Weeklyish Running Update.... 5 Runs in 6 days and feeling (not?) so good!
So I guess my running has been going pretty well at the end of 2025 and into 2026, I've done 5 runs in the last 6 days (to 3rd Jan!)...
- 2 interval sessions and then an easy ish 5K
- 1 interval session and then a park run...
29th... Short Intervals -500/ 400 metres....
I'm still working on the principle of relatively easy intervals more often, so two 'warm ups' - 4.30 pace, then 4.20 and then 4 times 4.10 or quicker...
30th... Longer Intervals
I don't really like longer intervals, but I wanted to mix things up - as I did here:
31st... Easy ish 5K
We were away with friends for New Year in Bristol, I had a free window in the morning so headed to the local park, it was a bit hilly (Bristol is!) and it was not that great running around the park several times - it was quite small and icy, but there really was no where else to go as I wanted only a short run.
2nd Jan... Short Intervals...
Just like the 29th, rinse and repeat...
3rd Jan - Decent Park Run...
This was a CROWDED Park Run despite it being COLD - I guess a combination of people all being back from XMAS/ New Year, hangover free and wanted to start off the New Year in good form, and Crystal Palace park run had been cancelled - I guess too much ice on the hills...
I was happy with my time of 23.20, that was a minute faster than the last time, and I still felt pretty good, but I came in 72nd, that's the lowest ever in terms of place!
Final Thoughts...
According to chat GPT I'm not training effectively to boost my 5K time, the 400s are too short, even the 800s are too short, I should be aiming for at least 1KM, and even up to 2KM, and with only 1 short interval session a week, I'm gonna do a a bit more research before mixing things up, I don't think trusting chat GPT is something to simply blindly follow!
NB - I felt pretty good on Saturday, but then on Sunday I just felt exhausted and didn't sleep well at all!
I think maybe that's a sign In overdid it, it's now Monday early PM, didn't run today and I feel fine for a run tomorrow!
5 runs in 6 days, next you will be running twice a day! 23 and a half could win you a smaller parkrun out here. The overall parkrun time seem to be trending slower but I think the top end is getting faster and sharper while the base gets wider.
Those stats are pretty interesting - it's wild at the top end over here, but these days it's all about GFA - but there's lots of London runners in my age group who are fast!
That's a lot of running. It can be harder to push yourself to get out at this time of year. I think I need to do more intervals this year, but don't know what's best. I'll just try and mix it up. A friend said alternating fast and slow 1km worked for him. parkrun is my benchmark of how I'm doing. There are some quick people there, but also lots of people new to running. I think it's great that it's so inclusive and the community is amazing.
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Our last Park Run had nearly 500 people, very well attended.
I think 1K intervals at your projected race pace - ideally 5 of those twice a week would work to get faster, but that's demanding!
I just saw my local parkrun is cancelled tomorrow due to flooding. I will have to decide if I go to a different one.
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Good job with keeping at it.
Rest days are good. Ones body will give signs for when they are needed.