Can I really do this?

gypsylee

Having read most of the logs here, and taken on board some great advice given by you all, I have decided to bite the bullet and start my own log.

A bit about me - I am 48 years old, started running in February just to get fit and have a bit of "me" time. Back in the early 90s I ran the mini marathon in 58 mins which I thought was no big deal at the time. It is now!! I walk the mini marathon every year and have completed twelve of them.

I completed 5km runs in March, April, May and June. Best time was 32.14. My goal is to get under 30 minutes eventually.

I had intended to aim for a 10km run at the end of September but feeling brave one evening I entered for the Breast Cancer Run in the Phoenix Park on the 27th of August. Not feeling so brave about this now!

So I did a slow run yesterday evening:

6.5 km, duration 50 mins, avg pace 7.40 min/km

Splits: 7.06, 7.09, 7.16, 7.57, 7.43, 7.38, 7.28 (0.5k)

Will do a longer run on Saturday. Hoping to do 8.5 km this weekend and build up to 10 km over the next three weeks.

Thanks for reading. Any advice re. training over the next couple of weeks would be much appreciated.

gypsylee

Yesterday was a lovely evening for a run. Tried a new route and did 4.5km. Bit disappointed as I had hoped it was over 5 km.

4.5km, duration 31.40 mins, avg pace 6.57km

Splits: 6.54, 6.37, 6.54, 6.56, 7.14 (0.5k).

Ososlo

Good luck with training! I will be following the log with interest! Are you following a plan or just doing your own thing?

Harika

You should be fine to run the 10k, main goal should be to increase your distance now so aim this and next week on the weekend for 8-9K on a slow but steady pace around 7.5KM/H (better if you have a heart rate monitor and aim for 120 bpm). During the week two quicker 30 min runs with 135 bpm. The Sunday before the race, only have a relaxed 6k and in the last week, leave three days rest time and reduce training duration.
Enjoy the race.

gypsylee

Ososlo wrote: »

Good luck with training! I will be following the log with interest! Are you following a plan or just doing your own thing?

Just doing my own thing but taking on board all that i had read on different logs here in relation to long slow runs etc.

gypsylee

Thanks for the advice Harika. Will be doing a 8 km slow run tomorrow so will see how that goes.

The Muppet

The best of Luck with the log, will be watching with interest.

FIFA2004

Best of luck with everything! The 10k will be no bother to you!

annapr

Yes you can!

Best of luck with the training, build up slowly and steadily and you will be fine. Enjoy the 10k and don't worry about the time, it will be a baseline for the future.

gypsylee

Well I did the long run this morning. Thought I was running much too slow so was glad to see the splits below. Had to pass my house around 5km and was very tempted to stop but I kept going. Felt fine after it so hopeful now for the 10km in three weeks time.

8.8 km duration 1.09:44, avg pace 7.53 km

Splits: 7.16, 7.58, 8.07, 8.24, 8.09, 7.58, 8.03, 8.18, 6.33 (0.8).

Harika

gypsylee wrote: »

Well I did the long run this morning. Thought I was running much too slow so was glad to see the splits below. Had to pass my house around 5km and was very tempted to stop but I kept going. Felt fine after it so hopeful now for the 10km in three weeks time.

8.8 km duration 1.09:44, avg pace 7.53 km

Splits: 7.16, 7.58, 8.07, 8.24, 8.09, 7.58, 8.03, 8.18, 6.33 (0.8).

Great success. The point of the long runs is not to worry about speed anyway, it is to get your body used of running a long time without interruption. (Although if you take walking breaks every 15 minutes it is still fine). Speed you get during the week or when doing interval training. Also a race you usually run faster anyway.

mel.b

Great to see you have stated a log gypsylee. That 10k at the end of the month will be no bother for you

gypsylee

Sometimes life gets in the way of best laid plans. Yesterday was the first day I managed to get out for a run since 6th of August. It was very warm but I was happy enough with the run even though it was shorter than I would have liked.

4.8km, duration 34.06, avg pace 7.00 km.

Splits: 6.26,6.47, 6.48, 7.11, 7.26 (0.8)

gypsylee

So I decided to attempt another LSR this evening. It was raining but no wind which is the type of weather I love running in. Suits me better than the sun. Really enjoyed the run and was delighted with the distance.

10.1 km, duration 1.27, avg pace 8,37 km.

Splits: 7.44, 8.39, 8.52, 8.42, 8.50, 8.34, 8.50, 8.53, 8.26, 8.20, 6.48 (0.1)

That was my last lsr before the run in the Phoenix Park on Saturday week. Delighted to have managed the 10km without stopping although my pace was probably more like a fast walk! Would love to do the run in 1.20 so fingers crossed.

