Am I Running Or Jogging?

Maximus Alexander · 05-12-2015 02:49PM

Jingle Bells 5k:

I have two main feelings today - delight that I definitely ran a PB despite the conditions and how lethargic I felt all week, along with bafflement as to what my time actually was.

I dropped my car at the house of a friend who lives in Ballyfermot and then we got a lift down to the park entrance. From there we had an easy jog up to the starting line and back and forth for a couple of minutes, met and chatted with some of our colleagues, and then went to our respective start positions.

Before long everyone up ahead set off, but it was only 10:58 by my watch, and sure enough it was a false start. I'm not sure how, or why that happened, but they spent a few minutes pushing us all back before starting for real. I never heard a gun, so only knew to start when everyone in front of me set off. Then I was keeping my eye out for a mat to start my watch, but there was none so I probably started it quite late.

Despite lining up in the appropriate place based on signage, I ended up behind a lot of people going slower than I wanted, so I took to the grass verge on the right for a hundred meters or so to get past them. After that I got into a comfortable groove for most of the race and... it's kind of a blur really.

Before I knew it I was approaching the last turn and suddenly feeling pretty gassed, but there were people shouting encouragement and telling us that the finish was only around the next bend. I pushed on, and they were right. I was pretty pleased to see the yellow flags flapping in the breeze up ahead and pushed as well as I could but the lungs were already doing more or less all they could.

As I approached the line I was stunned to see that the clock on the right reading 23:32... 23:33.. 23:34... By the time I crossed the line it couldn't have been much past 23:40 and I was in disbelief. I stopped the watch, which read 4.96km in 23:36 at an average pace of 4:46/km. I was delighted, thinking that regardless of what happened at the start, my official time would have to be sub-24.

I met up with the gang beside the finishing pen and we chatted for a while, then I picked up my bag and jogged back to my mate's for tea and cake.

Unfortunately when I finally got back into the car and checked the phone I had a text reporting my official time as 24:18. It's still a PB of more than 30 seconds, but I'm completely convinced I ran sub-24. I don't know what went on there, but I can't go around making up times, so I'll have to take it.

It was my first proper race and I really enjoyed the day - it's shame the weather had us all fleeing for cover pretty soon afterwards. The mug was a nice touch and I'll be having tea out of it after I hit submit on this. The glute / ITB / whatever fired a couple of warning shots near the end but basically held up pretty well - no limp afterwards or anything!

I look forward to seeing how the rest of you fared and I hope you all got what you wanted.

All in all, a good day out!

The Muppet · 05-12-2015 03:18PM

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

Jingle Bells 5k:

I have two main feelings today - delight that I definitely ran a PB despite the conditions and how lethargic I felt all week, along with bafflement as to what my time actually was.

I dropped my car at the house of a friend who lives in Ballyfermot and then we got a lift down to the park entrance. From there we had an easy jog up to the starting line and back and forth for a couple of minutes, met and chatted with some of our colleagues, and then went to our respective start positions.

Before long everyone up ahead set off, but it was only 10:58 by my watch, and sure enough it was a false start. I'm not sure how, or why that happened, but they spent a few minutes pushing us all back before starting for real. I never heard a gun, so only knew to start when everyone in front of me set off. Then I was keeping my eye out for a mat to start my watch, but there was none so I probably started it quite late.

Despite lining up in the appropriate place based on signage, I ended up behind a lot of people going slower than I wanted, so I took to the grass verge on the right for a hundred meters or so to get past them. After that I got into a comfortable groove for most of the race and... it's kind of a blur really.

Before I knew it I was approaching the last turn and suddenly feeling pretty gassed, but there were people shouting encouragement and telling us that the finish was only around the next bend. I pushed on, and they were right. I was pretty pleased to see the yellow flags flapping in the breeze up ahead and pushed as well as I could but the lungs were already doing more or less all they could.

As I approached the line I was stunned to see that the clock on the right reading 23:32... 23:33.. 23:34... By the time I crossed the line it couldn't have been much past 23:40 and I was in disbelief. I stopped the watch, which read 4.96km in 23:36 at an average pace of 4:46/km. I was delighted, thinking that regardless of what happened at the start, my official time would have to be sub-24.

