Week 5 Run 2: Another PB!

Went to the new ParkRun again today, for the first 'official' one. After last week's 'PB', I wanted to try and match the time. Because last week was a test run, a few of us took a wrong turning (due to a missing sign!), which ended up being a bit of a shortcut, but then we sort of doubled up on ourselves. The point being that I couldn't be 100% sure whether I'd actually run 5km - it could have been a bit over or under. So this week, (following the directions properly!) I wanted to make sure that I actually had improved on my PB.

I started off quite quickly, but managed to maintain that pace for the first lap (of the two lap course), wo I ran that in 14:50 - on target for the PB. I slowed down a bit on the second lap, but kept making a conscious effort to up my pace (it seems so natural to slow down a bit, and sometimes I find this happens almost without realising it). I hadn't started my HRm at exactly the right time, so had to wait for the official results to come through on email.

Before last weeks unofficial PB, my 5km PB stood at 31:52, last week's time was 31:18 and today's time was (drumroll please!) 30:10!

I'm so pleased - almost 110 seconds off my PB, the first sub-10 minute mile race I've ever run and I now I know that a sub-30 time is well within my reach! :D

I also got a free Nite Vision reflective bib as it was the first race - which was a nice surprise at the end. :)

Length: 3.1 miles/3.1 miles
Time: 30:10
Pace: 9:42 min/mile

Week 4 Run 2: 5km PB! :)

I sometimes go to Basingstoke Parkrun, which is the closest to me, although still a 15/20 minute drive away. I think Parkrun's are brilliant. For anyone who doesn't know what they are, they're a free, weekly timed 5km. They're becoming increasingly popular, with new ones opening all the time. See their website to find one near you, www.parkrun.org.uk.

I was therefore quite excited to hear that a couple of people from my running club were setting up a new one, much closer to home. It officially launches next week, but this week was a trial run, where around 15 people from the club ran the course to ensure that the directions were clear (which they mostly were!) and that the time recording equipment worked.

I hadn't run 5km distance for some time - I've been too busy focusing on running further and further! I started off a bit too quickly, but didn't stop to walk and maintained a good pace throughout. My unofficial time (according to my HRM) was 31:18, which is 34 seconds quicker than my previous 5km PB! :D So close to a sub 10 minute mile pace as well - next time!

I've just entered Cancer Research's Race For Life, which was my first race. Its not until June, but I'd love to get an sub-30minute time for it, so after Bath Half, I think that will be my new focus. :)

Length: 3.1 miles/3.1 miles
Time: 31:18
Pace: 10:04 min/mile