Anyone else....???

[uncle_wiggy]

Morning runners,

Reading CC's great post yesterday, I could relate to the fact that 10k (once upon a time, merely a dream! 💭) is now a really doable, happy distance. How far we've come!! 😊

However, as I've increased my long runs, and slowing down to keep heart rate low, even when I try to speed up occasionally I struggle.

For the HM that in Oct, they run some training sessions, so I thought I would join in with the interval track group. Despite warming up & not setting off beyond anything I've run before, I instantly had hamstring problems.

I am completely on board with not worrying about times, just to complete the HM will sit fine with me & I know the wisdom of, sort the distance first, speed will follow. I just didn't expect to lose pace before gaining some! 🤔

Just wondered if anyone else was finding the same??

Happy holidays, running or rest days everyone! ☀ 🏃 😴

[Katnap Marathon]

You are not alone! I've been deliberately doing short fast sections fartleks and the like to get some speed back.

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to Katnap]

Hey Katnap, good to hear from you. Have you found the speed sections tougher than they used to be too?

[Katnap Marathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

They were to begin with. Try to find 100 and 200m distances to sprint after a 1k warm up jog. Your times will improve for the sprints and give you something to power over the line on your HM. 😁

Good luck with your training!

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to Katnap]

Yeah, that was why I joined the track interval session, but ended up struggling & in pain. And certainly can't afford another set back! Might just settle into things this time round and reintroduce more speed work after Oct!

[Katnap Marathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Alternatively use a Strava segment and aim for a PB each time. It only needs to be a few seconds each time.

Or as GoGo_JoJo says, get a sports massage and specific stretches. It'll really hurt for a couple of days but will help straighten out any knots you may have.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Lots of extra hamstring stretches, squats etc. Try a foam roller or book a sports massage and ask for some exercises specific to you to help 👍🏻

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Hi Jojo, I'm pretty good at making sure I stretch, could use the roller more tho!

I think more exercises & sports massage could be useful, might just have to treat myself!

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Definitely! We pay to service our cars but balk at looking after our bodies! I go every 3 to 4 weeks, which also means I get a preferential rate! Win, win👍🏻😁

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Very very good point Jojo

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

I have found in training for my 20k trail race this summer I have gotten painfully slow. My plan has some speed work every week and I can run the short intervals fast but not for very long. I've made the decision when this race is over to get back to running for fun and to try to work on a quicker 5k (and maybe 10k) for a bit.

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Hi sask, I thought it was just me, but obv not! As long as we're all enjoying each challenge clearly any run is great, although a 20k trail race during the summer sounds tough! Are you sure that sounds fun?? 🤣 Good luck for that one! 🥵🥵

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

It definitely has been a challenge and at times I question what I'm doing. The training has been quite consuming especially those long runs on the trail. This morning I was thinking about next year. I might skip a year and volunteer at one of the aide stations next year, but we'll see what I think after my race. It feels like all holidays and days off were worked around my runs. This way I can still enjoy my trail runs but it doesn't have to consume my whole summer. But I do love my time on the trails so you never know what I'll decide.

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Same for me, Sask. Training for my HM has meant slowing right down, but needs must to reach the distance! I now struggle a little bit to speed up on my 5k runs. Looking forward to “joy running” i.e not running to a training programme, soon! Happy, speedy 5ks and pleasurable 10ks! Cannot wait! x

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hi Sadie, seems I'm not as alone with this as I thought! I still enjoy pushing the distance towards HM, was just surprised that the 10k I have towards the end of Sept is likely to be quite a bit slower than in May! Body adaptation has it's own plan it seems! 😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hi Unc, isn’t it amazing finding 10k so “short” nowadays! 😀

I’ve slowed down considerably since upping my distance too. Once I’ve run my HM distance during September, apart from running in the GSR, I’m going to make more effort in the speed (although it’s all relative!) department. More intervals will be in my routine. Oh how I hate them! 😅😩

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yeah 10k is so much more reasonable these days 😁 maybe one day my hamstrings will think intervals are acceptable too🤞 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

I have no hamstring issues (touch wood), and I still hate intervals. 🤣

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😂 But at least with intervals there's a rest phase 🤔 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Ahh yes - and on JogRunSprint you can set it to however long you like ......: 😈😈😈

[Tasha99 Marathon]

I can’t do anything at a decent pace since marathon training- my legs are too tired. I’ve written off PBs until the winter 🤣 It’s also too hot - anything over about 13 degrees is too much for me 🥵

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Me too Tasha. 👍

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to Tasha99]

Totally agree with the heat Tash, winter chill holds no fear after hot summer running!!