I met up with the gang beside the finishing pen and we chatted for a while, then I picked up my bag and jogged back to my mate's for tea and cake.

Unfortunately when I finally got back into the car and checked the phone I had a text reporting my official time as 24:18. It's still a PB of more than 30 seconds, but I'm completely convinced I ran sub-24. I don't know what went on there, but I can't go around making up times, so I'll have to take it.

It was my first proper race and I really enjoyed the day - it's shame the weather had us all fleeing for cover pretty soon afterwards. The mug was a nice touch and I'll be having tea out of it after I hit submit on this. The glute / ITB / whatever fired a couple of warning shots near the end but basically held up pretty well - no limp afterwards or anything!

I look forward to seeing how the rest of you fared and I hope you all got what you wanted.

All in all, a good day out!

A very similar experience as myself at the start max sounds like we were pretty near each other . Don't forget the official time is gun time so if you were back past the sub 25 sign like myself there would be a bit of time before you got moving .

Well done on the PB and good that you got around without the injury bothering you.

Firedance · 05-12-2015 03:24PM

Yeah the start was a bit of a shambles & we only have gun times, well done on your pb!!! That's a super result & glad the injury didn't flare up

Ososlo · 05-12-2015 03:33PM

Pity about the timing issues and the start alright, but very very well done on your pb!! Super time for your first proper 5k race! Regardless of what the official time says, you know you ran a great time today but I understand your frustrations.
Well done MA!!!

Maximus Alexander · 05-12-2015 04:53PM

Cheers guys, yeah I'm delighted that the injury stayed quiet enough. I'm going to stick to easy runs for a couple of weeks now and hopefully it will clear up. Then I might try get a parkrun in before the end of the year and see if I can get an official sub-24. I know I'm capable of it after today!

Drinking out of my JB mug now and satisfied that the only interaction I need to have with that weather now is to look out the window and be glad I'm not out in it!

It's a shame we didn't know who to look out for TM, we could have congratulated eachother in person.

The Muppet · 05-12-2015 05:10PM

Yeah we should have arranged to say hello, next time. Were you running with a female ? There was a guy to my left that moved across to the right hand verge just after the start . I heard him telling someone else to go with him .

I'm still out so I'm on my phone , I will post my own report when I get home.

Maximus Alexander · 05-12-2015 07:19PM

It wasn't me who shouted but it might have been a friend of mine. Four or five of us hopped up on the verge and ran in a line for a bit, at least two women.

Looking forward to your report!

Singer · 06-12-2015 08:48PM

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

As I approached the line I was stunned to see that the clock on the right reading 23:32... 23:33.. 23:34... By the time I crossed the line it couldn't have been much past 23:40 and I was in disbelief. I stopped the watch, which read 4.96km in 23:36 at an average pace of 4:46/km. I was delighted, thinking that regardless of what happened at the start, my official time would have to be sub-24.

Well done! We did say you might surprise yourself

Maximus Alexander · 06-12-2015 10:39PM

Singer wrote: »

Well done! We did say you might surprise yourself

Hah, well you were certainly right! I remember around this time last year when I last tried and failed to get committed to running, I genuinely thought I'd never be able to go under 25. Now I'm wondering how close I can get to 20 by next Christmas.

tony1980 · 07-12-2015 12:19AM

Well done all, I am delighted for you!

The two lads who were doing it with me pulled out over the weather so I decided I wouldn't go up on my own. I was gutted I didn't do it so decided to go for a run that day at home even if the weather was a bit crazy.
My intent was to sign myself up for it to keep myself motivated right up to the run and not quit 2 weeks into training like I did last year so I am pleased that I have kept it up consistently over the last 8 weeks and I intend on finding a run somewhere around Limerick for Christmas as I will be down there for the festive period.

I am not quite ready to go under 25 mins yet, my best so far is just under 25m55s but considering I couldn't run a 1km without having to stop 8 weeks ago, I am very happy with my progress.

That was a great time Maximus, I am very pleased for you, keep up the good work :-)

tailgunner · 07-12-2015 10:43AM

Well done Max, that's a huge PB. What's your next target?

