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What I log about when I log about running

Huzzah!

Huzzah! for running!

Background:

I'm female and in my 30s. I'm not sporty and I wouldn't really consider myself to be "fit". I'm also sllllooooowwww. But, for the most part, this doesn't bother me. I'm still surprised that I can comfortably run 10 miles. (10-whole-miles. Me!:o)

I've been running fairly consistently now for two(ish) years. I'd finished Couch 2 5k a couple of times before but never kept it up; mainly, I think, because I was running my training runs flat out and really didn't enjoy it. Three years ago, I tried again and stuck with it and now, despite my grumbling, love to run (at least most of the time). Key to running more consistently was discovering the runmute. You can't beat the headspace that running gives you.

I started practising yoga last year. I try and attend 3/4 classes a week. There may be "better" ways to cross train/complement my running but yoga is the only thing I'll stick to.

PBs and Goals:

My principal goal for the rest of the year is to try and run a PB at the race series half. My current PB is from the Wexford half earlier this year and is 2:15:4x; I trained like the dickens for it. Still and all, I'm hoping to run 2:14:xx in September. Along the way, I'd like to run a 10K PB at the Fingal 10k. My 10K PB is my oldest and, potentially, my softest. Once I run the half, I've half an eye on tackling a 5K plan - gotta get the value out of the buke - with Jingle Bells being my focus for the rest of the year. That's a way away yet, though.

I used a plan from Pfitzinger and Latter's Faster Road Running for Wexford earlier this year and I think I'll use it again for September. I've built in a buffer week for the Fingal 10k, so the plan will start in earnest next Monday. I've been enjoying running off plan for the past couple of weeks but am looking forward to getting back on plan soon. Gives me less wriggle room for slack off!

Distance|Current PB|Target|
5k|26:53|>26|
5 Mile|46:40|>46|
10k|59:53|58:xx|
10 mile|1:43|1:40|
Half mara|2:15:43|2:14:xx

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Comments

Kellygirl

I’m just heading into week 5 of the 5-10km plan and really enjoying it. You’ll like it.

Huzzah!

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

I'm planning on doing the 5k/10k plan myself once I finish base building, and I did notice that the first 6 weeks of the 5k/10k are the same as the first 6 weeks of the 10k/half, so you need not decide between those two just yet.

Yeah, actually, I might feel more positive about a half after five weeks of consistent training (fingers crossed) - thanks for pointing that out.

ReeReeG wrote: »

If it's a Hallmark movie, I'm right there with ya!

TV movies are the best.

ReeReeG wrote: »

Nice week. Positivity shining through, lovely to see.

Sometimes I need a little reminder that I actually enjoy running and it's not all about PBs.

Kellygirl wrote: »

I’m just heading into week 5 of the 5-10km plan and really enjoying it. You’ll like it.

I've already read back over your log. It's a useful resource - thanks! Just need to pick a goal that motivates me enough to keep me on track.

Baby75

Sounds like a great week Huzzah except for missing pilates grrr

You should check out IMRA they do trail runs and most have shorter distances if you want to give it a go and see what it is like. plus they are well marked so no fear of getting lost

Huzzah!

Baby75 wrote: »

Sounds like a great week Huzzah except for missing pilates grrr

You should check out IMRA they do trail runs and most have shorter distances if you want to give it a go and see what it is like. plus they are well marked so no fear of getting lost

Thanks - IMRA might be a bit beyond me but I live in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, so it's a shame that I don't run more on trails.

Baby75

Huzzah! wrote: »

Thanks - IMRA might be a bit beyond me but I live in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, so it's a shame that I don't run more on trails.

not at all, I know I did mainly the SE trail runs but the first one is Castlecomer in Kilkenny and is great as an introduction to trail running, it was so much fun we splashed our way round I am sure if you looked at my strava you will find pictures:D

for some of the longer races 10 k they sometimes do a shorter route 5k or an early start if you are worried about taking longer to run the course.

Otherwise, there is Howth, hellfire is 6.5km

or maybe a boards trail run meet up! for fun, no pressure and everyone stays together now I fancy that

Huzzah!

Baby75 wrote: »

not at all, I know I did mainly the SE trail runs but the first one is Castlecomer in Kilkenny and is great as an introduction to trail running, it was so much fun we splashed our way round I am sure if you looked at my strava you will find pictures:D

for some of the longer races 10 k they sometimes do a shorter route 5k or an early start if you are worried about taking longer to run the course.

