The Running Thread (formerly How fast can you run a 5k?)

[Ric Flair]

29 minutes ago, Miquel The Work Geordie said:

Got to get back on the horse tomorrow after a couple of weeks off either ill or eating and drinking like an absolute hogman

Nibble a bit off a polo and wear it like a nose ring a bull would have. Elite performance enhancing drug.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

Great Eastern Run today. 

 

Smashed in a Half Marathon PB of 1:27:06 (event chip time)

 

Absolutely buzzing about it tbh. 

 

Decided I was gonna man mark the 1:30 pacer but after about 6k I realised I was about 100m in front of them. Thought **** it I'm gonna make sure it stays that way and I never saw them again 😂

 

Genuinely thought going into this that 90 mins would be a bit tough and I'd be more like 1:34/35. But felt good the whole way though and never felt like i was actually pushing until the last two or three k. 

 

Actually got my second best ever 5k and then PBs in 10k, 15k, 10 mile, 20k and obvs half marathon. 

 

Honestly think I could have done a 1:25 time but hey ho 😂

 

ASICS Novablast 5, thanks for the recommendations again from here. Elite shoes.

Edited 12 October 2025 by Heart-Shaped Fox

[fleshdaddy]

Seriously good times mate, well done! 

[HowardsBulletHeader]

1 hour ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Great Eastern Run today. 

 

Smashed in a Half Marathon PB of 1:27:06 (event chip time)

 

Absolutely buzzing about it tbh. 

 

Decided I was gonna man mark the 1:30 pacer but after about 6k I realised I was about 100m in front of them. Thought **** it I'm gonna make sure it stays that way and I never saw them again 😂

 

Genuinely thought going into this that 90 mins would be a bit tough and I'd be more like 1:34/35. But felt good the whole way though and never felt like i was actually pushing until the last two or three k. 

 

Actually got my second best ever 5k and then PBs in 10k, 15k, 10 mile, 20k and obvs half marathon. 

 

Honestly think I could have done a 1:25 time but hey ho 😂

 

ASICS Novablast 5, thanks for the recommendations again from here. Elite shoes.

From someone who is nowhere near this level, the speed per KM here for me is frighteningly quick. 

 

Really well done sir. 

[Lionator]

3 hours ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Great Eastern Run today. 

 

Smashed in a Half Marathon PB of 1:27:06 (event chip time)

 

Absolutely buzzing about it tbh. 

 

Decided I was gonna man mark the 1:30 pacer but after about 6k I realised I was about 100m in front of them. Thought **** it I'm gonna make sure it stays that way and I never saw them again 😂

 

Genuinely thought going into this that 90 mins would be a bit tough and I'd be more like 1:34/35. But felt good the whole way though and never felt like i was actually pushing until the last two or three k. 

 

Actually got my second best ever 5k and then PBs in 10k, 15k, 10 mile, 20k and obvs half marathon. 

 

Honestly think I could have done a 1:25 time but hey ho 😂

 

ASICS Novablast 5, thanks for the recommendations again from here. Elite shoes.

Blimey! Impressive! 
 

what was your first ever half marathon time if you don’t mind me asking. 

[VLC86]

3 hours ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Great Eastern Run today. 

 

Smashed in a Half Marathon PB of 1:27:06 (event chip time)

 

Absolutely buzzing about it tbh. 

 

Decided I was gonna man mark the 1:30 pacer but after about 6k I realised I was about 100m in front of them. Thought **** it I'm gonna make sure it stays that way and I never saw them again 😂

 

Genuinely thought going into this that 90 mins would be a bit tough and I'd be more like 1:34/35. But felt good the whole way though and never felt like i was actually pushing until the last two or three k. 

 

Actually got my second best ever 5k and then PBs in 10k, 15k, 10 mile, 20k and obvs half marathon. 

 

Honestly think I could have done a 1:25 time but hey ho 😂

 

ASICS Novablast 5, thanks for the recommendations again from here. Elite shoes.

 Crazy time there mate.

