Starting at the Very Start

FIFA2004

So here goes nothing....

Bitta background: I'm a 25 year old girl. Started running just over 2 months ago, from a fitness base of zero. Done the couch to 5k, the start was an absolute struggle but got into it after a couple of weeks. A good bit overweight, have been since the end of school when lc and college took over and I stopped playing sports.

Got to the end of c25k able to run 3.7km in 30 mins, spent a week running 4.5k, then went to 5k. Since increasing the distance my pace has decreased a lot.
First 5k: 44.55mins
2nd: 44.42mins
3rd: 45.04mins
The first two I felt pretty good during and was surprised that they took so much longer than my previous runs. The last one I knew at the start would be terrible.Calfs felt really tight from the start and felt like I couldn't run as fast as I usually would. But the time was nearly the same

Kinda confused now, and a bit disappointed cuz I'd visions of myself running 5k in 30mins by now, which was probably unrealistic!
Hoping this can increase my motivation and spur me on to a time that's decent!
Any advice would be very much appreciated cuz I've no idea what to do to try get better!

Thanks for reading!

Firedance

Welcome to the logs fifa there'll be lots here who can advise where to go from here. Dont worry about the 30 mins yet, you'll get there & better to do it slowly & not get injured.

libelula

Good on you for starting a log, I'll bet you won't regret it

Others who prowl these parts are much better qualified to advise you, but as a starting point- how many runs are you doing per week and what do they look like? Have you been running only 5k's and trying to get faster each time?

Ososlo

Well done for getting to the point where you can run 5k non stop

Do you have a Parkrun near you where you could race a 5k? Or can you enter a race in the next few weeks? I take it you haven't done one yet? It'd be good to see what kind of time you could run in a race setting where you're really pushing yourself and have lots of runners around you.

So you're currently running 5k 3 times a week? How many weeks have you been doing that? You want to start increasing one of your runs and adding in a little speed work eventually, however you don't want to do too much too soon.

I'd suggest keeping up the 3 days a week and increasing the length of one of the runs for the moment (5 mins per week) so you're eventually building up to 5 miles for one of the runs to help build your endurance.
Keep all the runs as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

A structured plan like this might be worth following: http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Couch-to-5k-plus.aspx

FIFA2004

Thanks for the replys!

I've no park run near me at the minute, but moving on Sunday so will be right beside the castlebar one. There's one near my parents in Dublin too. But nervous about trying one and lookin stupid for being slow tbh! Had a look at the castlebar results and it seems quite small with low times!

Yup I run 3 times a week. I finished c25k 2 weeks ago so spent one week doing 4.5k and one doing 5k. My average pace for the 4.5k's was 8.30mins per km. For the 30 min runs I had been doing 8mins/km ish. So getting a bit worried about getting slower!

Thanks for the advice. Was thinking I'd maybe spend another week doing 5k before starting to increase one distance?

Ososlo

FIFA2004 wrote: »

So getting a bit worried about getting slower!

Thanks for the advice. Was thinking I'd maybe spend another week doing 5k before starting to increase one distance?

Don't worry about getting slower. You're not. You've only just finished the programme. The biggest gains you can make at this point are just by consistently running 5k x 3 times a week. Eventually think about increasing the distance of one of the runs and further down the road you could add on a 4th day of running if you want.

yes definitely stick with the 5k distance for a few weeks. That's what I did when I finished the programme. I think I spent about 4 weeks just running 5ks to a point where it was very comfortable. Then think about challenging yourself further by upping the distance/time on your feet for one of the runs.

Great. Do that Parkrun when you can and it'll give you a good marker from which you can improve. You'll go faster in a Parkrun/Race setting than you run in training on your own. You'll probably run 5 mins faster if not more
Keep logging the training regularly.

Firedance

Ososlo's advice is spot on, please dont worry about being slow for the parkruns, they are run by runners, for runners (and walkers) of all shapes and sizes and they will be very welcoming. You could go along a bit earlier and seek out the race director (sounds more official than it is, they are volunteering their time :-) ) and tell them you're brand new. It really is a fantastic way to keep up the running. Where is the Dublin one? there's bound to be someone from here running it or involved in some way. The main thing is to keep chipping away, consistency is key and you WILL see an improvement in the coming months

FIFA2004

Thanks ososlo and firedance!
The Dublin park run is in malahide, it seems like a really big one so might be easier to blend into the crowd and I've run bits of the route before.

