Cut off time is my time

[Kirst13]

I've entered a 10k Run in the Dark event in November. The cut-off time is 1 hour 20, which is about my fastest 10k. It is all on paved surfaces and flat, which I'm hoping will help, as my longer runs usually include some track. I'm also hoping for the 'parkrun effect', where I run 5k much faster at Parkrun than I do when on my own. I run for enjoyment (never thought I'd say that before Couch25k 🤣) and don't particularly enjoy pushing myself, so I'm wondering whether the slow easy runs to build aerobic fitness will help by much or should I try a few faster efforts? Or just convert to the 5k, which has no cutoff?

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Hi Kirst13. I love running in the dark, in my case that is on woodland trails with bats for company! One of the experts will no doubt respond to you, but my experience is that I built up pace on the shorter runs and after a while (it didn’t take long) that pace showed itself in the longer runs. So at one point I was doing a short quicker run (sometimes with intervals), a park run and then my long run each week. I gradually speeded up the short run and park run, and the long run just speeded up naturally (and in quite large chunks!) . You won’t need to speed up much to make the 1hr 20 cut off. A nice manageable challenge I think. I have only done two 10k races, and both were pbs….so for me the “speed up” effect you noticed on Park Run worked on 10k races too. Enjoy the challenge.🙂

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

thanks. I'll try to do a few shorter, faster runs between now and then. I tend to favour the longer, slower ones (that I treat a bit like a walk for pleasure, but getting further in the same time) and not pushing for speed, so it will shake me up a little 😁

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Kirst13]

If you use the Nike Run Club app, there are some great speed/interval runs on there. I’ve really enjoyed the total change of pace.

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I downloaded the app 2 weeks ago, as so many on here recommend it: next step to actually use it 😂

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Kirst13]

I totally swear by the runs on NRC app. I do most of the interval runs on there and im sure theyre helping me both with my parkrun and 10km runs. Im sure you'll find it really useful too. Good luck!!

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

tried funky Fartlek and it definitely pushed me, so I'll see what happens by 9th November.

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Kirst13]

I really like that one. You've just reminded me to do it again!

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

I am sure you will be able to run that night 10K in less than 80 minutes, just like you I tend to run 5K faster at parkrun than when I run a 5K alone, I wish you good luck for that night 10K. 😊 🏃🏾 👍

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

thanks 😁

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

There is a “crowd momentum” effect that may well help you along. Otherwise, what might happen? Is someone going to drag you off the course if you’re too slow?

The worst thing perhaps might be that you don’t get your bling. Worse things happen at sea. And you’ll know you’ve done it 👍

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to HeavyFoot]

I'm laughing here at the thought of me being dragged kicking and screaming off the course 🤣

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

I’m sure the adrenaline will push you through.

Maybe the event could hire some volunteer zombies at the back to chase people over the line if it was looking close? I’d be up for that…

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

might call you in 🤣

[hamit]

Try a few of the NRC guided runs, they have helped me at 75 manage a 1hr 12 so I would recommend. Coach Bennet takes the guess work out of Training and its free.

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to hamit]

thanks. I'll give them a go.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I’m sure you will run within the cutoff. It is a bit tight for a 10k, but you’ll have the race atmosphere and crowd on your side.

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Hope so!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

I love running in the dark and the rain too!! Think its both exciting and a bit scary doing a 10km in the dark. I did my first 10km race last month ( not in the dark, but on one of the hottest days) and the whole nervous energy and excitement got me round in quite a good time, definitely quicker than I do on my own. Im sure you're find your pace and love it!!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Congrats on your race and hope I get the same effect!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Kirst13]

sure you will. Look forward to your post race report!!🏃‍♀️

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Have you asked what will happen if you don't make the cut off? When it was my HM they said if I was still running when they had to reopen the roads I would have to move over to the pavement, not such a big deal really. You may well finish in time, or you might be a few minutes after that. Have you looked at previous finish times? 1:20 seem very fast to me, you may well find that quite a few people finish after that time... have a look...

[Kirst13 Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks. I didn't think of looking at previous times. They don't mention stages where if you are outside times you may not continue- I think having the Ironman near me has me thinking the cut offs will be strict, whereas me straggling in a 10k isn't quite the same thing🤣