 

Iv never used the Novablasts but I bought Superblasts because everyone raved about them, and they’ve just brought out Megablasts which are meant to be even quicker. Both expensive at £200 a pop but I’ve done about 400 miles in mine and they are still alright.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

13 minutes ago, Lionator said:

Blimey! Impressive! 
 

what was your first ever half marathon time if you don’t mind me asking. 

Erm, first ever probably around 1:50-1:55 on my own. Remember getting 1:45 in March as the first time I was delighted with. But running on your own isn't the same as an event, adds so much to your run 

[JonnyBoy]

First half marathon complete at the royal parks London - humbling experience when you get people dressed as dinosaurs and testicles running past you, was a really enjoyable experience - got a time of 1:51 which i'm really happy with. struggled last 3 km big time, probably quite normal and never done more than 18km. Legs in bits today - got the bug for it so thinking of signing up for the Loughborough half 

 

will support the leics half in two weeks, going to head to start then probably the end to watch the killer ending on new walk  

[VLC86]

First day of no knee pain when walking around so I thought I’d try a gentle jog on the treadmill… got .3km in before I could feel it so I stopped.

 

Any tips on how to keep running with runners knee? Marathon is next Saturday. I’ve bought a knee support and will dose up on ibuprofen.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

6 hours ago, VLC86 said:

First day of no knee pain when walking around so I thought I’d try a gentle jog on the treadmill… got .3km in before I could feel it so I stopped.

 

Any tips on how to keep running with runners knee? Marathon is next Saturday. I’ve bought a knee support and will dose up on ibuprofen.

Considered going to see a physio? 

 

Also ice/heat and a lot of baths could possibly help I guess, although I've never suffered a knee injury before 

[westernpark]

Supposed to run the Monsal Half on the 25th but have got some sort of bug which has completely wiped me out. What are people’s experience with running when ill? Will I be doing myself harm?

Make it clear I will be running the half regardless but with running this week

Edited 14 October 2025 by westernpark

[VLC86]

2 hours ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Considered going to see a physio? 

 

Also ice/heat and a lot of baths could possibly help I guess, although I've never suffered a knee injury before 

Considered a physio but with the run being so close I wonder if the time frame means it’s not worth it before hand.

[Ric Flair]

1 hour ago, westernpark said:

Supposed to run the Monsal Half on the 25th but have got some sort of bug which has completely wiped me out. What are people’s experience with running when ill? Will I be doing myself harm?

Make it clear I will be running the half regardless but with running this week

I'm the same mate. Got Leicester Half on 26th and have been in bed since Saturday. This happened to me in February and I ended up not being able to run one of my races but did one two weeks after and was OK. So fingers crossed by next week we'll both be sound. You won't lose much fitness but a shake out run will be needed to get back in to it.

[VLC86]

You can definitely make yourself more ill by exerting yourself when you are recovering from illness but I’ve got no idea how likely it is.

 

A video of a Fran Kirby interview popped up on my social media this week and she talked about developing a heart problem as a result of doing exactly that. Again, clearly

wont happen to anyone and I ran the Leicester half last year after being ill the week before and I’d 100% still be running if that happens again.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

2 hours ago, VLC86 said:

Considered a physio but with the run being so close I wonder if the time frame means it’s not worth it before hand.

Id give it a go mate. Won't do any harm. 

 

Not had knee issues but saw a physio for what has turned out to be severe shin splints especially down one side. Went as recently as Wednesday before my run on Sunday and he really did put force etc on my leg (not pain), the whole treatment really did help me get over injury 

[VLC86]

40 minutes ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Id give it a go mate. Won't do any harm. 

 

Not had knee issues but saw a physio for what has turned out to be severe shin splints especially down one side. Went as recently as Wednesday before my run on Sunday and he really did put force etc on my leg (not pain), the whole treatment really did help me get over injury 

Thanks mate I’ll give that a go.

 

Just managed 5k on the treadmill with no issues after popping a couple of ibuprofen so hopefully it’ll be manageable.