Decided that I'll aim for a Parkrun either in Dublin or Mayo two weeks from Saturday! I'll be finishing up a night shift on this and next Saturday morning so wouldn't be great preparation!
The encouragement on here is doing wonders already, looking forward to getting out again tomorrow night!

Ososlo

FIFA2004 wrote: »

Thanks ososlo and firedance!
The Dublin park run is in malahide, it seems like a really big one so might be easier to blend into the crowd and I've run bits of the route before.

Decided that I'll aim for a Parkrun either in Dublin or Mayo two weeks from Saturday! I'll be finishing up a night shift on this and next Saturday morning so wouldn't be great preparation!
The encouragement on here is doing wonders already, looking forward to getting out again tomorrow night!

Malahide is perfect for your first one and no harm at all waiting 2 weeks so you have a bit more training under your belt and you'll feel a lot more confident.
You'll more than likely really surprise yourself with how well you'll do with other runners around you. There's bound to be someone running at the same pace as you or close to you.

mel.b

Hi FIFA2004,

I've just finished the C25K programme too and have very similar times to you. I'm going to do my first parkrun this weekend and am aiming for a 10k in Oct. i'll be following your log...good luck

FIFA2004

mel.b wrote: »

Hi FIFA2004,

I've just finished the C25K programme too and have very similar times to you. I'm going to do my first parkrun this weekend and am aiming for a 10k in Oct. i'll be following your log...good luck

Was reading your log earlier, uve done so well! Best of luck with the parkrun, looking forward to hearing how you got on

FIFA2004

Another 5k this morning, done in 45.36mins. Felt way better this time than the last few, first 'long' run I've done where I haven't been obsessed with how long was left, just kinda ran. Still a bit slower than the last few though, even though it went better!

Hopefully will get out again tomorrow before starting a couple of night shifts. Between those and moving house on Sunday Monday will be the next time out if I don't tomorrow

Auntie Matter

Hi FIFA, you're pretty much where I was after I finished C25K last year. Keep plugging away with the running and the times will improve as you go along. It's quite a long way from 45 mins to 30 - I only recently just got below 37, after a year and a half, so it will be quite a while before I ever get near 30 mins for 5K.

The Get Running "Stay on Track" faster 5K programme and the 10K programme on the Irish Times website are worth a look, if you haven't already checked them out.

Best of luck!

FIFA2004

Finally got out again after a 4 day gap, ran the 5k in 44.12 which is 30 seconds faster than previous so at least going the right direction. First time running on paths not grass too. I've noticed my times per km seen to go down drastically over the run, for today 7.49min/km on the first to 9.23 for the last. So maybe I need to slow down at the start a bit to keep a more even pace
I have a tendency to overthink things!

Ososlo

FIFA2004 wrote: »

Finally got out again after a 4 day gap, ran the 5k in 44.12 which is 30 seconds faster than previous so at least going the right direction. First time running on paths not grass too. I've noticed my times per km seen to go down drastically over the run, for today 7.49min/km on the first to 9.23 for the last. So maybe I need to slow down at the start a bit to keep a more even pace
I have a tendency to overthink things!

Try not to worry about how much faster or slower one run is compared to the next. I used to do that all the time but there are so many variables each day with one thing and another (sleep, rest, food, weather, terrain, etc etc), it's kind of pointless.

But yes I would say maybe to start out slower on the next run and try to maintain a consistent effort and pick it up towards the end if you're still feeling good.
Great going:)

Firedance

yes absolutely slow down, you should have reasonably even splits over the 5K. How many times a week are you planning to run now?

Here's the link to the program Auntie Matter mentioned http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/get-running do take a look, its designed exactly for people in your position and with lots of tips for pace etc.

FIFA2004

Firedance wrote: »

yes absolutely slow down, you should have reasonably even splits over the 5K. How many times a week are you planning to run now?

Here's the link to the program Auntie Matter mentioned http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/get-running do take a look, its designed exactly for people in your position and with lots of tips for pace etc.

Had a look at that link, it looks like exactly what I need right now. Thanks guys!
Still planning on 3 times a week. Got out on hold for a few days as things were mental due to work and moving house/job so figuring out now how to work running around a new schedule

FIFA2004

5km this morning in 45.40mins. A bit slower than the last few, some of that is probably explained by a few hills in the middle of my run which took it out of me. Splits were 8.09, 9.50, 9.51, 9.30, 8.15. So too fast at the start and then got to the hill already tired! Still another one down

FIFA2004

Sunday 19th July
3.5km
29.48mins
8.30min/km
Splits: 7.59, 8.47, 8.46, 8.27

Decided to shorten the distance this morning to see if I could go a bit quicker. Seemed to work a bit, not sure if I could have kept going for the extra 1.5k at that pace thou. Now off to invest in a foam roller!

