I learnt a few things while running the 5k race this morning.
1) If you haven't been training to run a 5k race at a certain pace which just happens to be faster than the pace you were aiming to run a 10k in found but found too difficult and had to reassess how fast you will be able to complete said 10k, you will not magically be able to run the 5k at this pace.
2) If you wake up feeling lethargic and bloated, it won't help either.
4) Despite losing 14lb, and training somewhat regularly, you will only knock 1 second off the PR you set over a year ago.
5) After running you'll end up with phlegm in your lungs so that whenever you laugh you sound like a 65 year-old woman who's smoked 40 a day since age 14 for a good few hours afterwards. (Seriously, lungs, WTF?)
So I finished the race in 25:30, deducting the time it took to get over the finish line. I couldn't keep up with my mate who was pacing a 24 minute 5k from the word go. I was really hoping to finish in under 25 minutes at least, but I just didn't have the energy to sprint at the end.
I was talking the race over with my partner Mr Scientist, and he made a very pertinent observation which lifted my spirits a lot when he pointed out that consistency is a good thing. Finishing a race in a similar time isn't as good as finishing it quicker, but it isn't worse either.
I've had to reassess my goal for the 10k. I have 9 weeks and I'm going to aim for a sub-hour 10k. After that I'm going to train for a sub-25 minute 5k, and I will achieve it.... eventually.
1) If you haven't been training to run a 5k race at a certain pace which just happens to be faster than the pace you were aiming to run a 10k in found but found too difficult and had to reassess how fast you will be able to complete said 10k, you will not magically be able to run the 5k at this pace.
2) If you wake up feeling lethargic and bloated, it won't help either.
4) Despite losing 14lb, and training somewhat regularly, you will only knock 1 second off the PR you set over a year ago.
5) After running you'll end up with phlegm in your lungs so that whenever you laugh you sound like a 65 year-old woman who's smoked 40 a day since age 14 for a good few hours afterwards. (Seriously, lungs, WTF?)
So I finished the race in 25:30, deducting the time it took to get over the finish line. I couldn't keep up with my mate who was pacing a 24 minute 5k from the word go. I was really hoping to finish in under 25 minutes at least, but I just didn't have the energy to sprint at the end.
I was talking the race over with my partner Mr Scientist, and he made a very pertinent observation which lifted my spirits a lot when he pointed out that consistency is a good thing. Finishing a race in a similar time isn't as good as finishing it quicker, but it isn't worse either.
I've had to reassess my goal for the 10k. I have 9 weeks and I'm going to aim for a sub-hour 10k. After that I'm going to train for a sub-25 minute 5k, and I will achieve it.... eventually.
Well done on the race. I know you didn't make the time you want - but I think Mr Scientist is right, consistency is better than getting worse. I'm sure that when you get down to training for another 5k you will be able to knock that little 30 seconds off your time ... at least!
ReplyDeleteI really hope so!
ReplyDeleteHooray! Good for you. Well done on the 5K, I am going to try one of those soon, and then start planning a 10K. Although in the past I used to aim for longer distances I'm starting to think that sticking to shorter runs but with ambitions for faster times is probably the way to go.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you!
I like what Mr Scientist said. Very sensible! To he honest though it sounds like you weren't at your best today anyway. It's not just training that brings PRs -- the other stuff (like weather, fuelling, non-bloatedness!) has to go right on the day too. I bet you have a sub-25 in you easy, you've just got to wait for things to fall into place.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the 10k training!
Athena - Short runs are good because you can whip through the training and them quickly. Did you just start off aiming for marathons and half-marathons? I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteAlison - I hope I do have a sub-25 in me, I just need to get in the right headspace to push for it. Thanks for the good vibes. :)