So, I just did W7 run 2. After week 6 run 3 I plotted my distance and was really happy to see I'd done 3.8km! So when I ran in week 7 I think that I was unconsciously trying to go a bit faster, do a bit more. I didn't enjoy it as much but because I ran the same route I realized that I had been going faster and that must be why I wasn't enjoying it.
When I plotted the route I found I had done 4.4km, which, as you can imagine made me SO CHUFFED. Unfortunately I think this is where the problem started. A little part of me was clearly thinking.... well... maybe I should try and go faster and beat this record again.
So even though I didn't mean to I obviously tried to go a bit faster today. Well, it was rubbish. I got a stich, which I hadn't had since week 1, and really didn't enjoy it. I ran a different route so was a bit dis-oriented on how much I had left to do. I made it through the run...just (Laura's tips on stich exercises really helped). WHen I got home I found I had ran exactly the same amount as before but enjoyed it half as much. So, here are my top tips:
1. Do not think about trying to increase your speed! Let it increase by itself!
2. When you have a stich breathing out loudly (pursing your lips) and sucking your tummy in is an effective way to stop the pain.
3. Always listen to Laura.
4. Always listen to Laura.
Anyway I'm not disheartened because as I was on the final stretch and feeling awful, I remembered from stuff from this forum, with everyone always saying: there will be good runs, and bad runs. I have written this off as a bad run and will run again! (But not for a day...)
(And of course, I'm still very pleased that I can run 4.4km...)
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carcassonne
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Well done. I also find the tips for dealing with a stitch are very effective.
As for speed, I don't worry about it when I run outside - there are hills and stuff to deal with and I just concentrate on pacing myself to survive the run. On the treadmill, I try to run faster intervals with a view to building up my speed.
I also run outside and you're totally right, one can't always go by distance, there are more important things (like, yesterday, avoiding someone's yappyt little dog that thought it would be great to run along with me i.e. barking at my heels! Grrrr). I haven't run on a treadmill yet - I find the gym a bit intense. But if the weather keeps I up I might be forced indoors...
Hope all the new runners read this blog: it's so important not to go out trying to race against yourself! Speed can wait. To give yourself a fighting chance to succeed and maybe even enjoy the run 'slow' is the word to remember.
WOW! Do I ever agree with your advice. I'm a newbie to running and I really want to be able to run yet ENJOY doing it...I am not going to be running against myself so early in the game, I really want build up my stamina first. And Laura has great tips, you just have to listen...plus I make it a point to read these blog entries, such great information from the running community--thanks All!
Excellent advice! I decided right from the start not to worry about distances. After all, a few weeks ago I could barely manage 80 seconds of running, to day I did 25 minutes. I've realised that this plan allows running to evolve at whatever pace suits the individual runner, and that is as it should be. My goal is to build up to 30 minutes' running, then stay there and let the pace and distance increase naturally as I get fitter. Hey, today I actually managed to run to the beat of the music - that wouldn't have happened six weeks ago!
Absolutely, I'm aiming to follow in your good footsteps Funnily enough I think the music was slightly to blame for my escaping velocity, I was running to that and felt so proud... until the stitch.
I had exactly the same experience as you! I hadn't been thinking too much about distances and pace, until I worked out that I had covered 4.7km in week 7 run 1 and got a bit overexcited at the prospect of possibly doing 5km in 25 minutes! Needless to say, five minutes into week 7 run 2 I developed a horrible stitch, and it was the first, and touch wood only, run so far that I've not been able to complete. I've just finished week 8 now and am trying not to worry too much about my pace until I've got next week safely in the bag!
Hahaha yup I was also thinking 5km in 25 min and feeling very smug. Good advice... I think I'll can the running map website for the time being (much as I want to check all the time) and concentrate on enjoying the running. In fact I might make that my treat at the final run: how far did I go? Good luck with next week!
This has made me feel so much better - I was feeling really disheartened tonight when I realised that I am soooo slow compared to what I thought (I am very competitive with myself!)
Will (try) concentrate on the running & not the distance & try to be patient. I am starting week 4 on Sunday & feeling very nervous! Thank you for blog & for all the replies, don't feel quite so bad now
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Funnily enough I think the music was slightly to blame for my escaping velocity, I was running to that and felt so proud... until the stitch.
(I am very competitive with myself!) 
Cornwall with Laura and Julie!
Running Without Laura
W4R1 - but where was Laura?
She's a cheeky one that Laura😜
What music do you listen to?