FIFA2004

Thursday 23rd July
5km
43mins11
8.38mins/km
Splits: 7.45, 9.11, 8.58, 9.05, 8.13

Another 5km this morning. A minute quicker than previous, felt a lot better than before too, not staring at the distance half as much as before. And the splits are evening out too. Onwards and upwards for tomorrow!

FIFA2004

Friday 24th July
5km
41min41
8.19mins/km
Splits: 8.06, 8.34, 8.25, 8.26, 8.02

Things going the right way! Best I've felt in a long time while running.
Thinking at the minute to keep running 5km until I break 40mins, and then start upping the distance for one run a week
Probably won't do a parkrun til the week after next, still a bit self conscious about being the slowest there by a good few minutes. But feeling good about how it's going again

FIFA2004

Sunday 26th July
5km
42mins05
8.24min/km
Splits: 8.02, 8.40, 8.46, 8.42, 7.50

Horrible weather today, pouring rain (I live in castlebar and they cancelled croagh patrick to give you an idea!). Felt terrible for most of it, like I was dragging damp shoes and legs at a snails pace! Reassuring to see that the improvement of the last few days pretty much stayed despite that.
Tried to add in a fast few minutes in the middle, as suggested by the IT plan, don't think it worked very well but attempted to speed up a few times for a shorter period after that. Tried to push on when I saw at 4km I might get lower than 41mins, prob went to much too early and slowed down after a couple of hundred metres. Lesson learnt for next time!

FIFA2004

Monday 27th July
4.83km
40.36mins
8.25mins/km
Splits: 8.08, 8.22, 8.46, 8.43, 7.59

Out again today. Made the mistake of setting my run keeper to miles instead of kilometres, so stopped when it got to 3miles, only realised the 170metres difference when I got home. Disappointed with that, had struggled to the top of a hill and was about to run down it so probably would have finished out the 5km in the 1min to beat my previous time. Ah well!!! Overall felt a lot better than yesterday, I seem to feel a lot better running after a long days work rather than straight outta bed!

Run keeper keeps telling me I need to set goals, so here we go:
1. Just keep running! The main one, don't give this up!
2. Under 35mins for a 5km at least one by the end of September
3. Run 10km before the end of September
4. Lose some weight!

Not really sure if they're too easy or too optimistic but it's something to aim for! Any advice on the appreciated!

beertons

Good luck with the log. I started running like you about 2 years ago. 5km took me 42 mins. I got it down in 6 months to 21 mins. I was told to run a fast 10km race, training runs should be 12-15km. Is there a parkrun near you?

FIFA2004

beertons wrote: »

Good luck with the log. I started running like you about 2 years ago. 5km took me 42 mins. I got it down in 6 months to 21 mins. I was told to run a fast 10km race, training runs should be 12-15km. Is there a parkrun near you?

I cant imagine being able to run that fast ever at the minute! Yeah there are a few parkruns, the current plan is to do my first on Saturday week in Dublin. I live beside a small one (35ish results on the page) and was too self conscious as id never run within 10mins of the slowest finisher last week. After that ill start working on getting the distance up hopefully. It will be a while before I can get to 12km thou!

thanks for the advice!

Firedance

FIFA2004 wrote: »

Monday 27th July
4.83km
40.36mins
8.25mins/km
Splits: 8.08, 8.22, 8.46, 8.43, 7.59

Out again today. Made the mistake of setting my run keeper to miles instead of kilometres, so stopped when it got to 3miles, only realised the 170metres difference when I got home. Disappointed with that, had struggled to the top of a hill and was about to run down it so probably would have finished out the 5km in the 1min to beat my previous time. Ah well!!! Overall felt a lot better than yesterday, I seem to feel a lot better running after a long days work rather than straight outta bed!

Run keeper keeps telling me I need to set goals, so here we go:
1. Just keep running! The main one, don't give this up!
2. Under 35mins for a 5km at least one by the end of September
3. Run 10km before the end of September
4. Lose some weight!

