Consolidation Run 7

[Jools2020]

I realised as I got up this morning that it was already warm. My plan of doing a faster, shorter run was postponed until a cooler morning, as I decided to just go for a 30 minute run!

Maybe that was a mistake. I felt a bit disheartened with this run. Yes, I ran 4K and even got a PB for 1 km (7:27) but somehow I found it disappointing. Maybe I’m expecting to feel that sense of achievement with every run, maybe I’m missing the structure of the programme. It’s also possible that I need to find some different routes.

I tried not to push myself too hard, but I think I might have backed off too far. I did my best pace with the first km and got progressively slower after that. I was conscious that I was running in heart rate zone 5 after the first km, albeit on the threshold, so I was backing off to try and keep to the anaerobic zone. Stats showed me afterwards that I spent 57% in zone 5. It didn’t feel that I was flat out, but in backing off, my pace obviously wasn’t so good. I think maybe my maximum heart rate (160) is incorrect. MontyMooDog may be able to help with this one!

This run was very similar to the 4K runs I’ve done before. I still got 3 personal bests on this run, so I’m not really sure why I feel so disheartened. I just feel I could have done better.

[Blackberrypie Graduate]

If you feel comfortable but getting readings in zone 5 then it's likely that your HRM is reading wrongly - I find my heart rate and cadence are startlingly similar and I understand that many wrist monitors get them confused.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Blackberrypie]

It’s possible, although most of the zone 5 readings were on the threshold, they had only just gone into the zone. I could see it on my watch as I was running.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Enjoy the run , don't worry about your HR too much ! 😁

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

That thought did occur to me! I was watching it thinking I was about to expire!

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Haha, they are interesting facts but don't let then spoil the enjoyment of the run 😁

[Vinchie13 Graduate]

Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s still early days in the your running journey.

Enjoy each run for what it is. 🏃🏻‍♀️😃🏃🏻‍♀️

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Vinchie13]

You’re right. I still went out and did a 4K run 😊

[Scout37 Graduate]

Don't feel disheartened! You are running incredibly well!

Also don't forget what you are doing is training. Not every run needs to be your best.

I think part of the problem you're facing (though rookie here, what do I know?) is simply that you've recently achieved two huge goals,graduation and 5k, and it feels slightly anticlimactic now.

What is the new goal?

The way I see it, you're hitting everything exactly as you should be.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Scout37]

Thanks. You’re right about the 2 huge goals. My overall aim is to run faster, but I’m aware that to achieve that I have to mix up my runs, not just go out and run as fast as I can every time.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Running slowly makes faster runners 😁

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Yes! I’ll be doing that once a week 😊

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Jools, you should definitely not feel disappointed, you are consolidating !

That is exactly what you have done , dosent have to be ( nor should it be) longer or faster every time !

Ok, so we have graduated BUT as runners , we are still in the early stages .

This base fitness that consolidation is giving us will pay dividends in the future !

Run in the moment and enjoy your ability 😁👍

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

I’ll bear this in mind for my next run, Ian. Thank you for the sound advice 😊

[Speedy60 Graduate]

We all have unsatisfactory runs sometimes, they're there to make the good runs feel better. 😉

Yes, check your heart rate zones, but also remember that things like temperature/humidity can make a big difference to your readings. In my experience 20/80 running takes some getting used to, but it's well worth the effort. I have found that I've had to stop and walk in the past to keep my heart rate down, but that's getting rarer now. For some people, especially new runners, walking can feel like 'failure', but unless you're in an Olympic final it really isn't.

Good luck

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

This is an interesting article.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

It was warm and I do struggle with that!

Oh, I did stop for a few seconds to get my HR down, that’s when I took the photo!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks for the link, very interesting.

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

A 30 minute run is still a 30 minute run and with PBs to boot it's nothing to get disheartened about😁 It's difficult out in this muggy heat at the moment and the prospect of widespread heatwave and thunderstorms this week mean running at optimal times and not necessarily to routine. Personally I think a change of venue would do you good so would that be possible for you? I drive to all my venues and have never run from my house. I'm fortunate to live on the outskirts of the city so green space is never too far away👍 Post up a screenshot of your zone limits as they stand and I'll take a look👍😁

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Yes, I have my own car now - I can drive to run. Good idea. I’ll post my zone limits on a separate post.

[PlymBorn]

Julia look at those PBs ... well done you ! Not every run feels great ... but look to the positives ... you’re running ... actually running !

I think you are doing brilliantly! 4K and 1km PB ... !

I do different routes ... keeps me refreshed, rather than do the same route as I think it becomes a task not an enjoyment.

So Julia ... pat in back please... take a bow... and well done !

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to PlymBorn]

Thanks. You’re right about the routes. I do feel a bit better about it now, thank you! 👍