running commentary next maybe that might work and slow down further. At present still prefer swimming but will keep going for another 3 weeks to see if I manage to enjoy it.

[Firehorse1 Graduate in reply to runtoeatchocs]

I did a new route on Sunday and it was refreshing, I think it's good to mix it up a bit to avoid feeling bored with the same old route. I hope you find a way to enjoy it more after all this hard work!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is an epiphany for many........well done.

Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

[Firehorse1 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you x

I've read a lot on here about slowing down and thought I was, but now I am there.

[Killerblue]

Great really pleased for you 👍 slower is good 🌻

[Firehorse1 Graduate in reply to Killerblue]

Thank you, killer! x

[Yellowshade Graduate]

Hi - I’m just in from my 3rd consolidation run and I had a similar experience. Someone here posted theJapanese jogging video and I had that in my mind as I set off. Not sure if it was that or the fact that I was well rested that made the difference but I found it really quite easy. I’m laughing at myself though because it honestly didn’t occur to me to keep running beyond the 30 minutes and so I’m still well off a 5k. Maybe next time.

[Firehorse1 Graduate]

I ran for 34-36 minutes on the week 9 runs and 37-38 minutes for my last 2 runs, so I didn’t go from 30 to 42 in one go! Good luck with reaching your 5k x

[Yellowshade Graduate]

Thanks. Always interesting to hear about other people’s journeys. Good luck!

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

I know what you mean. I want to go off too fast and have to make myself slow down. Then I can go the distance but I still speed up as the run progresses. Can’t help myself 😂.