Not really sure if they're too easy or too optimistic but it's something to aim for! Any advice on the appreciated!

goal 1 is spot on you should look at beginner and intermediate plans though rather than just going out for runs without a specific distance/time goal. Here's a link to Hal Higdon plans, you can't go wrong with them, he has 5K beginner/intermediate and 10k beginner/intermediate. I think choose one, follow it then move on to the other one.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program

FIFA2004

Firedance wrote: »

goal 1 is spot on you should look at beginner and intermediate plans though rather than just going out for runs without a specific distance/time goal. Here's a link to Hal Higdon plans, you can't go wrong with them, he has 5K beginner/intermediate and 10k beginner/intermediate. I think choose one, follow it then move on to the other one.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program

They look brilliant thanks, will have a proper look and pick one to do next. Had seen 10k programmes but was reluctant to go back to walk-run sessions. And the irish times one wasn't suiting me great. Looking to join a gym soon so that will fit great with the strength and cross training sessions

Ososlo

Hey FIFA
love the goals! All looks great to me. Don't force the increase in distance obviously. Increase slowly and sensibly as per a plan.

5k goal looks doable and you could look to going sub 30 by end of year. I think beertons' improvement was pretty exceptional! I'd be coming from the slower end of the spectrum and it took me 3 months to go sub 30 from C25k. You won't really know what goals you'll be capable of until you do a race to get a starting point. Malahide should have a decent field with lots of runners of similar ability to you.
Great going so far! Keep it up!!

mel.b

Hi fifa2004,

You're doing great ��. I started the Hal Higdon Novice 10k plan a few weeks ago and am enjoying it so far. I've got a 10k event at the start of Oct penciled in - that's the best thing to do i think - pick an event and then train for it. You should def give the parkrun a go. I knocked 2mins off my PB in my very first one so you'll easily be able to do the same.

FIFA2004

Thanks for the advice! Mel.b decided to go with the 10km novice too. Looking forward to reading your log so I know what to expect! Will require a fair bit of tweaking to fit around work shifts but looking forward to starting it! Joined a gym today to fit in the strength and cross training days, and to get a bit of guidance on that. Once I get through the parkrun with no disasters I think I'll enter a 5k run, and then start looking at a 10k for a distant goal

FIFA2004

Wednesday 29th July
4.83km
40.37mins
8.25mins/km
splits: 8.08, 8.34, 8.46, 8.47, 7.41

What ive decided is run 2 of week 1 of the novice 10km plan. Another 3miles, one second slower than Monday! Gym tomorrow for the strength and stretching session

Going to follow a jumbled version of the plan to fit around work and exams. The short cross train session will probably have to take a hit most weeks due to work and being on call, but id take upwards of 20,000 steps in a day and night call so that kinda counts as 30mins exercise!

FIFA2004

Friday 31st July
3.24km (2 miles)
26.35mins
8.13mins/km
Splits: 8.05, 8.26, 8.06, 8.18

2 mile run today with some strength training as part of the 10 km plan. Felt it went well. Strength bit I didn't do much, some attempts at planks and push ups in the sitting room. Will try do this run in the gym from now on so I can use the weights and machines. Gym yesterday. Will go to the gym and swim on Sunday for the cross training, making up for doing nothing tomorrow due to work hopefully

FIFA2004

Tuesday 4th August
5.64km (3.5miles)
48.56mins
8.37mins/km
Splits: 8.01, 8.37, 8.38, 8.57, 8.47, 8.49

After a horribly busy day/night in work and a bad days sleep I almost didn't get out the door, and had just eaten when I forced myself to go! Glad I did now though. I was happy enough just getting through the distance given everything. Time wasn't too bad, slightly slower than my previous 5km runs

FIFA2004

Sat 8th August
5km
43.28mins
8.41 min/km
Splits: 8.20, 8.51, 9.02, 8.44, 8.28

Tough run! Horrible weather (I shouldn't be surprised anymore!), was running against the wind for a good bit. Felt like neither my legs or lungs really got into it, struggled not to stop at times. Fair bit slower than the last few which is disappointing. Gym tomorrow and back running on Monday for week 3 of the 10k programme

mel.b

Well done for getting out there in the crappy weather...will make the next run seem so much easier. Are you near a Parkrun - you should give one a go.

FIFA2004

mel.b wrote: »

Well done for getting out there in the crappy weather...will make the next run seem so much easier. Are you near a Parkrun - you should give one a go.

Yeah I am, things keep popping up that mean I can't get there, mainly work. But definitely next weekend!

