Finally broke a new running pace record, but still a long way to go!

in running •  7 years ago 

I've been stuck for a while on my running pace, I was started to get worried I would never break a 6 minute kilometer again. I know this pace probably isn't worth righting home about and my goal is to eventually get my 5k time down to 25 mins. That would set a new personal best. When I was running a few years ago, I was usually able to fluctuate around the 5min and 30seconds/km pace and my old personal best is 5:12/km over 5 km.


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Not me, I look more like this guy after a run!

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It's a bit cold here recently.

Anyways I'm in this steem fitness contest I'm hosting and my goal is to run a 5:30min/km pace over 5km by the 4th of March, so I'm really starting to get nervous. I figured I need to change it up, so I tried running without my voice feedback, thinking that it was working against me, and sure enough that seamed to help.

I think the next step is going to be to run with a partner. I know that competition is highly motivating for me, and it the past many of my best times were with a partner. It's amazing just how psychological running can be. It's really about pushing through the walls in your own mind.

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In fact look at this my last 5km was actually my third best split time for this run. Although I was also running down hill!

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I wonder how good it would have been if I wasn't climbing up hill for most of the 15-20minute mark, that seamed to really kill the pace so I also think it may help to find a slightly different route as well to help change it up.

The other thing I did on this run was change up the music I was listening too, generally I just listen to my country play list but this isn't really pump you kinda stuff and my wife suggested some Heavy Metal. Don't tell @crimsonclad or the rest of the full-force Thursday fans, but I don't really know much metal. (PS if you don't know it's an awesome fun, heavy metal show on MSP-Waves Radio on Thursday night.) Well actually all I knew on the top of my head was Halestorm, (mostly because she sang on Lindsey Stirling's "Shatter Me") maybe it's even super embarrassing admitting that here, but I pumped some of that while I ran, Maybe it helped too, but maybe next time I'll need something even heavier. (any suggestions)


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Either way 5:51 is a new personal best in the last couple years, since I've taken some time away from running. I'm feeling a bit better, but also still quite worried about shaving off another 21 seconds/km or a full 2 mins and 5 seconds over the entire 5km in the 6 weeks!

This is where I ask if anyone has any other advice for pushing out that last little bit over the next 6 weeks?

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Halestorm's an excellent choice for music while running. Some track suggestions below:

I've got a better one: Machinehead. "Ghosts will Haunt my Bones" is fucking amazing exercising music.

Another great band to run to is "In This Moment" - I suggest the tracks "Blazin' ", and "Ashes".

Stuff this comment, I'm gonna turn it into a post for you - I need to make myself a metal "running" playlist - I've been meaning to for quite some time!

And here it is for you, mate:

https://steemit.com/running/@holoz0r/a-30-minute-heavy-metal-and-hard-rock-running-playlist

Upvoting my own comment for visibility... lol

Awesome man, I'm gonna give it a try soon, we'll see if I'm up to it today

Happy to hear you're finally able to break your own record. However, my advice, from experience, is that you do not push your body beyond what it can take, especially if you're not running for professional reasons. If it's just for personal fitness, let the body enjoy the bit it can give.

Yeah, that's probably good advice too, i have a competitive mindset and have a few personal goals to knock off.

Congrats man!! Awesome work. Competing is helping me stay super motivated. Need to time a run this week to see if all the sports are paying off. Next six week should be huge.

I'm sure they will be, I think the cardio really improves from those high intensity burst from alot of sports.

Congrats on the new person record! I’m not a runner so I don’t have any specific advice but I think it’s really cool what you are doin.

Thanks man, It was time to finally get back in shape.

Keep it up man! There is no substitute for hard work and it looks like you're doing it! One thing that might help your distance running is doing sprints at least once a week. That has helped my endurance before. What I did was sprint across a football field as fast as I could, catch my breath, then sprint back. Just keep doing that until you feel like puking. You'll kill it on your next 5k.

Thanks, I did do that a few weeks ago actually and have heard that advice before. I'll have to give it another go, the parking lots across the street is great for that when the side walks aren't clear.

That's a great pace! It makes me want to get back into shape! I miss those days of being able to run for what felt like eternity before getting tired!

Keep it up!

You strike me as a runner man, I feel like your pretty tall and slender from the photos. I'm alot harder and as short plump guy...lol.

I ran throughout middle school and then got so tied up with basketball! That’s the first time I’ve ever been called tall in my life! I’m only 5 ft. 8 in.! Haha

Well you tricked me! I thought you were tall in the photos that about the same as me, although I always lie and say 5'10' but I also wear heels ;)

I will give myself an inch or two as well on occasion. 5’ 10” does sound better though!

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Keep working hard it's paying off :)

nice post please vote my comment, because your vote is very valuable to me

Making good progress mate. Nice lashes!! That beard is probably adding a minute to your time too!!

Yeah, it could certainly be slowing me down

Excellent fitness, very good health, great post, thanks for sharing

I believe you can do better.

Great goals.
Congrats

Steady, determined, patients, all these are the things that helped you achieve this... I am motivated and inspired to endure and achieve my goals.. Thanks for this awesome post @phelimint

nobody knows better than yourself on how to improve.
keep doing what you enjoy.

Haha your picture made me lol in my office. What is this contest and can I be part of it? And you are doing great, no doubt you will pull off 5:30min/km pace over 5km by the 4th of March!!

I certainly hope I can.
Here's one of the last full contest recaps, you can probably find more details in some older posts too, there's still time to get involved.
https://steemit.com/fitnesschallenge/@phelimint/steem-fitness-challenge-update

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That is great!
I never did find a heart rate monitor so I didnt join your challenge. I am down 12lbs though and have started running on my treadmill every other day.
Sometimes just straight running wont improve your pace. You may have to spend some days running faster for shorter distances (say 1 km) and then slow that pace down for a couple minutes and then run at the faster rate again for the same distance. This will be more of a speed work out and can compliment your distance work outs.

Thanks man, I have heard some similar advice in the past, it's time to put it into action. Sounds like your really doing great man, those are some impressive losses.

I used to run Division I track and field. I was a sprinter though so distance isn't my specialty. Speed concepts are similar though. If you are training for a 400 you may do between 5 and 10 runs of 250m or 300m at a faster pace.

Cool, I'm on it! Gotta make that pace by next month.

Oh man, I really admire you. Even in my best shape I could never run far OR fast! Your dedication is amazing. Seriously! I was starting to get nervous about this contest as well and then things finally started working better for me and my own goals.

I wish you the best of luck!

Yeah, it can certainly plateau at times. It's funny for like 30 years, I hated running, every jog in the army was pure torture and I would go one and one about how "I'm not built for running" or whatever. Then for some reason (a girl) I gave it a honest try and I've been really into it (on and off) for the last 5 years, but I do have some long term running goals.

Ahhhh.. a GIRL. Now I see. I guess I need to meet new people who are more inspired and motivated to exercise! :)

Great job man. Keep up the great work. I ran the other time for the first day and I wasn’t anywhere near that pace. I might have to come out to find a pace.

I think u didn't shave off anything, by the looks of that beard :P
Well done man!