'Get out what you put in'

‘Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out what you put into it’

This week I had two of targets:

1. Practise pacing a 5k at 30 minutes ready for 22^nd November

2. Aim for a sub 25 minute Parkrun on Saturday

Tuesday was the start of my running week and I headed out in the evening aiming for a 5k as close as I could get to 30 minutes. I had figured that I needed to stick between 9.40- 9.50 for each mile.

My first mile came in at 10.08! My shins were sore despite a days rest after an 8 miler and I was struggling to settle as I kept checking my watch for pace. I brought the second mile down to 9.51 and the third at 9.29. Although there was good progression, it wasn’t even or quick enough; I finished the 5k at 30.44. So frustrating! Paul Bowes (Shrewsbury Parkrun guru) reassured me this was ok and not to worry about it. Turns out this challenge may have brought the perfectionist out in me; I was so wound up that I even considered heading out again for a second attempt! I concluded to wait until the following morning and try again when it was light.

Wednesday morning arrived and with a day off work and Isabella at nursery, Lee and I headed out together to give the pacing another go. We decided to go for a slightly quicker pace around 9.30 to give plenty of time for the last .11 mile. I was a lot more comfortable and the pace consistent. We finished the 5k in 29.57! I was so pleased and this has given me confidence for the 22^nd!

Thursday night after work, I headed out with the rucksack and managed a steady 3 miles, no leg pain! It appears that my unintentional 3 day run streak had really helped, it was good to have kept to a slower pace and just enjoy it.

Skipping a run on Friday to rest my legs for Parkrun, Saturday arrived and Lee and I did a steady mile to the Quarry as a warm up. I actually felt nervous for the first time ever! I knew I would be gutted if I didn’t beat my last PB.

I managed to get a good position near the front of all the runners. As the timer starts from the claxon, I knew I had lost a good few seconds last time because of this. Setting off I got pulled along as everyone sprinted off the line. Heading down the hill I used it to get some speed up. I completed my first mile in 7.24! I was aiming for 8mm so this was really quick and also a mile pb. I knew this could either make or break my pb attempt so I tried to keep up my pace as I best I could. My second mile came in at 8.04; it was slower but I calculated that if I kept it up I would still be on course for a good time.

Halfway into the third mile, Lee caught me up with Isabella in the pram and kept me going despite my legs complaining they had had enough! As my watch buzzed for the third mile I kicked up my pace for a sprint finish giving everything I had until I crossed the line stopping my watch at 24.11! A new pb by nearly a minute!

‘Charlotte, your time in position 83 today at Shrewsbury parkrun was 24.11. Well done on a new PB’

I am over the moon at my new PB and I have learnt this week that it isn’t all about being fast, the slower miles count just as much for a successful run. Now for a steady few weeks before a sub 24 attempt….

Remember next week is pacing week at Shrewsbury Parkrun (22^nd November).

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