Otherwise, there is Howth, hellfire is 6.5km

Hellfire is around the corner from me - might give it a recce some day.

Baby75 wrote: »

or maybe a boards trail run meet up! for fun, no pressure and everyone stays together now I fancy that

Looks like fun

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=94525067

ReeReeG

Huzzah! wrote: »

Hellfire is around the corner from me - might give it a recce some day.

Looks like fun
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=94525067

I'd love to come along but would need someone to be my protector from the inevitable dogs-off-lead...

if a meet-up ever happens of course

juke

I used to run up there with a friend a lot, loved it - never had a problem with dogs off lead - but I wouldn't be rushing up there on my own.

eyrie

I loved reading this update! So good to hear you enjoying it that much. And I'm very envious of your training! I'll be following the 5k-10k plan myself once I get back to proper running.

Baby75 wrote: »

or maybe a boards trail run meet up! for fun, no pressure and everyone stays together now I fancy that

Now this is an excellent idea!

ariana`

I can feel the determination to get runs in even when it’s tricky coming back, but more importantly, I really enjoyed my running this week and, really, that’s all that matters.

Love this

Baby75

Huzzah! wrote: »

Hellfire is around the corner from me - might give it a recce some day.

Here the link for IMRA they have a map of the route or what I use is https://www.plotaroute.com/routeplanner

Looks like fun
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=94525067

OOH pity there is no new updates, but not to worry I think I will start a thread we could plan it for the new year and pick a route I can think of a few and we can decide and hopefully more come along

ReeReeG don't worry safety in numbers in saying that I have rarely seen many dogs off leads on trails the odd one if any

Huzzah!

Baby75 wrote: »

OOH pity there is no new updates, but not to worry I think I will start a thread we could plan it for the new year and pick a route I can think of a few and we can decide and hopefully more come along

ReeReeG don't worry safety in numbers in saying that I have rarely seen many dogs off leads on trails the odd one if any

Found a few more but haven't read them - they might give us some ideas:

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057379715
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95015023

Huzzah!

ReeReeG wrote: »

I'd love to come along but would need someone to be my protector from the inevitable dogs-off-lead...

if a meet-up ever happens of course

I've signed D up to be dog protector. I would but I'll be at the back.

juke wrote: »

I used to run up there with a friend a lot, loved it - never had a problem with dogs off lead - but I wouldn't be rushing up there on my own.

Good to note - thanks.

eyrie wrote: »

I loved reading this update! So good to hear you enjoying it that much. And I'm very envious of your training! I'll be following the 5k-10k plan myself once I get back to proper running.

Now this is an excellent idea!

It was just so hard for a while but it comes back, so don't be too dismayed if you feel the same.

ariana` wrote: »

Love this

How's the foot?

ariana`

Huzzah! wrote: »

How's the foot?

It seems ok thank you. I'm trying to build up slowly which is easy enough this time of year when there's so much silly stuff going on to keep me occupied! I ran 15 miles over 3 runs last week and was quite happy with that

Huzzah!

A bumper two-week update. Buckle up.

Wednesday, 19 December
Plan: 6x3 min CV (5:26 - 5:34) w/3 recovery
Total: 10k, including planned session.
Splits: 5:31; 5:31; 5:32; 5:32; 5:31; and 5:30
Avg HR: 152 Max HR: 172

In the middle of a very busy week, so a window and seized the opportunity to get a session in. Don’t remember too much apart from needing a pitstop in the middle.

Thursday, 20 December
Plan: 1 hour very easy
Total: 47:39 minutes easyish
Avg pace: 7:12/km
Avg HR: 144 Max HR: 159

Desperate for a run but also desperate for dinner, resulting in a slightly shortened run. Too fast but effort was in the recovery zone.

Saturday, 22 December
Plan: 5x5 min Threshold (5:41 - 5:50) w/2 recovery
Total: 9.59k, including planned session.
Splits: 5:45; 5:39; 5:44; 5:39; and 5:44

No recollection apart from dillydallying before finally getting out the door in the late afternoon. Drove home early the following day and had lots to do meaning no long run. Shoulda done it before leaving. Not a great week before the week before Christmas is always mental in work, so it’s all about doing what I can.

