A run of two halves...: ... because I was so... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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A run of two halves...

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate
13 Replies

... because I was so bloody knackered after 15 minutes I had to stop and walk for a minute :(

Okay, rewind - after three nicely consistent runs of 28 minutes and then one where I shaved an entire minute off the run (yay!) I decided that as it was such a beautiful morning I should treat myself by going up to the heights for my run.

The trail is relatively flat, with a very slight incline but nothing horrific (or even really noticeable to normal people :) ). Off I went, full of confidence and optimism, and realised that I was out of breath after the first two minutes. I did a mental check - was I running too fast? Unlikely - was it possible to go any slower, I wondered? Anyway, I carried on a bit, and looked at my watch thinking that I should have done about 8 minutes... to find the numbers saying 4.34. Had it stopped? Was my watch broken? No, dammit!

I know that the first 12 minutes of any run are a slog and a real challenge for me, so I was determined to get to this point - but boy, was it hard work! I'd walked for 5 minutes, and had planned it so I would turn back after 15 minutes of running because I only had an hour of free parking (cheapskate, moi?), but when my watch showed 15 I wheezed to a halt within inches of seeing the numbers.click over. I walked (staggered for a couple of minutes, then turned for home and picked up the pace again. It was much easier on the way back to the car, and I managed another 16 minutes.

According to mapometer, it was 4.51k there-and-back-again, so I reckon I'm looking at 5k in about... what? 40 minutes? 43 minutes? Still some way to go, then :( Ah well, onwards and upwards!

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Anniemurph profile image
Anniemurph
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13 Replies
Legion profile image
LegionGraduate

Well done for persevering. :) I had a run like this a few days ago and it's very disconcerting, especially when you set off so positively. My next run was much better though, so I guess even the 'bad' run helped. I'm way off 5K at present or 40 minutes! Good luck with your next run.

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate in reply to Legion

Thanks, Legion. I have no idea why this one was such hard work, but having got to this point I do realise that some of them are just rubbish! I'm glad you're next run was better, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that the same thing happens for me :)

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate

(((Hugs))) I had a run last week that was horrible from the get-go! Sometimes my breathing won't get in order and everything else follows suite. No rhythm or reason. :-( I find those days, if I start out super slow and concentrate on breathing slower, eventually I find my groove. The first 12-15 minutes of every run stinks for me if that is any consolation. Also, no matter how hard I try, my 5K is still around 38 minutes. You did an amazing job completing a horrible run. Go get'em next time! Gayle

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate in reply to gdeann

Thanks, Gayle - I needed a hug! We sound similar in that it takes us a relatively long time to get going - some lucky people settle into the groove after 5 minutes, it seems :D Bits of it were quite nice - the downhill bit coming back, for instance :) - but boy, it was hard to get started! I'm glad I perservered, though, and next time will be better! And I've started to accept that I am s-l-o-w, and that's okay, because at least I am out there running.

Annie

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate in reply to Anniemurph

So true Annie! Slow is the new fast and we rock it!!!! ;-) We ran a 5K course yesterday that is an incline most of the way and then has two hills...one of them being the hill from hell. ;-) It never occurred to me until I read your blog, I could do the course backwards and be running downwards instead of upwards! Duh!!!! :-) You should be proud of all you've accomplished! Speed is just a number, we all cross the finish line eventually, that makes us runners, my dear!!! ;-)

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate in reply to gdeann

No, I think you're doing it right, Gayle - uphill is much better for you, and think how good you feel knowing you can do it :) Hmmm... good point that speed is just a number. We're all out there anyway, so it's all good! Happy running :)

givman profile image
givman in reply to gdeann

hey Gayle Hills are speedwork in disguise..you are using the same muscles that you use in sprinting so keep that hill in your route!!

Graham

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate in reply to givman

Shucks! You would share some knowledge Graham! I was so looking forward to a downhill run! Now if I do it, I'll feel guilty!!! Gayle

givman profile image
givman in reply to gdeann

lol only trying to help!!

No seriously running uphill is good for you.....but dont overdo it!! and wear your gloves Gayle!! LOLOLOL

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate in reply to givman

The way my hands are hurting today, I think the gloves are going to become a permanent running requirement! OUCH!!!! ;-)

givman profile image
givman in reply to gdeann

aww gayle you poor thing!!

hope your pinkies get better soon!!

GRa

swanscot profile image
swanscotGraduate in reply to givman

Too true. I asked my son yesterday where he goes to run speed intervals (I was looking for ideas for somewhere flat) and he said he doesn't run speed intervals, but runs up hill instead.

givman profile image
givman in reply to swanscot

absolutely right ..its bloody hard work but when you run on the flat after a hill session it seems so much easier

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