Outdoors: 2 laps of Regents Park and then the last 3K around Primrose Hill. I struggled from around 8K and had to walk/run the last 5K. Despite the super slow time and the recurrence of my groin issue (albeit slightly less intense) I’m pleased to just have completed the distance. There are people that could probably walk 8 miles faster than I can walk/run it but I really don’t care, this is where I’m at with 8 weeks to go and even if I have to walk some of the half marathon that’s how it’ll be. It makes me feel good just to get out and do it. However, the queue for Regent’s Park Zoo was disconcerting and slowed me down on the first lap. I’m struggling to get out of bed early at the moment but once I get to the 15K I’m going to have to start earlier. I didn’t get out until 9am this morning, needs to be earlier to avoid people.
HHM Training - Week 6 Day 5 - Fun Beyond 10K & ...
HHM Training - Week 6 Day 5
Ah what a great run Dodgylungs! 8 miles is a super distance, especially with all the zoo goers etc. It sounds as though you must run past some great London sights, bet there’s always something to look at 😊👍.
Thank you. Yes, I’m very lucky because Regents Park is perfect for running around. Running through the park and Primrose Hill is a real treat too. I also have Hampstead Heath on my doorstep and until recently was doing my training around there. I am blessed with some lovely spaces to run here but you have to get out early to avoid crowds.
Well done. Good idea to keep the pace under control. Average heart rate looks a bit iffy 😱
I’m actually a zombie which explains my dodgy lungs 😂 I’m at the business end of training now with runs of 15, 16, 13 and 20K coming up over the next 4 weeks. I could have stopped at 8K today but I carried on with the walk/run because it would have buggered up my training schedule otherwise. Stepping up the distance is very difficult in such a short space of time, especially given my lungs and groin issue, so I’ve had to accept that I may have to walk/run to make it. In some ways it’s a relief to allow myself to do it but I was a little disappointed today as I’ve managed to run 8 miles before in 1hr 40 mins. But my goal at the beginning of this journey was simply to complete a half marathon in 3 hours and that is still the goal. I’ll try and run as much of it as I can but if I have to walk some of it then so be it. I expect my groin injury/hernia to get worse as the distance increases so I’m really up against it but I have no doubt I’ll finish it, running or walking. Keeping the pace under control is imperative if I want to keep running for as long as possible on September 26th.
I am at about the same place. I started on my plan a bit late because of injuries, but there is now a risk that I will peak a week early! I did 13k last week, but my plan just had a one hour long run this week in which I managed 8.4k. 10 miles next week (16.1k). I did up the pace a bit today, but will flatten off the speed again for next week. No sense in taking risks at this stage. I met another guy who was just setting off to run a Half; he does one run of that distance every month…..think that he is going to be ok!
8K in an hour is a very good pace. Well done. My last 8 mile run a couple of months ago I ran at 1hr 40mins but that was with someone else and I didn’t have a groin problem. Not quite sure what the next 8 weeks are going to bring but I also don’t want to keep walking. Not sure how much of it is mental and how much is to do with really feeling tired. Going to focus on my diet from now until the race as I need to give myself every chance to keep going.
You keep it really steady; the time is irrelevant and lots of people walk parts…all part of the experience . 🙂
Yes indeed! Thank you for your feedback, very helpful.
Another run ticked off for you, well done 👍 And look at all those calories you burned too!
It doesn’t matter about speed at this stage, just get the runs done and try to keep that groin pain at bay and you’ll be fine
Very well said, though I did walk a bit too much for my liking during the last 5K. Still at least I’m struggling at 8K now rather than 3K. I think I just need to get used to feeling uncomfortable and not allow my mind to talk me into stopping. Any tips for that?
Walking is fine, you’ll see lots of people do it in your HM.
At this stage it’s mostly mind games but you’re in control and are stronger than you think. Just consider that you started and finished C25K. That took some hard work and determination. Same thing here, you’re just running a little further 🙂
I do think feeling uncomfortable is something we have to get used to. It’s not going to kill us (mostly!) and it’s temporary. Have you got a mantra? Many people have one and it helps a lot when things get tough. Think of something personal to you that means something and could give you a push when you need it. Mine is “don't be a wimp. Just do it” 🙂 and I must say it’s helped me a lot on tough runs and even in some life situations!
Also, when I feel “yes I could stop” I remind myself why I’m doing it and imagine sitting on the sofa afterwards but not having finished the run. And I don’t like that picture so I keep going. I much prefer the picture of me sitting on the sofa afterwards with a self-satisfied smile knowing that I did it. Mind games. You’re in control 💪
The mantra is good and I’ve said that to myself many times. I always think that once I’m past 5K I should be able to finish any distance and there’s a lot of truth in it. I felt quite comfortable today and then suddenly I wanted to stop. I cajole myself and in a similar fashion I imagine myself at Gail’s drinking my extra hot skinny latte having not completed the run and it ruins the picture. I make myself earn that coffee. Not sure what happened today, sometimes seeing alot of people distracts me and I lose focus or concentration. I’ve discovered that on the long distances I can be a bit of a sudden quitter. I need to work on my mental strength as I always go out with determination and the expectation to finish. When I don’t I often feel devastated. I don’t feel that way today. While I wish I hadn’t walked, not stopping the whole run at 8K is the answer. Walk/run if you have to but make sure you complete the distance. I often cajole myself into keep running by imagining how amazing I’m going to feel after and not to deprive myself of that victory.
You’ve got it!
Thank you!
You might find this useful. Loads of information…..
Well done - must be great running around Regents Park although I agree with you about the crowds - I’m lucky that I see very few people when I’m out running!!🤣
Thank you. I’m getting used to the cyclists and other runners now but a massive queue for the zoo is not conducive to a calm mind. It’s a perfect circuit for running though the footpaths are a bit narrow and I’m fearful of a cyclist taking me out if I have to step off to give room for a runner or pedestrian but it’s a great circuit for a half marathon. I think 5 or 6 circuits will achieve the distance.
Fabulous! well done. That's a great long run.
Thank you. The next 4 weeks will make me or break me!
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