Maximus Alexander · 07-12-2015 12:15PM

tailgunner wrote: »

Well done Max, that's a huge PB. What's your next target?

Cheers, still buzzing over it. In work this morning everyone is reporting that their gun time was significantly off their watch times. The gang I started with (and stayed with for a few hundred meters before they left me for dead) all had watch times 30+ seconds faster than official, so I can comfortably accept that I ran sub-24.

My target for now is just to keep getting out 4-5 times a week and try to slot in a parkrun before new year. I might try to alternate weeks 6 and 7 of the plan I just finished to keep me ticking over. I have proper targets in mind for the new year but I'm gonna turn them over in my head until January.

Maximus Alexander · 08-12-2015 09:00PM

I fell ill on Saturday evening after Jingle Bells (thankfully not before!) so I did no running Sunday or Monday. I'm still under the weather today, but good habits have a way of dying rapidly if you don't feed them, so I had to get out.

5k Easy:

I had to do short laps near the house because my girlfriend had forgotten her keys and I wanted to be able to intercept her on her way home from work. It also had the advantage that I was near home if illness caught up with me and I needed to stop.

I was grand, considering, and quite surprised to see the the splits at the end.

5:49 - 5:51 - 5:49 - 5:42 - 5:44

Flirting with the edge of tempo territory there really, but breathing was easy.

Total: 5km @ 5:47/km

I was dubious about the wisdom of running while ill, but I think it's actually made me feel a bit better, if a little drowsy.

Maximus Alexander · 10-12-2015 09:06PM

I'm still not well and it's a miserable evening out there so I wussed out and went to the treadmill for this.

5k Easy:

Breathing was ragged and holy crap treadmills are boring so I didn't really enjoy this. Couldn't wait for it to be over to be honest.

Total: 5k @ 5:56/km

When I got off the treadmill my hip had flared up and it feels like it's in an utter jock at the moment. Very worrying. I'm going to have to see a physio.

Ososlo · 10-12-2015 10:15PM

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

I'm still not well and it's a miserable evening out there so I wussed out and went to the treadmill for this.

5k Easy:

Breathing was ragged and holy crap treadmills are boring so I didn't really enjoy this. Couldn't wait for it to be over to be honest.

Total: 5k @ 5:56/km

When I got off the treadmill my hip had flared up and it feels like it's in an utter jock at the moment. Very worrying. I'm going to have to see a physio.

Yes definitely see a physio.
Also, you sound too sick to be running so why don't you take a few days off until you're feeling better. It could develop into something more serious if you don't take it easy for a bit and get fully better.

Maximus Alexander · 10-12-2015 11:04PM

Ah it's just a bad dose, I'm not bedridden or anything. The way I look at it is if I'm still going to work then I deserve to still be allowed to run.

Also I had a very low mileage week last week and I'm determined not to let things slip. Much more worried about what's going on with the hip to be honest. It seemed like it was getting better, but came back with a vengeance tonight.

Maximus Alexander · 12-12-2015 10:01PM

Feeling much better today, still a bit congested but that's all.

8k Easy:

The hip felt fine again, weirdly, but I took it very easy to try and avoid aggravating it. It felt like there was nothing wrong at all until seconds after the watch buzzed for 4k and then I felt a jolt. Then nothing until 6k when it started to wake up a bit. Still finished without any major problems and no limp afterwards, which is really bizarre since it felt worse than ever on Thursday.

Anyway, I enjoyed this run. It's dry and still tonight for a change, with a nice crisp chill in the air. I stuck on some music that takes me back to my teens (Placebo - Sleeping With Ghosts) and just enjoyed having the streets mostly to myself.

Total: 8.1k @ 6:17/km

Maximus Alexander · 14-12-2015 08:48PM

Grrr... Really annoyed with this hip now. It was at me from the outset today. I can't run as far, as fast or as often and I feel like my fitness is already starting to decline because of it.

5k Easy:

It was a slog from beginning to end. I wasn't quite in pain, but very uncomfortable and the hip was just on my mind the entire time.

