aargh - came 2nd last in my 1st 10k in over 3 years yesterday.

i only started running again a few months ago, and am doing a half marathon in September. i have been training at 12 minute miles, but did the 10k in 11.40s, but was so far behind everyone! it was awful! feel so demotivated today.

i was quite happy running 12 minute miles, and thats what i aim to do the half marathon in, but now i am worried i am going way too slow and should try and speed up my runs over the next 4 / 5 weeks?

Alex.

I don't mean to upset you Alex but, when I was training dogs for racing, I used to WALK them at 12 minute mile pace. So the answer to you r question is YES, you definitely need to work on your speed over the next few weeks. I ran a half marathon in Cumbria last weekend with 1,500ft of ascent in it and still managed 8.22 pace - and I'm 75 for goodness sake. So set your sights a bit higher. Stop wishing and start WILLING.
Cheers!

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Give me the hills!

It sounds like a fast 10k if you did that speed and were trailing behind. Maybe try a bigger race for your next one, so there is a greater spread of speeds? I did my first 10k in May in one hour 16 mins, which is slower than 12 min miles and was nowhere near last.

Dont be disheartened, you may be slow but you are still doing a damn sight better than all the lazy gits that never get off the sofa.

Keep at it...and welcome to the forum

RF! That's a bit harsh.

Welcome to the forum Alex.

Don't worry and don't be too hard on yourself, with time your speeds will come down, perhaps try one speed run a week, for instance 3 mile run with a 1/2 mile warm up and 1/2 mile warm down and pick up the pace in the middle and try and maintain it.

TT

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run.
Bird in Boots Oh what have I done FLM09

I agree Goslow, a bit harsh from RF!

Try and use the run as motivation for the half and beyond, if you can keep the same pace for 13.1 miles you'll be doing fine. Keep setting yourself small milestones to beat and you'll get quicker step by step, and I'd avoid really small runs too as they are usually fully of 24/7 runners which can be intimidating.

Sorry GoSlow (and Plodding Along Alex), but I honestly think you young 'uns ought to be running rings round the likes of me - and COULD do if only you programmed your minds accordingly. I regard myself as THE NORM and think anyone of my age OUGHT to be able to run or perform some other exercise with as much gusto as me - and young 'uns ought to be able to do it better and faster. Our bodies are constructed more or less the same and should function in similar ways. Running is the most natural of all exercises, though some are built more for sprinting than long or middle distances. I couldn't run until I was 54 years old - because my MIND never got into running mode. When, due to circumstances, I re-programmed it to get some exercise as an alternative to work, I discovered I could move pretty fast. So if you want to run faster and race better, you've first of all got to THINK it. And that means setting your sights on something a little better than 12-minute mile pace - gradually reducing it to 11, 10, 9 or maybe sub-6 minute mile pace. Stop thinking 'I wish' and change it to 'I will'. To be able to run freely and naturally is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. It's worth thinking about!
Cheers!

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Give me the hills!

RF - Love it !!, I like reading these sort of messages from you mate, I think you should write a motivational book

RF - the thought of running that fast for makes me feel a bit sick!!

Seriously, thanks for all your responses. i know i am not pushing myself with the speed side of things as i have been concentrating on distance, but i didnt realise how slow 12 minute miles was. i am up to 8 miles "relatively" comfortably just now and dont think i could do that without stopping if i sped up.

Its only 4.5 weeks until the half, think i have left it too late for this one, but once its over going to drop the miles back and try and speed up!!

Cheers

Alex

Thanks Granty, I only said it 'cos I meant it! Jerry Lynch and Warren Scott have already written a motivational type book called 'Running Within'. It might be in your local library. Not that it made me run any faster. Running in the 'Lowther Trail' last Friday, high on the fell with Ullswater below and all the Lake hills spread out in front of, that's all the motivation I need.
Cheers!

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Give me the hills!

To be fair, RF, I am not sure you are the "norm" and I mean that in the nicest possible way. You are an exceptionally talented runner who just didn’t happen to discover that was the case until you were a little older than some of us young 'uns

Yes, I think it's good to set your sights high, but not if it means you become dispirited when you can't meet those targets whether that is through a lack of natural ability, time, training or whatever. It's good to have goals but I think a certain amount of realism is required. I have gone from 12 min miles to 10:30 min miles in three months and am proud of that achievement…even if it is slow by some standards. I would like to do a sub 60 10k by the end of this year, which may sound slow to you but most people I know (and I would have included myself in that just six months ago) couldn’t run six miles at ANY pace. We are all different, with different abilities and shouldn’t beat ourselves up about it.

And at the end of the day the main thing we are all agreed on is to get out there and enjoy it!

don't be disheartened at least you are out there having a go.
I ran my first half in May and it took me 3hrs but i put in 100% effort and got a huge cheer at the end and felt good .
Last month i did a 6mile off road and came last (only just) but got a cannon printer/scanner in recognition of my effort, everyone was really jealous and again i felt i had done my best.
We can't all be the fastest but as long as you feel you are giving 100% no-one (RF) can ask for more.
good luck and keep you spirits up and mostly keep enjoying the running.

Somebody has to be last in anything.
Don't worry, just think of all the improving you have in front of you!

Well, i managed an 8 mile on friday night, ( in 12 minute miles ) and have a 9 to do this weekend.

Only 2 weekends until the half - hope my muscles hold out!!

Alex.

Hi alex,
it's good that you're sticking at it and getting the miles under your belt with training. Just concentrate on getting yourself round the half marathon rather than your finishing time, just enjoy it - to run 13.1 miles is an achievement, no end. . You've got the rest of your life to gradually increase your speed. I know I'll never be a really fast runner, so I don't try to kill myself in races, I just enjoy it and give it my best shot and hopefully knock a bit of time off here and there is my goal and it keeps me fit. I always think it must be great to be up at the business end of the race near the front, but it's the variety of people that take part that also make these events what they are. Good luck with your half and let us know how you get on