The Need for Speed

[Birdlady64]

I've been a bit down about my running this week, and pondering about what I want to do with it or where to go next. Plodding along at the same slow speed, but for longer isn't really doing it for me. ☹️

I've been promising myself I'd try out the Speed podcast over on c25k+, but it's been terrifying me as my normal, slow pace is nowhere near what that asks.

So far this week I’ve managed a relaxed 4k circuit through the woods and a 5k from hell on Wednesday evening. So this morning it was do or die. I bit the bullet and tried the Speed podcast. I can still hear Laura's voice now - "Move your feet in time to the beat. One two three four!. One two three four!" - like the worst earworm of all time 😁

But you know what? I quite enjoyed it. I managed to keep up the pace and ended up with a PB for 1k and a mile. And it has shown me that I can run faster, if my head decides I want to 😁

I will definitely want to try this run again, but need to figure out how it fits with the Magic 10 - if I decide to carry on with that.

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done! I quite like the speed podcast but loathe the music. I've previously done them on the treadmill because such a structured run doesn't feel quite right on the trails I run on. You have motivated me to do one again soon!

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Yes I did this one on the road. It's an unadopted road that runs past the rugby club and is quiet unless it's match day😁

I know exactly what you mean about the music though - it is truly dreadful 🙉🙉🙉🤭

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Hmm. Another reason I did it on the treadmill. The idea of having the motivational music in my ears running in a lovely place just doesn't work for me.

I think getting onto a bit of a rut now and then is common, but anything we can do differently, or something new and exciting, must help.

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Yes you are right of course and it definitely did me good to try something a bit different

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Strange isn't it, I have also had a bit of a down about it !

But I think what you are doing is good, mixing longer , shorter and faster runs will all help to improve your overall running ability !

I decided to pull out of the magic plan though, I think I can get there myself with sensible progression 😁

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Yes. It's weird because I have been buzzing about this whole thing until just this week.

It's a bit more than the running though - getting a bit fed up and jaded with being at home the whole time I think.

I enjoyed the short run this morning though. Pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit which was good.🙂

I haven't decided on the magic plan but am leaning towards pulling out

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

You've done really well to keep up with the speed podcast and it has stretched you to previously unchartered territory. Just goes to show what we can do if pushed a bit more but at least the podcast gives us a tempo and structure to run to. Watch this space for some tips soon on how to get further with the same tempo..... 👍😁⌚

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to MontyMooDog]

Thanks! You are right and I think I needed that.

I await your tips with eager anticipation 😁

[PhoenixRise Graduate]

Yay! Well done 👏 That particularly podcast is a little B! And Laura plus the awful music choice is 😤 🤭 Seriously- bravo! I started reading your post and started thinking the worst but so glad it ended well! Do have a think about the Magic 10K - you can be my virtual running buddy?! 🤝

I’m thinking of using Speed for the first run of each week as they are the shorter ones ... might need to start the podcast again but meh 🤷‍♂️

But I’ll await the plan before making definite decisions 😉

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to PhoenixRise]

Thanks!

I surprised myself actually. I know you struggled a bit with this one when you first tried it and you are so much faster than me anyway.

I think I've been in a bit of a rut staying within my comfort zone and needed something to give me a bit of a kick up the b***s**e! 😁 That's partly why I signed up for the magic plan.

I was also thinking - what if I did the Speed podcast twice back to back? Not sure if I could manage that but maybe it's a way of smashing my 5k PB?

Anyway I am reserving judgement on the magic plan - am just a bit worried as I have a weeks holiday booked right in the middle of the plan and I am bound to fall off the wagon...

I'm already getting black looks from my other half for suggesting I might take my running kit away 😁

[PhoenixRise Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

I really did struggle with this when I first tried it (and still do!).

Hmmm 🤔 Not sure about doing it back to back without a rest day? But listen to your body. I’ve actually found doing the other podcasts and longer runs helps massively with the Speed.

Do think about the Magic plan. You can always do the 60 minute plan, use the Speed for the shorter run and go out early on your holiday - the other half can get on with whipping up a breakfast for you to return to! 😋