Running

I've followed you

Anyone doing the Hackney half?

Yes Oli I am doing it. Do you have a target time in mind? I think I am going to try for 1:50 or 1:55.

I'm doing it, as is Otters. Old school polo crew representing!

First Parkrun in a while tomorrow. I'm not fussed about a time right now, but want to get my head in the 5k game again in prep for the official 5k race I have for the start of June. I think I'll have a laugh and try this method:

I find the best way to run a 5K is to go out fast and try and hold on to it, you'd be surprised how long you can hold it for.

Any recommendations of shop in London to buy shoes from?

I've been told about: https://www.runandbecome.com/

Currently running once or twice a week in 8 years old Nike shoes ...

I find the best way to run a 5K is to go out fast and try and hold on to it, you'd be surprised how long you can hold it for.

This is why 5k is such a savage distance - if you aren't absolutely murdering yourself you are doing it wrong!

^ this. It should not be fun. (Edit... until after)

W.r.t. going off fast on 5kms & xc I find getting ahead of folks works as headology as I then know they've got to run faster / work harder to get back ahead unless i fall apart. It's a very fine line to tread though.

Running is the new bike polo?

Andy do you or Iain have a time in mind too?

Also the running works near spitalfields

Good shout, also larger outlets of Runners Need. Generally anywhere that sells a good range and isn't biased towards a particular manufacturer. This is a vague nod to Sweatshop, which depending on the quality of assistant you get may try to sell you some Karrimor shoes and/or unnecessary insoles. I bought my last pair of shoes in Sweatshop but only after I'd whittled the choices down to 3/4 specific shoes and made a decision purely based on comfort after trying on. (To be fair they didn't try to sell me any Karrimor products or insoles, but I did get a discount voucher for the insoles to redeem at the marathon expo!)

If possible, visit the shop when it's not peak time. You're more likely to get someone willing to spend some time allowing you to try on 4, 5 or 6 different pairs of shoes. Don't look for a bargain for the sake of a bargain. Comfort is key! You might pay a slight premium for buying in store but if they sort you out with something you like you can look out for subsequent pairs going cheap online.

Also, if you get on well with the shoes after a couple of hundred miles, buy a couple more pairs before they discontinue/change them!

I need to get off my lazy arse and go for a gentle run (since I have parkrun tomorrow).

[EDIT] I got off my arse and went for a run. Only 25 mins but better than nothing, and I'm cycling home in a bit anyway.

Thanks, makes complete sense and that was my approach. Happy to pay the premium in that case as I think the service is super valuable and I don't know what I'm doing.

I'll be pretty happy with 1:40.

look out for the Eton Manor manned water station at mile 11.

shout Up The Manor and get rewarded with a big cheer

whoop! I came in just under 50 mins for the 10km today. I am pretty happy.

when I got to the finish line around 48 mins, it said I still had another 500 metres to go on my watch so I ran that. But I finished way ahead of the 50 minute pacer guy, so I'll see what the official time says.

Boom!
Good work.

First Parkrun in a while tomorrow

19:05 - a 30sec PB. Much better than I was expecting!

What pacing strategy did you trial?

I'm going to try this 'go off fast strategy' this evening. I tried it the other week at assembly league but then got caught up I thinking about it data and not simply running. Timer on the watch and a proper race today on the streets of Ipswich.

Just went to Run & Become and awesome service, would definitely recommend.

Bought a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 which felt super comfy

Haha! Official results came in, I got 47:35 for the 10 km! I am really happy about that. I really hope the course was actually 10 km. Looking at my strava map route lines they aren't along the Southwark park paths properly at all, so I'm guessing the race organisers did their homework.

well done, Kev! sub 45 next

What pacing strategy did you trial?

Started fast and hoped I could hang on. Can go sub-19 next week with a better warmup and less clothing for sure.

That’s very quick, well done.