Total: 5.6k @ 6:17/km

I know I've said it before, but I have to see a physio. I mean it this time. I think the fact that I've never been to one before and don't have a go to person is putting me off. That and, up until now, I've kept thinking it was improving on its own. It's definitely not.

The Muppet · 14-12-2015 09:35PM

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

Grrr... Really annoyed with this hip now. It was at me from the outset today. I can't run as far, as fast or as often and I feel like my fitness is already starting to decline because of it.

5k Easy:

It was a slog from beginning to end. I wasn't quite in pain, but very uncomfortable and the hip was just on my mind the entire time.

Total: 5.6k @ 6:17/km

I know I've said it before, but I have to see a physio. I mean it this time. I think the fact that I've never been to one before and don't have a go to person is putting me off. That and, up until now, I've kept thinking it was improving on its own. It's definitely not.

Sorry to hear that Max , I hope its noting too serious, I'm the same with physio I keep putting it off to next week . but something I know i must do to get back to running longer distances. Myles Splitz was recommended to me by a number of people here . That's who I will be looking for an appointment from when I go.

Maximus Alexander · 14-12-2015 10:11PM

The Muppet wrote: »

Sorry to hear that Max , I hope its noting too serious, I'm the same with physio I keep putting it off to next week . but something I know i must do to get back to running longer distances. Myles Splitz was recommended to me by a number of people here . That's who I will be looking for an appointment from when I go.

Yeah I think I'll drop Myles a PM and see if he's available. It's time to deal with this situation!

john mayo 10 · 14-12-2015 11:01PM

Best to get this sorted now Max. Best of luck with the physio. Hopefully nothing to serious

Maximus Alexander · 15-12-2015 09:25PM

My shiny new runners arrived today and were waiting for me when I got home, so I really had no choice but to take them for a test drive...

Ad Hoc Run:

I started easy but sped up a bit in the middle. The legs will do what the legs want to do and, like, new runners you guys! I guess it was sort of tempo-ish in the middle. Which is a bonus I suppose because I've been taking it very easy since Jingle Bells.

Hip was okay-ish, nothing like yesterday, though still a bit troublesome later on. What the hell is that about? Surely it should have been worse than yesterday? Or at least the same? I need to avert my eyes from the gift horse's mouth I think. Still planning to go to a physio but time is not on my side this week!

Total: 6.2km @ 5:44/km

Maximus Alexander · 18-12-2015 07:58PM

I was meant to get out yesterday evening for a little one, but I got home from work, put on my running gear and then somehow fell asleep on the couch instead.

So, today I am rushing out to my work Christmas dinner, but I had to fit it in or I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself with the guilt.

4 Mile Run:

This turned out to be very similar to my last run. Very similar indeed. Felt pretty good, enjoyed the new runners again, it's blissful to run in them. Most amazingly of all, I had no trouble with the hip. It's not 100%, but I didn't feel much out of it at all which hasn't happened in weeks. It was an absolute pleasure!

Total: 6.41km @ 5:45/km

Now to go order the most expensive thing on the menu and get tanked.

Hopefully I won't be too hungover for a few easy kms tomorrow.

Maximus Alexander · 20-12-2015 11:38PM

Aaahhh I feel good. I didn't manage to get myself out for those easy kms yesterday, but I made up for it today by pushing the pace up a little.

5 Mile Run:

What a joy this was. My mother is away for Christmas so she invited us over today for a family lunch and jaysus did she put on a spread. I ate like a king today, so I didn't get out until after 9 when I felt everything was sufficiently digested, but the result was I had a mountain of energy. My hip troubles were virtually non-existant, so this was the first fully comfortable, painless run I've had in weeks. I was still conscious of form and watching out for tiredness which would probably be a recipe for aggravating it, but man did I enjoy myself.

Splits: 5:45 - 5:40 - 5:29 - 5:44 - 5:42 - 5:18 - 5:29 - 5:46

Total: 8km @ 5:37/km

This was my third run in the new runners and the hip has felt progressively better in each one. That leaves me to wonder if it was caused by my footwear to begin with...