FIFA2004

Sunday 9th August
3.3km
7.35mins/km

Done 2miles on the treadmill today. Much faster than previously, probably cuz it was on a treadmill not ground. It helped that I had to think about slowing down rather than my legs just doing it themselves! And it was much easier to go at a steady pace because of that. Hoping it will help with the runs on the road. Spent a good while in the gym and went for a swim too so a good exercise day!

FIFA2004

Monday 10th August
5km
41.51mins
8.21min/km
Splits: 8.25, 8.27, 8.19, 8.40, 7.57

Another 5km. Yet again got lashed on just as I started running. Running against the wind probably added a bit of time, as did not being able to open run keeper to stop it after! Nowhere near yesterday's effort on the treadmill but not terrible either

FIFA2004

Wednesday 12th August
5km
42.21mins
8.25mins/km
Splits: 8.47, 8.29, 8.23, 8.35, 8.07

Post call today so went out after I got up this evening. Planned to do 3.5km and not push myself re times. After watching the Irish times video that I got in an email this am I tried her suggestion of running normal for four minutes, then fast for one. Didn't do anything for the times but I sped up both the slow and fast times as the run went on. Felt really good at 3.5km so kept going, toyed with the idea of doing the 4miles run today because I felt good at the end but decided against it. Might try the interval running again because it made it much more enjoyable to have something to focus on other than how long was left and how slow I was going!
4 miles tomorrow... But nervous about the jump so we'll see

Firedance

FIFA2004 wrote: »

Wednesday 12th August
5km
42.21mins
8.25mins/km
Splits: 8.47, 8.29, 8.23, 8.35, 8.07

Post call today so went out after I got up this evening. Planned to do 3.5km and not push myself re times. After watching the Irish times video that I got in an email this am I tried her suggestion of running normal for four minutes, then fast for one. Didn't do anything for the times but I sped up both the slow and fast times as the run went on. Felt really good at 3.5km so kept going, toyed with the idea of doing the 4miles run today because I felt good at the end but decided against it. Might try the interval running again because it made it much more enjoyable to have something to focus on other than how long was left and how slow I was going!
4 miles tomorrow... But nervous about the jump so we'll see

Hi Fifa, just keep an eye on going off plan, was the Irish Times plan a 3.5k run including intervals? Mary really really knows her stuff so if you're following that plan (or any plan) you should follow it exactly as its laid out. Its easy to get carried away running longer distances & faster paces when it feels good but slowly slowly catchy monkey and avoids injury! (I learned the hard way on this one...)

FIFA2004

Firedance wrote: »

Hi Fifa, just keep an eye on going off plan, was the Irish Times plan a 3.5k run including intervals? Mary really really knows her stuff so if you're following that plan (or any plan) you should follow it exactly as its laid out. Its easy to get carried away running longer distances & faster paces when it feels good but slowly slowly catchy monkey and avoids injury! (I learned the hard way on this one...)

Hi firedance, thanks for the advice!
I'm following the 10km Hal hidgon plan, currently on week 3. I get the emails from IT because I had done a week or two of it but didn't really like it for no particular reason. I look at the videos because she has some really good tips though!
You're right that I have been pushing things a bit too much, especially yesterday. It was meant to be strength and stretch day but I couldn't get to the gym and didn't know what to do at home! Got carried away when I felt better than usual!
Faster intervals is probably overstating what I did! I started at about 9.30 slow and 8 fast, and by the end was doing about 8.15 and 7 without realising I was going quicker! I tend to fixate on how long is left and how the pace in running means my time will be really bad, so even though the intervals didn't really change my running they gave me something else to think about which made everything a little bit easier
I will try and stick closer to the plan cuz last thing I want is to get injured and end up back at square one.

Firedance

FIFA2004 wrote: »

Hi firedance, thanks for the advice!
I'm following the 10km Hal hidgon plan, currently on week 3. I get the emails from IT because I had done a week or two of it but didn't really like it for no particular reason. I look at the videos because she has some really good tips though!
You're right that I have been pushing things a bit too much, especially yesterday. It was meant to be strength and stretch day but I couldn't get to the gym and didn't know what to do at home! Got carried away when I felt better than usual!
Faster intervals is probably overstating what I did! I started at about 9.30 slow and 8 fast, and by the end was doing about 8.15 and 7 without realising I was going quicker! I tend to fixate on how long is left and how the pace in running means my time will be really bad, so even though the intervals didn't really change my running they gave me something else to think about which made everything a little bit easier
I will try and stick closer to the plan cuz last thing I want is to get injured and end up back at square one.