Legs feeling a bit stiff this morning but I hope this will wear away.

Looking forward to my first official 10km now.

Younganne

Best of luck with the log, the running and the 10k next week. Enjoy it.

gypsylee

Went for a run yesterday morning. Found it tough going even though weather conditions were good and it was a short run. Just an off day I guess.

5.5 km, duration 36.30, avg pace 6.39 km.

Splits: 6.28, 6.10, 6.37, 6.55, 6.56, 6.51 (0.5).

Will do another short run tomorrow evening and rest then until the 10km on Saturday. Feeling a bit anxious about the 10 km now.

Harika

gypsylee wrote: »

Will do another short run tomorrow evening and rest then until the 10km on Saturday. Feeling a bit anxious about the 10 km now.

Well done and good plan, so what are you anxious about?

Sunny Dayz

It's natural to feel nervous or anxious about the 10km, or about any run or race that you want to do well in. (Hell I'm doing the 5km route and I'm nervous about that!).


Get plenty of rest and sleep, eat well, get your running stuff ready the night before (clothes, water, pins etc). Don't let the nerves get the better of you and enjoy the atmosphere on the day.

Maximus Alexander

I always feel anxious when racing a new distance for the first time, but you'll be grand. You already ran 10k last week so you know you're able for it, and it will be easier rather than harder in a race environment where you'll be revved up and driven on by your competitors. Try to relax and enjoy the experience; crossing the line will be great fun!

gypsylee

Thanks for the support and advice. Much appreciated.

Harika, no rational reason for feeling nervous, just fear of the unknown I guess. Just want to finish it without having to stop and really want to do it in a good time. Dont want to be last!

Harika

From your training times, I would guess you will run between 1h05 and 1h10 and there you will finish with a big chunk of people and defo not last. In my first 10k I ran first my pace, while someone was following me, then she overtook me and we alternatively pulled each other forward towards the finish line. Was great fun, so maybe find someone at your pace and start working together.
My suggestion would be to set an average time of 6:45 for each km and adhere to it. One of the biggest mistake you can do is, too start overly excited with a pace of e.g. 5:30. This will come to haunt you on the final third.
Overall, enjoy the race.

gypsylee

Thanks for your suggestions Harika, will take them on board.

Younganne

I've done quite a number of races over the years and i'm still a bag of nerves before every race. Yes you will be nervous but don't let it get you stressed on the day. Few deep breaths if you feel its getting the better of you. Start out slowly and build on your pace as you settle in to the race.

Compile your race report as you are running, might help if you start struggling!! We'll all be routing for you!! Enjoy.

gypsylee

Went for a cycle on Monday night, my first in months. Felt a bit stiff after it yesterday morning though.

Last run last night before the 10km on Saturday.

4.3km , duration 29.40, 6.50 avg pace.

Splits: 6.41, 6.48, 6.42, 7.11, 6.49 (0.3).

Felt like a longer run probably cause my legs felt a bit heavy.

That's it now, I am doing no more training before Saturday. Three rest days, I will be itching to get out by Friday evening! Hope it all pays off now.

Sunny Dayz

gypsylee wrote: »

That's it now, I am doing no more training before Saturday. Three rest days, I will be itching to get out by Friday evening! Hope it all pays off now.

If you find yourself getting cabin fever and itchy feet, go out for a short walk maybe Thursday evening. Just to stretch out the legs a little.

gypsylee

Yes, I did it! First 10km run in the bag. Delighted.

Arrived at Phoenix Park before 9. Great atmosphere, all very relaxed and plenty of time to get t-shirt, loo etc. weather was ideal. Even got my face painted!!! Was a smudge by the end but looked well in my pre-race photo!

I was conscious of not starting too fast though everyone seemed to be passing me by. Had no idea of pace as Strava was on my phone in my arm band so I just ran by feel. All went well for the first 5km apart from a bit of a hill around 3.5 km. Felt out of breath after that and knew I had to face it again on the second loop. When it came to start the second loop I was feeling like I should have stuck to the 5km. I reminded myself that I was well able to run more than 5km and on I went after the welcome water at the half way stage.

Just before the hill on the second loop I felt very lightheaded and my legs went a bit wobbly. I decided I could either keep running and fall down or walk for a bit. I hated having to walk but the alternative was worse. I walked for nearly a km or so and gradually starting running slowly again as I felt better. I was so happy to see the finish line and clapped going through. The relief!

Haven't got my official time yet but below are Strava's results. Happy with time for my first 10km.

10.5km distance. 1.17 duration.

