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.
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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👍😁
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