Tuesday, 25 December
Plan: 1 hour very easy
Total: 1 hour easyish
Avg pace: 7:10
Avg HR: 157 Max HR 177

I thought it would be nice to do a Christmas morning parkrun and used it as an incentive to get out the door before Christmas breakfast and gifting began. I was so keen, I arrived an hour early. Never checked the time and realised after running a warm up to the racecourse that parkrun wasn’t happening for at least another hour. Did almost a freedom run and back to the car to head home for brunch feeling nicely smug. Slightly too fast pace because my legs were fresh and I ran with D but we chatted the entire way, so it was an easy enough effort.

Wednesday, 26 December
Plan: 8 x 1 minute hills (2-3 min rec)
Total: approx 9km incl Wexford GOAL mile
Mile time: 7:55
Avg HR: 161 Max HR 176

The GOAL mile was on my radar but the desire to participate in a Christmas day parkrun meant I didn’t think I’d bother with this. Having missed parkrun, I thought doing the mile would be a bit of a laugh and probably more motivating than the planned session. I’d no idea what to aim for, but I hoped I’d beat my JBells flying mile time of 8:30, which I managed, but I didn’t realise that until I double checked my time when I got home. I do have a mile PB of 7:40, so I was well off that, but it was only supposed to be a bit of fun. The “mile” was set up on the quay and was four laps essentially of two hundred metres out, switchback, two hundred metres back. Apart from the obvious disadvantage of so many switchbacks, it was a good setup with a separate course for the walkers. I took off at a good pace but took the foot off the gas a bit in the middle sections - mainly due to a lack of confidence and also not wanting to make a show of myself when “on the town”. Good craic, I have to say but should’ve been braver.

Thursday, 27 December
Plan: 1 hour very easy
Total: 1:10ish not really that easy at all at all
Avg pace: 7:03/km ish

Dragged himself to a forest just outside New Ross to get some trail running in. Holiday mode well and truly engaged, I forgot my watch, but no matter as D decided to run with me. There were a number of waymarked routes, some of which took in 1798 sites, and it was fun. The last climb nearly killed me, though, and my legs were fairly jelly by the end.

Friday, 28 December
Plan: 1 hour very easy or off
Total: 1.15(ish) minutes
Avg pace: 7:31/km
Avg HR: 148 Max HR 161

My last Wexford run and I ran around my old stomping ground of the Raven Forest and North Slob. I enjoyed it so much, I extended it by 15 minutes not realising D had shortened his by 15 - oopsie. No ill effects reported from the previous day’s run and I kept a firm eye on my HR to keep the effort truly easy.

Saturday, 29 December
Plan: 30 minute tempo
Total: 10km, incl session
Temp avg pace: 5:53/km
Avg HR: 162 Max HR: 190

To Marlay for a jolly. I ran to the parkrun start and ran the first half of the route, nearly passing out on the wee speedbump at the start, before settling into a nice pace. Completed the tempo with a few laps in front of Marlay House, which was a bit of a slalom given how busy the park was. It felt tough at the outset but I settled into it nicely. A slightly longer warm up does help me. Better pace than the 25-minute version of this run.

Sunday, 30 December
Plan: 1:45 easy
Total: 1:45 (14.76km)
Avg pace: 7:07/km
Avg HR: 153 Max HR 183 (cadence lock, I think)
I loved this run spent listening to a podcast about Comrades. Tried to work out what pace you’d have to run to beat the Comrades cut off, which kept me occupied for a good long time - still haven’t figured it out as it happens. I felt nice and strong on this run. Wee confession - I’m still doing these at my old easy pace, but it’s a pace I really enjoy running I’m kind of used to now from an almost year of running long runs at in or around 7/km.

A good week, a mix of following the plan interspersed with some different experiences and just enjoying myself. Slightly short of the 64km aim, with 63.8 run but nicely in line with the 2019 target of seven hours per week (approx 7.30, I think - trail run not recorded to Garmin). Might do a yearly roundup tomorrow, although it’ll be fairly boring but I could combine it with a goals post.

eyrie

Loads of variety in the running there over the last little while! Makes for good reading

I'm very impressed/jealous you got out on Christmas morning! Hope you had a lovely Christmas, running aside.
And yes to the round up/goals post please!

