Parkrun PB 🏅

Yesterday, I bagged another Parkrun PB with a massive 30-second improvement! That’s a big jump for a 5k. I’m also really pleased that my heart rate stayed low right until the very end.

I started doing Parkrun's back in 2019 after following the Couch to 5k programme. On my first run, my only goal was to run without stopping, and I wasn’t too fussed about the time. I finished in 35:24. That year, I only managed 3 Parkruns – in May, June, and October – and didn’t return until after Covid in June 2022, when I ran 38:05. Clearly, the lockdowns had taken their toll on my fitness. By the end of 2022, I’d improved to 33:50.

In spring 2023, I decided to work with a running coach (@therunningandmovementhub), and I’ve been getting stronger and stronger with steady improvements every year. It’s been a tough journey, and I’ve definitely put in the effort – running doesn’t come naturally to me. Because it’s often such a struggle, I’ve never felt I could call myself a runner.

But you know what? I am a runner. I might not be the fastest, but I’m out there, improving every time, and that’s what matters. If you’re putting in the effort and making progress, you’re doing brilliantly. Let’s keep going! 💪

#Parkrun #ParkrunPB #Running #Couchto5K #Covid #Running and Movement Hub

Hill Repeats

Last week I was doing speed intervals on the flat, today I've been doing hill repeats. After a warm up and an easy jog I arrived at my hill (see photo). Starting about half way up, I had to run for 30 seconds up as fast as possible and then walk back down for a minute, repeating that 10 times. Not so long ago I couldn't have run up a hill at all, so I was pleased to find that I could actually sprint up a hill. I'm not saying it was easy, I was tired at the end of it and glad to get it over with, but I still managed an easy 10 minute cool down jog afterwards. My heart rate which is always high wasn't too bad considering what I was doing, with a max of 183bpm (I can get it up to low 190's doing a Parkrun!). My legs were definitely the weakest link.

#firelighter #fitness #heartrate #parkrun #running #training #hillrepeats #sprinting #runningandmovementhub #coach #speedintervals

Getting help

I realised I needed some help if I was to complete the Firelighter challenge so I've enlisted the help of a running coach who was recommended to me by my sister in law. First task was to analyse my running and walking style - that's me on the treadmill below. Although I wasn't too bad, I need to work on my arm drive, contralateral hip drop, overstride, posture and eventually leg cycle and heel height. There is a such a lot to learn! I also now have a new 20 week plan that I access through the Training Peaks app which will take me up to the race day on 1st September. The plan involves training 6 days per week and compared to my original plan, has less running and more cross-training, strengthening, mobility exercises, stretching and even some walking. Rachael, my coach at the Running and Movement Hub is also my accountability partner which will really help to keep me focused. I'm only a week into the new programme and I'm already feeling the benefits and enjoying the process more. It's still hard work and time consuming though and the workload will increase as the weeks go by.

"When the student is ready the teacher will appear"

 

#Firelighter #Anglesey #over50 #running #trainingpeaks #runningandmovementhub #challenge