Stressing

[Bruch1]

I've been a bit quiet for a while but that doesn't mean to say I've stopped running. I've been ringing the changes with my runs and really enjoying them. Our park run was cancelled last week as part of the course was flooded but I got on the treadmill instead. I've also been going to my alternative park run venue during the week for achange of scenery. Although I'm feeling stronger; calf pain has improved with Deep Heat (other muscle relieving medications are available!) and Strength and Flex exercises, I just can't get any quicker. I'm still 'running' at around 8 to 9 mins/km. My best parkrun time is 45mins. I've entered a charity 5k race which takes place on Saturday 4th November. I've never done anything like this before and now I'm stressing about it and being surrounded by really athletic runners and coming in last 😬. Should I just treat it like a park run and not worry about the time? My daughters are doing the 10k at the same time and we've got loads of sponsorship. I really am trying very hard to be as strong and fit as possible but I don't want to look like a silly old woman staggering in behind everyone else!! Sorry, just having a confidence crisis at the moment. 😞

[Jools2020 Graduate]

I get it, I really do! I’m the same age as you and my current pace is slower than yours, currently about 9:30, but I’m in a training program and I’m running at low effort most of the time. I’ve only run 2 parkruns at around 45 minutes. (I’m not allowed to put in the effort right now to do another!)

If you want to improve your pace then it just needs a bit of planning and perhaps some strength work, lots of slower running, speed intervals and hill repeats!

For your charity run, though - treat it like a fun run! You’re raising money for a good cause. Run some and walk some. Enjoy it and be proud to take part. Many people our age aren’t able to run at all! We are superstars 😊

Good luck!

[Bruch1 Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice. You're right, not many people of our age can run for 30+ minutes especially when they didn't even start until 9 months ago. 😘

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Self-Confidence is the best outfit it... Wear it... it suits you!

Firstly, a huge well done to you... and know right now you will never look like a silly old woman... because you are not. You are a runner...out there and doing it your way and in your own time!

You are doing wonderfully and at any race, folk run at their own happy pace, and a charity run is fun and for a great cause... and YOU are taking part in that! Wow!

I am 73.. repeating C25K for the umpteenth time, after time out.. I am slow and I am steady and I am as pleased as punch every time I head out...

We more seasoned runners... we rock! Never ever forget that!

[RiceAndPeas in reply to Oldfloss]

I love this reply, yes you rock and you are magnificent!

When I was an obscenely fit much younger time trial cyclist. There were many entrants at races in their 70s and a few in their 80s. They were looked on with great respect and loved for being the legends they were. Just being there and taking part was a massive win for them. I gave up the sport so clearly wasn't made of the stuff of such legends!

[Bruch1 Graduate]

Thank you 😘

[RiceAndPeas]

Oh no, please don't stress about such a worthy and exciting adventure. If there is one thing I have learned in life it is that you must never worry about what other people may be thinking. Especially when they are in all likelihood thinking what a wonderful, brave person you are. Don't worry about the speed, have a memorable day out with your daughters. Start looking forward the day and come back and tell us all how you got on.

[Nilsam Graduate]

My word you are inspirational. Run with a smile and know that with every step, whatever speed you go, you are improving your overall health and inspiring others to do the same. In addition you are helping the charity. I hope you enjoy it.

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Nilsam]

Oh hello👋 🤩

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Hi Jell6... I am back in the forum. Great to hear from old friends.

[RumblingChest Graduate]

I am honestly in awe, I think you are amazing!

It’s a charity event to raise money, so the taking part and raising sponsorship is the point, not the time or the position. Please don’t stress about it or risk injury by trying too hard to beat your current time.

I wonder if you could find a “run buddy” amongst the other 5k entrants and arrange to go round together, hopefully wearing big smiles and completely ignoring the “race” bit?

If you have the means you could perhaps get a t-shirt printed with a suitable message 😀.

Best of luck!

[Madwife60]

I’m with you sister. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is my best pace (my only pace unless the wind is behind me) but I don’t actually care. 5k is 5k and I’m getting older but so long as I can chug round for 5k that’s good enough. I remember my Nan at 66, in her twin set, fag on top lip, sat knitting most of the day with a cup of builders tea and I think I’m not doing so bad. Go your own way my friend - you are doing great

[Bruch1 Graduate]

Thank you everyone. Sorry I was having a confidence crisis. You have all made me feel so much better. I'm going to go out there and do it my way. When I think back to this time last year I hadn't even thought about running and now here I am 3 x a week and 5k on a Saturday. 🎉 I love this forum, you are all so encouraging. Keeeeep running x

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Bruch1]

I've just seen this and can't add much to the encouraging replies, apart from my first race, 10k and I was so slow, didn't even have an 'on a good day run' felt a bit embarrassed and disappointed until someone said why? Even with walk breaks I ran 10k I got round and felt better about it, sending you strong legs, strong lungs and loads of enjoyment,

[Bruch1 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

😘