Kellygirl

I’ve noticed your runs on Strava so was looking forward to reading your log. Best of luck going into 2019. You’ve had a great year.

Huzzah!

eyrie wrote: »

Loads of variety in the running there over the last little while! Makes for good reading I'm very impressed/jealous you got out on Christmas morning! Hope you had a lovely Christmas, running aside.
And yes to the round up/goals post please!

Since you asked nicely, I made two posts

Looking forward to reading yours.

Kellygirl wrote: »

I’ve noticed your runs on Strava so was looking forward to reading your log. Best of luck going into 2019. You’ve had a great year.

Your log is super helpful to me too. Reading about the sessions really helps put Strava into context. Nice shiny new paces for you now too.

Huzzah!

Huzzah! wrote: »

My goal next year all links in with marathon training. I’m happy to take the focus away from PB-hunting for 2018 and concentrate on running consistently and getting the miles in. One thing that is pretty obvious to me is that I’m lacking substantially in the endurance department. While I’ll never be speedy, endurance is something I can improve and marathon training will hopefully help in this regard. If there is to be any secondary goal to running a marathon in 2018, it will be that my PBs start to line up a bit better and that the drop off from 5k to 10k, and so on, is not as significant.

Sometimes a bit of context is required. I was feeling more than a bit deflated after a great year of running came to an end earlier than planned end with a foot injury and recovery from the marathon taking longer than I’d expected. The above post, which I was reticent to write at the time, reminds me that the goals for 2018 were:

to run a marathon; and
to improve my endurance to bring my PBs in line with each other.

I think I realised that has I embarked upon my fourth year of running, PBs were going to become more difficult to come by, which is why I was, at the time, happy to focus on the marathon goal for 2018, hoping that my PBs would take a good hammering in 2019. That seems a bit less likely now but 2019 is for another post.

I ultimately achieved my main goal of 2018, which was to run a marathon being privileged enough to participate in the 45th Berlin marathon. The experience was one I wouldn’t change for the world. I loved every minute and, except for extreme nausea in the last 5k, felt strong for the entire race. It is an achievement that seemed far beyond me for much of my life and to actually feel as good as I did was beyond my wildest dreams and expectations.

My marathon experience was partly down to good fortune, some hard work and in no small part to the advice and encouragement I got from the folks here. I had found MurphD’s log invaluable when following the Faster Road Runner plans in 2017 and it was through his log that I found the Hanson plans. Using the half plan, I ran my best half ever, not only PBing but managing to remain strong throughout the race and not blow up as I’d done in every half I’ve raced previously. I still believe that HMM was the perfect choice for marathon training for me - the workouts not being as aggressive as some equivalent plans and the mileage being enough to stretch me and give me confidence without being so much as to result in overtraining. I’ll never forget the feeling at mile 21 or so of my legs picking up the pace and clicking into an almost autopilot of the pace I’d put in during miles and miles of long runs and tempo runs.

Another highlight of 2018 was running a four-minute PB at the Wexford half. I feel like I finally put my half marathon demons to bed, although it might be a distance that I’ll always have a fear of.

The rest of my races, albeit not too many, were less than stellar, starting with a disastrous attempt at a 10k PB in February and culminating in a hugely disappointing result at the Jingle Bells 5k, which was more than two minutes slower than last year. I also had a disappointing run at the Docklands 5k. Results are below:

Distance|2015|2016|2017||2018|
5k|- |28:26|25:01|27:05|
5 Mile|58:57|53:15|46:40|-|
10k|1:08:58|59:53|56:42|57:26|
10 mile|- |1:43|1:42|1:48|
Half mara|- |2:18:08|2:12:58| 2:08|

Mileage increased by a sustainable amount in 2018, with 2,528 kms being run vs 2,150 kilometers in 2017 and 1371 kilometers in 2016. The increase in miles is largely down to improved consistency and I missed very few runs when on plan. I believe the only increase to mileage in 2019 will come from more consistent running when not on plan and hopefully staying injury free, but that’s for 2019’s post!

Boardsies, thanks to all for the help, support and camaraderie throughout the year - it’s been a great journey. You guys help me feel normal when I’m obsessing about which plan to choose, not being able to run when I’m injured and squeezing in a run when the weather is apocalyptic. Have a very happy new year!

skyblue46

That's been a great year for you. The PBs over shorter distances will come. Happy New Year to you.

