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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:
Runningonempty84 · 07/12/2019 12:17

How are you getting on OP?

Cantbearsed73 · 08/12/2019 08:24

I haven't been out for ages. Life getting in the way. Really hope to get out today .

Skinnychip · 08/12/2019 08:31

Being short shouldn't put you off - I bet the speedy kids are as short as you or shorter!! I am just under 5ft and I think it is potentially a disadvantage for sprinting but I have been 1st lady at parkrun before and got some decent times. Struggling with motivation at the moment though!

Runningonempty84 · 08/12/2019 09:44

Most pro runners are very short (obvious tall exceptions like Eilish McColgan aside). Have you ever seen Mary Keitany etc in person? One year I spectated at the Great North Run, rather than running it, and couldn't believe how tiny they are.

CalmConfident · 08/12/2019 10:11

Hey @Brimful how is your weekend going?

Original poster
Brimful · 08/12/2019 10:41

Hi all!

I managed 8k in 57 mins in the week, did a 3k in just under 20 mins and my Parkrun yesterday was a teeny bit slower than last time but I did have to stop to tie a shoe lace!

I've just treated myself to a Garmin 235 to help track my pace and motivate me to keep going. Really appreciate the advice and support here, you guys are great.

OP posts:
Stegosaurus1990 · 08/12/2019 10:55

Fantastic OP!

Im a short arse too.

CalmConfident · 08/12/2019 10:56

Brilliant!!

Ludways · 08/12/2019 11:13

In short, to get faster you need to practice running faster, something people often forget, people work on stamina but that's not the only part of training. So like others have said interval and hard sprint will help.

Ludways · 08/12/2019 11:15

Sorry, missed the update. All in hand then, well done

Original poster
Brimful · 17/12/2019 08:51

Just wanted to pop in and say I have a new Parkrun PB! 31.20, after just a couple of weeks implementing longer, slow runs (5-6 miles) and speed intervals with sprints over 3k. I've been learning about running form, too. It is working! I'd love to run more but I'm heeding the advice to add milage slowly.

Hoping I can finally break sub-30 in 2020 Xmas Grin.

OP posts:
Runningonempty84 · 17/12/2019 20:21

That's absolutely fantastic, OP! Sub 30 by the New Year, and sub-25 in 2020 Grin

Original poster
Brimful · 18/12/2019 15:15

Sub 30 by the New Year, and sub-25 in 2020

I can dream!! Xmas Grin

OP posts:
CalmConfident · 30/12/2019 10:01

Anyone running on New Year’s Day? Did you managed to get to a parkrun over the festive break?

CalmConfident · 30/12/2019 10:02

Sub 30 in 2020 is my goal too!!! A fab new PB @Brimful you are smashing it

Original poster
Brimful · 30/12/2019 14:53

Hi Calm - I managed a Xmas Day Parkrun! It was so, so busy though, no chance of a PB. I've upped my mileage and I'm doing 25km a week now, but my 5k best is still over 31 mins - do you need to knock many seconds off for a sub-30?

I'm trying to be patient with myself and not get too frustrated - we will do it!

OP posts:
iwonttaketheeasyroad · 31/12/2019 09:44

@CalmConfident I'm running on New Year's Day will be first park run in months and after a chest infection but I will walk it if I have too.

Anyone else?

Runningonempty84 · 31/12/2019 10:52

Yep, I'm running a NYD parkrun. Plan is to extend it into a long run of 20-ish miles with the parkrun in the middle.

werekitty · 31/12/2019 17:50

Planning on doing a double parkrun and my aim for 2020 is to a 25 minute, at the moment my best is 26.15

CalmConfident · 31/12/2019 23:53

I am token scanning tomorrow ! Enjoy your NYD walks and runs xxx

FusionChefGeoff · 01/01/2020 01:24

Would it help to try to break the barrier on a different ie flatter / downhill stretch first do you think?? All my PBs come from new, better routes but then I rarely do exactly the same route twice!

Original poster
Brimful · 01/01/2020 10:26

I hope everyone doing Parkrun enjoyed themselves!

I went out this morning for a 5k feeling great, strong, fresh, and I pushed myself as much as I could; I felt really fast, good pace - but was totally gutted to see I'd managed just 32.40.

I was so hoping to get a PB. I've put in lots of training and feel I'm getting nowhere.

I'll just sob in the corner. :( I hate not being good at this.

OP posts:
CalmConfident · 01/01/2020 11:13

Do not be disheartened !!

It is not a race :) So many things affect a run - the speed will come, just keep going with training and enjoy the feeling of getting stronger :)

You are great at this, banish that negative self talk right now ! Smile

MGC31 · 01/01/2020 13:08

Perhaps consider seeing a running specialist who can analyse your gait, running position, stride length and pattern etc and offer recommendations to help improve?

CalamityJune · 01/01/2020 14:04

Well done OP, keep going!!

I'm 6m pregnant with dodgy hips at the moment but so jealous of all you runners. Can't wait to start C25k again once the baby comes. Til then i will live vicariously through Mumsnet running threads Grin

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