My 2nd blog is being written at the end of GNR training week 4, and, unlike previous weeks, it didn’t end with a long run. Instead, my aim was to complete a 10k in a target time of 53mins.
Although I could have entered the Great North 10k, I was struggling to commensurate the cost of the race with the enjoyment of running it (having prior knowledge of running it in 2011). After a quick head-scratch, I googled the Saltwell 10k road race and found a route which I adapted slightly so that I started on Durham Road, turned left down Bensham Bank, headed straight along the Team Valley then went back up past Joseph Swan School.
Although I could have entered the Great North 10k, I was struggling to commensurate the cost of the race with the enjoyment of running it (having prior knowledge of running it in 2011). After a quick head-scratch, I googled the Saltwell 10k road race and found a route which I adapted slightly so that I started on Durham Road, turned left down Bensham Bank, headed straight along the Team Valley then went back up past Joseph Swan School.
My 10k started at a good, steady speed and I surprised myself at how relaxed I felt at roughly an 8.30 min mile pace. I took advantage of the decline by picking up my speed, but as soon as I turned onto the Team Valley I could feel my breathing becoming heavier, and keeping below 9min miles was a real concerted effort. I also noticed how much you miss water stations when you’re running by yourself!
It was a tough training run, as well as pushing myself to keep up the pace, there was also wind and humidity to contend with, not to mention traffic dodging! I completed it in 54:46, which works out at an average of 8.50 min miles, not quite what was expected from my training plan, but it’s only week 4 and hopefully it’s a time I can improve upon.
Other running this week included a steady 6 miles on Tuesday morning, 6 miles of speedwork on Thursday morning and 5 miles on Saturday with 3 miles of fartlek as part of that run.
As with most of my running, there were a lot of hills involved, such is the consequence of living on a slope that goes down into a valley. This adds an extra layer of difficulty even into those runs that are meant to be slow and steady, although I’m hoping that fartleking around the Gateshead parkrun course will make it easier when I try it again properly.
Looking ahead at week 5, the speedwork gets tougher, my steady run becomes longer and I’ve got some hill training to do, as well a longer run as the week draws to an end. Although, this will all be made slightly easier with the addition of a proper sports watch (GPS ‘n all…oooh!). Yes, I’m trading in my Nike sportsband for a Nike+ GPS sports watch, meaning I will no longer have to toggle between screens to see either, pace, miles or time…I can see them all at once, hooray!
So onwards and upwards with week 5, my training seems to be on track, and without wanting to tempt fate, I feel like I might just be able to do this! Will report again after the completion of week 5…happy running!
Erin
P.S I’m relatively new to this running malarkey, so any handy hints or tips would be greatly appreciated!
It was a tough training run, as well as pushing myself to keep up the pace, there was also wind and humidity to contend with, not to mention traffic dodging! I completed it in 54:46, which works out at an average of 8.50 min miles, not quite what was expected from my training plan, but it’s only week 4 and hopefully it’s a time I can improve upon.
Other running this week included a steady 6 miles on Tuesday morning, 6 miles of speedwork on Thursday morning and 5 miles on Saturday with 3 miles of fartlek as part of that run.
As with most of my running, there were a lot of hills involved, such is the consequence of living on a slope that goes down into a valley. This adds an extra layer of difficulty even into those runs that are meant to be slow and steady, although I’m hoping that fartleking around the Gateshead parkrun course will make it easier when I try it again properly.
Looking ahead at week 5, the speedwork gets tougher, my steady run becomes longer and I’ve got some hill training to do, as well a longer run as the week draws to an end. Although, this will all be made slightly easier with the addition of a proper sports watch (GPS ‘n all…oooh!). Yes, I’m trading in my Nike sportsband for a Nike+ GPS sports watch, meaning I will no longer have to toggle between screens to see either, pace, miles or time…I can see them all at once, hooray!
So onwards and upwards with week 5, my training seems to be on track, and without wanting to tempt fate, I feel like I might just be able to do this! Will report again after the completion of week 5…happy running!
Erin
P.S I’m relatively new to this running malarkey, so any handy hints or tips would be greatly appreciated!