ok so if you're following hal higdon then stick to that plan, there are no intervals on it (at all actually) so stay away from them for now and trust the plan you've chosen. I find runners world a great source of info and they have some great strength & stretch exercises like this
http://www.runnersworld.com/getting-started/the-6-best-exercises-for-new-runners
Don't worry about 'bad time's, you're training not racing so you don't need to think about how long a run is taking you at all.
Something you'll hear a lot on here (apart from slow down!) is be consistent, consistency is key which is why its important to stick to a plan (of course if I listened to my own advice I'd be injury free!!) enjoy the beautiful running weather we're getting at the moment

FIFA2004

Thursday 13th August
6.5km (4miles)
57.45mins
8.52mins/km

For once the weather was lovely! As predicted, today was pretty tough. Definitely did too much yesterday! Got through it though

FIFA2004

Firedance wrote: »

ok so if you're following hal higdon then stick to that plan, there are no intervals on it (at all actually) so stay away from them for now and trust the plan you've chosen. I find runners world a great source of info and they have some great strength & stretch exercises like this
http://www.runnersworld.com/getting-started/the-6-best-exercises-for-new-runners
Don't worry about 'bad time's, you're training not racing so you don't need to think about how long a run is taking you at all.
Something you'll hear a lot on here (apart from slow down!) is be consistent, consistency is key which is why its important to stick to a plan (of course if I listened to my own advice I'd be injury free!!) enjoy the beautiful running weather we're getting at the moment

Thanks for the link! After today's 4 miles I think I've learnt my lesson. Definitely gonna stick with the plan from now on. Nice long walk planned for tomorrow for the 50 min cross training session.
I tend to get caught up in waiting for run keeper lady to tell me when the next km is over, so can't take my mind off the distance but it's getting easier
Weather is incredible, definitely gonna enjoy it while it lasts!
Hope the injury is healing up ok for you, and really appreciate all your help!

FIFA2004

Sunday 16th August
3.5km
29.34 mins
8.25mins/km
8.37, 8.18, 8.29, 8.10

Wednesday 19th
6.45km (4 miles)
56.06mins
8.42 min/km
8.38, 8.46, 8.41, 8.44, 8.53, 8.54, 7.50

Long run this week went well I thought. Felt better than last week. 2 miles tonight and then my first park run on Saturday morning, but nervous about that! Once I'm not miles behind everyone else finishing I'll be happy, anything else is a bonus!

Firedance

FIFA2004 wrote: »

2 miles tonight and then my first park run on Saturday morning, but nervous about that! Once I'm not miles behind everyone else finishing I'll be happy, anything else is a bonus!

enjoy the parkrun! don't worry about where you are in the run (first/last/anywhere in between) and introduce yourself to the race director when you get there as a first timer, they'll undoubtedly make you very welcome. Look forward to hearing how you get on

FIFA2004

Firedance wrote: »

enjoy the parkrun! don't worry about where you are in the run (first/last/anywhere in between) and introduce yourself to the race director when you get there as a first timer, they'll undoubtedly make you very welcome. Look forward to hearing how you get on

Thanks! I will. Sorta looking forward to it at the same time, been meaning to go for so long!

FIFA2004

Thursday 20th August
3.5km
27.15mins
7.47mins/km

On the treadmill, along with some strength work after. So much more boring than running outside!


Saturday 22nd August
5km parkrun
39.37 mins
7.59min/km
7.22, 8.14, 8.06, 8.14, 7.57

First parkrun compete, really enjoyed it. Brought my mum for moral support and we got talking to a man in a 50runs shirt before, really nice and put both of us at ease when we were questioning why we were there and explained everything.
Got a bit carried away at the start and ran too fast, chasing quick people, had to slow down pretty quickly. Definitely added about 30 seconds onto my time because thought the finish line was earlier than it actually was. Was aiming for under 40mins and managed it even with that.
Looking forward to next week now, will do the group warm up and hopefully knock some time off.
Really lovely group of people, so supportive and welcoming, really appreciated the claps and support especially at the end! If anyone on here was there, thanks!!!

mel.b

Congrats on your first parkrun and a PB to boot i was on Parkrun volunteer duties today in Ennis so went for a run afterwards.

Firedance

congrats FIFA! glad you enjoyed it, park run is fantastic and always very friendly and welcoming. Which one did you do today? make sure to volunteer too after you've done a few, its a great way to get involved and you'll learn loads from the more experienced crew.

FIFA2004

Thanks guys! Will definitely volunteer when I've a few more under the belt!