I nearly always run on my own, from choice. I think it is something to do with confidence; maintaining control of pace and not over doing it. So when a runner I know who is making a comeback after injury suggested that we try a run together I was bit doubtful. The reality was fine, and it is a small start on getting used to used to running in a group pre GSR. I enjoyed the chat, and the K’s seemed to slip by; it worked far better than I thought. He used to work on a nuclear submarine, so that discussion couldn’t go very far!
We went on a route I wouldn’t have chosen usually. I set the pace, and we managed 8k at dead on 7min/k. So nice and relaxed and my average heart rate came out at 138. I would like to get it down to 132 on longer runs, but I think that some more long slow runs are the way to do it…..although I will want to inject a bit of pace at some point. So that is a 7k, a 9k and an 8k this week, moving away from 2x5k and a 12k In our last week on Scilly. Still, it is 24k in a week overall so a 2k gain. I can label that consolidation.
It is much cooler today, so quick shower now and then I will “drag” Molly off to the cafe….major snag with today’s route is that it didn’t pass the coffee shop. A bit of navigation training required!
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Super run BC. Nice to have a companion too, and it sounds like he was the perfect sort. Wow, a nuclear submarine though? 😳😳😳
You’re working your way back up through the miles in slick fashion. More so than me. I haven’t run more than 11k for yonks, but once we’re back from hols I’ll get stuck in and have my sights set firmly on the GSR. 😀
Enjoy your trip to the cafe with your loyal friend 🐶
7 m/k pace , steady for you may be, I can only get that on a good downhill. Glad you had a great run and enjoyed running in company. I love company but am always afraid I am holding folk up.
That is my issue too. It seemed to work this morning though. He has been running faster but taking walking breaks as part of his comeback. Maybe the “run slower all the way” approach will help him. I may be slow but I can do pace management.
I have a real dilemma about running alone or with others. I’m absolutely with you on managing your own pace, but at the same time I got really fed up of running on my own all the time, even with music, podcasts etc. I think the key is to find somebody/people whose pace you can more or less match and be prepared to wait or for them to wait for you. Sounds like you got it about right!
Both of my running groups, UK and France, describe themselves as “social” so, while there is a plan, you can opt in or out depending on how you feel. If you just want to do the “chatty” runs you can (goodness knows how 😂) or if you want more of a training session that’s also available. Suits me!
I think that I need to just respond to how I feel on the day; being run ready on a particular day, like a race, is a problem given the frequency of my injuries. So far keeping the pace down is working though 🤞 at present I have no niggles at all 🫢
I honestly can't run with anyone. Apart from an inability to 'speak in full sentences' (ex-nicotine fiend, self inflicted lung damage, lucky to be able to run at all ) the few times I tried it I found it very distracting and uncomfortable trying to 'match' speeds. I think for those who have a comfortable 'range' of speeds and can chat it's a lot of fun, but when it comes to pace I'm a one trick pony and have basically zero experience or skill in regulating speed apart from the obvious 'Don't start off too fast' Tried it with oldest Son once - he wanted to 'run with Dad' - and he ran behind me, I found it rather strange though, couldn't shake the mindset that comes with 'being followed' and as we couldn't chat anyway rather pointless. It was nice to run with him because he wanted to do that with me, but he only did it out of curiosity - no interest in taking up running but to see 'what get's Dad out though he comes back from looking like he ran for an airlift in the Sahara' LOL
I have run with our youngest. I chose a hill route that I was used to…and he was not. Worked out well; we stuck together and had a chat as we ran. I can judge my pace pretty well these days. I check it out over the first half K or so, and I can then tell if I am speeding up or slacking.
I love running on my own but when a friend comes along it’s great to chat, mostly now Willow runs then waits for me because I run further and this week he’s been waiting on the beach so very happy. Your pace and HR is really good 😊
How lovely to run with a buddy Beachcomber . Hopefully you can train him to end the run at the cafe too. If not I’m sure molly won’t let you down when you take Her walking
Hi Linda, thanks. The slight snag is that he only likes to do 6 miles plus runs, which cuts across my two short and one long pattern, but maybe that won’t matter. If I keep going like this with two set at 5/6 miles and one extending long run, my total weekly mileage will extend at the same 10 per cent rate. Maybe a period of long slow runs is exactly what my legs need. I have had another thought about the chest issue. It could be oesophageal spasms. Too much fizz in my pre run zero does cause a lot of discomfort…. So I am now sticking to water pre and during runs. Worth a try! Yesterday’s run was really comfortable from that perspective…
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Tried it with oldest Son once - he wanted to 'run with Dad' - and he ran behind me, I found it rather strange though, couldn't shake the mindset that comes with 'being followed' and as we couldn't chat anyway rather pointless. It was nice to run with him because he wanted to do that with me, but he only did it out of curiosity - no interest in taking up running but to see 'what get's Dad out though he comes back from looking like he ran for an airlift in the Sahara' LOL 
Progression running - my experience
Gatwick Half done - but now I think my legs need a rest!