Maximus Alexander · 24-12-2015 06:45PM

I was a very bad person and did nothing from Monday to Wednesday. In truth, I couldn't find the time, and was pretty annoyed about it. Got out today though.

5 Miles Easy:

It's very cold and windy today, which wasn't too appealing, but it was nice to be out in daylight for a change. I ended up doing this a little quicker than what I'd call easy, which is becoming a trend for reasons that I don't really understand.

Total: 8.27km @ 5:46/km

Maximus Alexander · 25-12-2015 01:34PM

Christmas Day Tempo:

It's so wet out there that the paths either are rivers themselves, or have brand new streams which cross them. I had the whole world to myself, with only two people walking dogs as evidence that the human race had survived the night. It was glorious.

Total: 5.41km @ 5:20/km

I need to do an actual easy run next time before I anger that hip again.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS MOFOS!
I hope Santa was kind and you all have a lovely day.

Maximus Alexander · 27-12-2015 08:24PM

5k Easy:

I was pretty dehydrated today and felt it, so I kept it short. It's weird running without a plan, I'm looking forward to getting back onto one - once I figure out which one. Stupidly overdressed for this too and was absolutely roasting! The hip continues to behave well.

Total: 5.8k @ 5:45/km

Pub shortly to undo it.

Maximus Alexander · 29-12-2015 06:59PM

Wow the conditions out there are brutal.

LSR:

I planned to do an 'LSR' today, basically I just wanted to get some longer running in because I have been avoiding that since the hip troubles. The intention was to do about 12-13km which is about as far as I've ever run to date. I wanted to take it really easy and enjoy myself, but it turns out there was no such thing as easy today.

After about 2km I found myself on an uphill drag running directly into a pretty strong headwind, and despite the slow pace, the effort was high to just keep moving forwards. There were some gusts that actually knocked be backwards a step now and then. Before the buzzer went for 5k I was already practically dead on my feet. Later, despite the route being a loop and having taken two 90 degree turns, I found I was still running into a headwind.

Eventually I found myself on a stretch where I wasn't running into the wind any more and I could catch my breath, so I kept on until just over 11km, but at that stage my legs were tiring and I could swear I felt a twinge in the hip and I called it quits so as not to take any pointless risks.

A bigger workout than I had intended!

Total: 11.12km @ 6:08/km

Maximus Alexander · 31-12-2015 07:47PM

10k Easy:

Another windy day which is getting pretty tiresome. I felt super drained today and the last 2k it was really difficult to keep going. I don't know what was going on, maybe Tuesday just really took it out of me, maybe eating crap for the last week or so has caught up with me, but the last time I felt like that during a run it turned out I was coming down with something - hopefully not!

Total: 10.15km @ 5:59/km

Anyway, despite a poor December with injury worries and no plan since Jingle Bells, today took me over 100km for the month so not too bad all in all. I'll have a couple of Kg to shift in January though to get back to where I was a few weeks ago!

I have decided on the following goals for 2016:

Sub 21 5k
Run the Dublin Race Series
Run more than 1000 miles / 1610km

They seem like targets that strike a balance between being achievable, whilst forcing me to push myself throughout the year.

Happy new year all!

Maximus Alexander · 05-01-2016 11:45AM

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

I don't know what was going on, maybe Tuesday just really took it out of me, maybe eating crap for the last week or so has caught up with me, but the last time I felt like that during a run it turned out I was coming down with something - hopefully not!

Unfortunately, this turned out to be true and I've been out of action since NYE. So, a poor start to the year and I'm feeling pretty miserable about it. Still under the weather today, but I'm going to have to get out this evening and plod around a bit or I'll go crazy.

In the mean time, I've been deciding on a plan. I figure Hal Higdon didn't steer me wrong last time so I'll stick with him and have a crack at the 15k Intermediate Plan to start building my mileage. That will take me into March where I will potentially follow it with a half marathon plan.

While my priority is faster 5k times, I reckon I'm still plenty slow enough that just running more miles will bring that down. At the same time, I need to start getting comfortable with longer distances if I'm to attack the race series this summer.

I'll start this Monday, and I'm looking forward to it!

Am I Running Or Jogging?

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