Splits: 6.46, 6.44, 6.42, 7.26, 7.21, 7.27, 7.19, 6.59, 8.09, 8.13 7.25 (0.5)

All observations, critics say and advice for future runs welcome.

mel.b

Well done Gypsylee

FIFA2004

Well done on the 10km!!!! It was really warm this am, maybe some dehydration contributed to feeling dizzy and weak, make sure you get plenty of fluids tonight! Congratulations!!!!

gypsylee

Thanks Mel and FIFA. Got my official time. 1.15.54 so delighted.

I am getting well hydrated on wine tonight!

Sunny Dayz

Well done! It was very warm out there and made running conditions tougher. Get plenty of fluids into you over the weekend.

gypsylee

Thanks Sunny Dayz. Legs a bit stiff today. Drinkng lots of water.

gypsylee

Did my recovery run last night. Should probably have ran on Sunday but I was physically wrecked.

4.1 km. 28.50 duration.

Splits: 7.05, 6.57, 7.05, 6.57, 7.03 (0.1).

Nice easy run, legs felt so much better after it and I thought I would be hurting. I guess these recovery runs work!

My plan now is to try and improve on my 5km times, really want to get under 30 minutes.

Next 10 km will be the Gingerbread Run in November and want to improve on last Saturday's time.

gypsylee

I still get such a buzz out of being able to run any distance without stopping and looking at how far I have come in terms of my fitness since I started running in February inspires me to keep going. Running is definitely addictive!

Took a different route last night just to change things up a bit. Weather was perfect.

4.9 km, duration 34.03 mins.

Splits: 6.41, 6.39, 6.55, 7.01, 7.02 (0.9).

gypsylee

I had intended to do a LSR on Sunday morning but I just wasn't feeling up to it. It was very warm too which didn't help.

5.4 km, duration 36.13 mins.

Splits: 6.24, 6.27, 6.41, 6.49, 6.49, 6.55 (0.4).

Signing up now for The Gingerbread Run so I have ten weeks to get ready for the 10km run.

gypsylee

Last night's run was pretty uneventful. Very warm and not as far as I had hoped but every little helps.

4.6 km, duration 32.12 mins.

Splits: 6.36, 6.55, 7.03, 6.54, 6.49 (0.6).

I know that I need to increase the distance of the shorter runs and run a bit faster but at the moment the heat is making it difficult for me. Much prefer cooler weather for running. Hopefully the humidity will be gone next week and I will up my game.

Sunny Dayz

gypsylee wrote: »

I know that I need to increase the distance of the shorter runs and run a bit faster but at the moment the heat is making it difficult for me. Much prefer cooler weather for running. Hopefully the humidity will be gone next week and I will up my game.

+1 Agreed. I love good weather and heat. But just not when I'm running!

gypsylee

Did my LSR on Saturday morning. Was a lovely morning weather wise and really enjoyed the run.

8.6km, duration 1.08.

Splits:

7.21, 7.57, 8.15, 8.13, 8.03, 7.46, 8.13, 8.03, 7.27 (0.6)

Have signed up for a 5km run on the Curragh next Sunday for the Irish Guide Dogs Association. It is on grass though so not sure how that will go time wise. Its a while since I did a 5km run, last one was in June in the lashing rain in a time of 33 minutes. Looking forward to this run.

gypsylee

Lovely evening for a run yesterday. As it was not too warm I decided to try and up my pace a bit. Started well but slipped back a bit then. Enjoyed the run though and was happy enough with the time. Will have to work on getting a bit faster though.

5.5 km, duration 35.10.

Splits: 5.59, 6.01, 6.33, 6.20, 6.46, 6.38 (0.5).

Probably wont get out again now until the run on the Curragh on Sunday morning. Looking forward to seeing how I run on grass.

gypsylee

So I did the Gallop for Guide Dogs 5km on the Curragh this morning. It's always windy on the racecourse and it was pretty damp too. Most of the race was on grass so ended up with very wet feet.

I had not run on grass before so I was hoping for under 35mins. Just managed it. Official time was 34.15 so happy with that. It was an enjoyable run on home turf.

Strava results were 5.1 km, duration 34.23.

Splits: 6.06, 6.42, 6.39, 7.09, 6.54, 6.39 0.1)

I don't think I would like to run on grass all the time although someone told me it is better for your ankles etc. Don't know if that is true.

gypsylee

Evening run yesterday. Was lovely out so got out for a run before it got dark.

5 km, duration 32.30.

Splits: 6.16, 6.23, 6.20, 6.49, 6.24.

gypsylee

I was at a party on Saturday night which went on way too late.... which led to hangover and tiredness on Sunday so a lazy day all round.

