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Original poster

Can I ever get any faster?

101 replies

Brimful · 25/11/2019 08:46

I run jog Parkrun every week and will try and get a mid-week run done of 3-5k too.

My fastest 5k is 31.10 but I'm running an average of 34.30 at the moment.

I'm very short, mid-30s, BMI 24 and wondered if I'm naturally not built to be any faster? But I see kids at Parkrun smashing it and think I'm making excuses!

After Googling for advice I'm more confused.

Please, be brutal - do I need to do a lot more running in the week? Longer distances or shorter but faster?!

My absolute dream is a sub-30 5k.

Help! Confused

OP posts:
GreyTS · 30/11/2019 13:27

Well done 👍 that is so awesome taking minutes off a run in a week. Stick with the speedwork, I do mine with a club every Monday (easier with company I find) and I've gone from a fairly respectable 27 min 5k to a 22, and from a 53 min 10k to a 48 min and I'm in my 40's. It's definitely the interval training and sprints that do the job....keep on keeping on and you will amaze yourself

Runningonempty84 · 30/11/2019 17:00

Wow OP, that's amazing!!! Hope you're feeling proud of yourself. And make sure you enjoy those massive gains while you can - you've taken more off your PB in a week than I have in two years; and chances are I'll never knock two full minutes off again!!

SeaSidePebbles · 30/11/2019 17:11

@Brimful, that’s amazing! So chuffed for you!

CalmConfident · 01/12/2019 22:35

Fabulous, you are inspiring me to run in the week!!!!

anothernamejeeves · 01/12/2019 22:38

Bloody hell i was thinking the same earlier but my time is 40 mins and I am struggling so much to get it down 😓id love to be in your trainers!

SeaSidePebbles · 01/12/2019 22:48

@anothernamejeeves I started the year with 40 min. I’m now on 34 min. Didn’t even try to be faster, I just sort of got used to it.

CalmConfident · 02/12/2019 08:19

Ok...thanks to this thread I am off out for a run !

Stegosaurus1990 · 02/12/2019 08:21

Interval training will help you increase your pace.

Original poster
Brimful · 02/12/2019 09:01

Thanks everyone! The thread has really helped, knowing it's about training and effort and not just natural ability has unlocked a bit more confidence in me, that must be part of it too.

I love the idea of a running diary, I'm going to do that, thanks Shooby.

CalmConfident, hope you have a great run! Grin

OP posts:
Stegosaurus1990 · 02/12/2019 09:16

Have you got Strava? That would be more useful (and provide more feedback) than a diary.

MsMartini · 02/12/2019 11:39

I love Strava. You can add a comment to remind yourself how you found it and why.

Original poster
Brimful · 02/12/2019 13:08

I use Runkeeper. But I think keeping a written diary really appeals to me, the Runkeeper is fine for approx. data/times but doesn't give me the 'why' as such!

OP posts:
CalmConfident · 02/12/2019 15:14

Thank you @Brimful I had a fab run. Crisp and frosty Smile

Can I ever get any faster?
Can I ever get any faster?
Original poster
Brimful · 02/12/2019 17:07

I'm so envious of your run scenery! Wow! Well done, they say one winter runs are worth two summer runs. Xmas Grin

I'll try for an 8k tomorrow!

OP posts:
CalmConfident · 02/12/2019 19:06

It is right next to a dual carriageway :)

CalmConfident · 02/12/2019 19:07

Hope you enjoy the 8k tomorrow! The good part was the muddy bits were frozen so my trainers stayed clean Grin

hopefulhalf · 02/12/2019 19:28

I read something recently (about breaking the 60 min 10k), that suggested one of each long, easy and fast. I am trying to stick to that. Sunday is my long slow run did 15k in 100 mins on sunday...

CalmConfident · 06/12/2019 18:32

Everyone running tomorrow??

Stegosaurus1990 · 06/12/2019 19:18

Of course! Did 5mi Monday, 11 Thursday, park run for me tomorrow!

SeaSidePebbles · 06/12/2019 22:16

Yup!

swampytiggaa · 07/12/2019 09:59

I’m at work 😢

SeaSidePebbles · 07/12/2019 10:28

I think I got a PB, not sure, but I did sprint 2 out of 3 laps this time.

CalmConfident · 07/12/2019 10:32

Visited a new parkrun this morning, felt good awaiting results!

CalmConfident · 07/12/2019 11:13

32.20, pleased with that as there were hills at the end :)

Runningonempty84 · 07/12/2019 12:16

Steady Parkrun for me this morning as was on pacing duty. 24 mins, and really enjoyed it. Always very lovely to push people to their own goals Smile