Kellygirl

Huzzah! wrote: »

Boardsies, thanks to all for the help, support and camaraderie throughout the year - it’s been a great journey. You guys help me feel normal when I’m obsessing about which plan to choose, not being able to run when I’m injured and squeezing in a run when the weather is apocalyptic. Have a very happy new year!

I love this - very very true!

Enjoyed reading your comments about Berlin again - your training was so steady and consistent and then you ran it in exactly the same way. The pbs will come for the other distances too. I’ve no doubt about it.

The Black Oil

I've thought about going back to podcasts for Sundays. Haven't done it in three years now and am little wary of the safety aspect due to some of the roads around here. We'll see.

Well done on the year.

Kellygirl

Meant to tell you I got the Run Fast book as a Christmas present - haven’t opened it yet. Have you put it to use?

Huzzah!

skyblue46 wrote: »

That's been a great year for you. The PBs over shorter distances will come. Happy New Year to you.

Thanks and thanks for your help/comments throughout the year. It's appreciated. Happy 2019.

Kellygirl wrote: »

I love this - very very true!

Enjoyed reading your comments about Berlin again - your training was so steady and consistent and then you ran it in exactly the same way. The pbs will come for the other distances too. I’ve no doubt about it.

Nothing else to write about

The Black Oil wrote: »

I've thought about going back to podcasts for Sundays. Haven't done it in three years now and am little wary of the safety aspect due to some of the roads around here. We'll see.

Well done on the year.

It's rare that I listen to anything and it's pretty safe to do so where I run but I realised how much more vulnerable it makes you when crossing roads etc.

Kellygirl wrote: »

Meant to tell you I got the Run Fast book as a Christmas present - haven’t opened it yet. Have you put it to use?

That's another goal to add to 2019's list!

ariana`

I've always admired your steady approach Huzzah. You show amazing dedication to whatever training plan you follow and it's paid off, well done on a super year. I'm sorry the end of the year was a disappointment, i can empathise (as you know), but well done on pulling it back once you were able. Happy new year

Baby75

A great update Huzzah I think you have done great over the last year and your PB in shorter distances will come.
I am enjoying your log as we have similar paces so it will be interesting watching you this year

I love Raven wood on the little trails you have reminded me I must get down for a run there soon

Happy New year and Happy running

Baby75

I almost forgot, now we can plan that trail run

I think an easy one to start us off

Huzzah!

ariana` wrote: »

I've always admired your steady approach Huzzah. You show amazing dedication to whatever training plan you follow and it's paid off, well done on a super year. I'm sorry the end of the year was a disappointment, i can empathise (as you know), but well done on pulling it back once you were able. Happy new year

Thanks - funnily enough, adding the sixth day really helped me with my consistency. I was a fright for doing four out of five runs before that!

Baby75 wrote: »

A great update Huzzah I think you have done great over the last year and your PB in shorter distances will come.
I am enjoying your log as we have similar paces so it will be interesting watching you this year

I love Raven wood on the little trails you have reminded me I must get down for a run there soon

Happy New year and Happy running

I enjoy your log for the same reasons. Really have my fingers crossed for your for your plans this year. The Raven really is a beautiful spot.

Baby75 wrote: »

I almost forgot, now we can plan that trail run I think an easy one to start us off

The easier the better!

eyrie

Congratulations on a super year. Your marathon in particular was amazing - perfectly approached and executed, and a testament to all the training.

Huzzah! wrote: »

Boardsies, thanks to all for the help, support and camaraderie throughout the year - it’s been a great journey. You guys help me feel normal when I’m obsessing about which plan to choose, not being able to run when I’m injured and squeezing in a run when the weather is apocalyptic.

Just imagine if there was no Boards! I dread to think what would happen if I didn't have an outlet for all the obsessing :eek: Everyone in my personal life would be sick to death of me, that's for sure :pac:

Happy 2019! Looking forward to cheering you on in October

eyrie

The Black Oil wrote: »

I've thought about going back to podcasts for Sundays. Haven't done it in three years now and am little wary of the safety aspect due to some of the roads around here. We'll see.

If I listen to anything while running I only ever use one earphone and keep the other ear free. You can still hear everything on the road. Might be worth a try!