Legs really felt like they needed a good stretch on Monday so got out for a run on Monday evening.

Weather was lovely and I really enjoyed the run although I thought my time was better than Strava says. Obviously Strava is correct and I am not as fast as I think!

5.5 km, duration 36.57.

Splits: 6.16, 6.23, 6.45, 6.57, 6.53, 6.50 (0.5).

Planning on getting out again tonight and doing a 10 km LSR on Saturday. Need to get back on track for the 10km run in November and 12 km in December.

gypsylee

Wednesday night was very wet and windy here but I went out anyway. Nothing spectacular but I was glad I made some sort of an effort. Didn't feel like a lunatic when I saw so many people out running too!

4.5 km, duration 32.04.

Splits: 6.52, 6.57, 7.03, 7.15, 6.44 (0.5)

ariana`

gypsylee wrote: »

Wednesday night was very wet and windy here but I went out anyway. Nothing spectacular but I was glad I made some sort of an effort. Didn't feel like a lunatic when I saw so many people out running too!

4.5 km, duration 32.04.

Splits: 6.52, 6.57, 7.03, 7.15, 6.44 (0.5)

Well done, it's tempting to skip when the weather is awful but i find i feel even better afterwards when i run in bad weather

gypsylee

ariana` wrote: »

Well done, it's tempting to skip when the weather is awful but i find i feel even better afterwards when i run in bad weather

It is tempting but as the winter is coming and the weather will be getting worse if I want to stay on track then I will just have to embrace all kinds of weather

gypsylee

Saturday morning was ideal for a run and I really enjoyed my LSR. This cooler weather suits me much better.

10.3 km, 1 hour 23 mins duration.

Splits: 7.02, 8.05, 8.16, 8.25, 8.1, 8.17, 8.01, 8.19, 7.56, 7.46, 7.46 (0.3).

I hope to get out and repeat this run every Saturday morning until the Gingerbread Run on the 20th of November. I would love to do the 10km in 1 hour 10 mins so aiming for that.

gypsylee

I decided to try and run a wee bit longer on my mid week runs. Was a lovely night for it.

6.5 km, 42.30 duration.

Splits: 6.23, 5.58, 6.01, 6.38, 7.05, 7.06, 6.44 (0.5).

Hoping to repeat this exercise tomorrow night all going well.

gypsylee

Went for a run last night, shorter than it should have been but I wanted to visit my Mammy after it so cut it short. Very uneventful, which probably how runs are supposed to be!

4.5 km, 31.05 duration.

Splits: 6.30, 6.36, 7.03, 7.07, 6.49 (0.5).

Looking forward to my LSR in the morning. Weather is perfect for running.

gypsylee

Note to self: Do not drink alcohol the night before a LSR!!!

It was only a couple but that was enough to make for a sluggish LSR on Saturday morning.

9.4 km (should have been 10 km but did not happen!), 1.12 duration.

Splits: 7.11, 7.47, 8.02, 7.50, 7.56, 7.49, 7.44, 7.5, 7.29, 7.23 (0.4).

It was a beautiful Autumn morning and I was happy with the times for this run.

Hoping to do the 10km Gingerbread Run in November and a 12km "The 12k's of Christmas" on the 10th of December so need to focus on those two now. Last December was the first time I attempted a race with no training and finished the 6km race as part of "The 12k's of Christmas" in a reasonable time. That run is responsible for me getting the running bug and I hope to complete the 12km race at the same event this year. Progress indeed!

gypsylee

Nice run last night. First time to run in the dark. Plenty of street lights though so it was grand.

5.5 km, 36.10 duration.

Splits: 6.29, 6.18, 6.21, 6.52, 6.43, 6.53 (0.5).

Legs are feeling a bit stiff this morning, possibly I did not stretch enough after the run. Hopefully it is just a temporary thing.

gypsylee

I was away for the weekend so I did not get to do the LSR. Had a great weekend of eating and drinking tough!

Because of this I got out for a run on Friday evening. I don't usually run on a Friday after work but it was a lovely evening for it.

5.3 km, 34.20 duration.

Splits: 5.56, 6.02, 6.35, 6.51, 6.31, 6.27 (0.3).

I really want to get more 5 min splits showing on these runs, don't know if I can run much quicker though.

gypsylee

Got out for a run last night. Weather was perfect so I was hoping to improve my splits. Did not happen though.

5.6 km, 36.25 duration.

Splits: 6.07, 6.19, 6.26, 6.49, 6.41, 6.51 (0.6).

Not a sign of a 5 in those splits and I really want there to be!! I feel if I start the run too fast I will really drop back later in the run. Ah well, I'll just keep plodding along and hopefully my pace will increase over time.