To all new runners: it DOES get easier and run... - Couch to 5K

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To all new runners: it DOES get easier and running is FUN

swanscot profile image
swanscotGraduate
9 Replies

Today I had one of my best runs to date. It was easy and it was fun. :-)

Since first running 5K a couple of weeks ago I've been gradually increasing my distance, but finding it hard going. I know the problem was I was not running slow enough. I've read about the benefits of the Long Slow Distance run (LSD), and knew that the LSD run should be at 'conversational pace', or about 60-70% of effort.

Previously I've never managed to run slow enough for it feel much less than 90% of effort..

Using this calculator: goodrunguide.co.uk/Training... I found I should be running at about 8.34 mins/km for my long run. This just happens to be almost the same pace that my son's girlfriend is managing for her 10K training (her 10K race is next weekend), so we agreed we'd run together today. She'd set the pace and I'd show her the route through the local woods and tracks.

It was a lovely autumnal day and a delight to be out running in the woods and along country roads. My legs were still a bit stiff and tired from yesterdays hillwalking trip with hubby (~17 km and 1000m ascent), but we were both able to run along slowly and chat. I never thought I'd reach a stage where I could run and hold a conversation! And it was a proper conversation - not just the odd grunts. A couple of times on the small hills, I felt I was barely going faster than my usual walking pace, but that was OK. Now I know this is my optimum LSD pace, I'm happy to go slow for one day a week! ;-)

We ran down the middle of the single-track road, with only about 3 cars passing us in the hour or so we were out. The woods were quiet too with no dog walkers about and there weren't any foresters or farmers out and about at the trees or fields neither.

We ran 8.5 km - the furthest I've ever done - and were tired when we returned, but I did not get as hot and bothered as usual, nor as *desperate* for a drink, although my mouth was dry from talking! Looking at our pace on Runkeeper we were happy that we'd kept a fairly steady pace - except for the small, steep hill, one kilometre from home!

runkeeper.com/user/59524307...

This distance was more than I had planned following the 'increase the weekly distance by no more than 10%' guideline, but the other runs this week will be shorter. I'm ready for an easy (walking) day tomorrow, before tackling either speed- or hill-training on Tuesday.

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swanscot profile image
swanscot
Graduate
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9 Replies
AnnaDJ profile image
AnnaDJGraduate

Wow that sounds like a fab run. It makes me wish I had someone to run with too. 8.5k? I must admit to still not breaking the 5k mark. I will get there soon I'm sure. Like you said a good day for a good run. :-)

AliB1 profile image
AliB1Graduate in reply to AnnaDJ

Join a club and you'll find people to run with. I much prefer running with others

AliB1 profile image
AliB1Graduate

Great run!

Fraz73 profile image
Fraz73Graduate

Another great blog swanscot and more motivation that there is a rewarding life after C25K. That is what my main motivation is right now; not just to graduate but to take advantage of everything this programme has given me - and that means......more running! Yay :D

swanscot profile image
swanscotGraduate in reply to Fraz73

> ... that there is a rewarding life after C25K.

Me too, graduation was merely a step towards what I want to do: to be able to simply step outside and run where I want, when I want, just for the fun of it and because I can! :-)

Pelephant profile image
PelephantGraduate

Oh that sounds like a lovely sort of run. sometimes it's nice to mix things up a bit, isn't it.

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

Sounds perfect Swanscot, well done you'll soon be at the 10K mark, that will give you a real buzz :)

Deryn61 profile image
Deryn61Graduate

Fantastic post, sounds perfect x

tantrumbean profile image
tantrumbeanGraduate

Sounds like a really good run! Thanks for the link, that calculator looks like it might come in useful!

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