[James_lcfc]

4 hours ago, westernpark said:

Supposed to run the Monsal Half on the 25th but have got some sort of bug which has completely wiped me out. What are people’s experience with running when ill? Will I be doing myself harm?

Make it clear I will be running the half regardless but with running this week

Depends how ill I guess.

 

I rarely miss a day's running through illness and I haven't done myself any harm yet that I'm aware of! 

 

I am sort of sensible and always run very easy if I'm under the weather though - No chance I'd be doing an all-out HM! 

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

1 hour ago, VLC86 said:

Thanks mate I’ll give that a go.

 

Just managed 5k on the treadmill with no issues after popping a couple of ibuprofen so hopefully it’ll be manageable.

Also have you tried in soles? 

 

I bought some more in hope for £40. Not sure I notice the difference when running but haven't had any shin pains after using them. Problem is though everything with running becomes expensive when it should be a cheap sport 😂

[VLC86]

17 minutes ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Also have you tried in soles? 

 

I bought some more in hope for £40. Not sure I notice the difference when running but haven't had any shin pains after using them. Problem is though everything with running becomes expensive when it should be a cheap sport 😂

I haven’t because my shoes are really cushioned and should do the job, problem is I’ve run about 400 miles in 3 months so I’d imagine they are on their way out.

 

I know what you mean re running becoming expensive. I’ve just bought some new trainers that I’m hoping I can break in before next Saturday and recon I’ve easily spent £100 on energy gels in the last 2 months alone.

[CosbehFox]

5 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

I'm the same mate. Got Leicester Half on 26th and have been in bed since Saturday. This happened to me in February and I ended up not being able to run one of my races but did one two weeks after and was OK. So fingers crossed by next week we'll both be sound. You won't lose much fitness but a shake out run will be needed to get back in to it.

 

7 hours ago, westernpark said:

Supposed to run the Monsal Half on the 25th but have got some sort of bug which has completely wiped me out. What are people’s experience with running when ill? Will I be doing myself harm?

Make it clear I will be running the half regardless but with running this week

Common thing called Runners Flu. By stretching yourself hard in training, your immune system gets weaker. 
 

As it stands now I’d get the rest, shake off at the weekend. You’d be on a natural taper anyway. 

Edited 14 October 2025 by CosbehFox

[Raj]

On 12/10/2025 at 16:28, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Great Eastern Run today. 

 

Smashed in a Half Marathon PB of 1:27:06 (event chip time)

 

Absolutely buzzing about it tbh. 

 

Decided I was gonna man mark the 1:30 pacer but after about 6k I realised I was about 100m in front of them. Thought **** it I'm gonna make sure it stays that way and I never saw them again 😂

 

Genuinely thought going into this that 90 mins would be a bit tough and I'd be more like 1:34/35. But felt good the whole way though and never felt like i was actually pushing until the last two or three k. 

 

Actually got my second best ever 5k and then PBs in 10k, 15k, 10 mile, 20k and obvs half marathon. 

 

Honestly think I could have done a 1:25 time but hey ho 😂

 

ASICS Novablast 5, thanks for the recommendations again from here. Elite shoes.

show off!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

1 hour ago, VLC86 said:

I haven’t because my shoes are really cushioned and should do the job, problem is I’ve run about 400 miles in 3 months so I’d imagine they are on their way out.

 

I know what you mean re running becoming expensive. I’ve just bought some new trainers that I’m hoping I can break in before next Saturday and recon I’ve easily spent £100 on energy gels in the last 2 months alone.

Yeah fair mate. But 400 miles is coming up to the end maybe but does depend on the shoes. Mine get very worn on the sole but the cushioning remains ok, appreciate in soles really help with that. 

 

What trainers have you bought? Want to get some new ones too 😂  just costly! 

 

Don't get on with gels at all! I hate the taste and the texture of them. Been taking sweets with me instead which seems to help me out. Usually Tangfastics but took regular cola bottles on Sunday as didn't want sugar all in my pocket 😂

[VLC86]

1 hour ago, Heart-Shaped Fox said:

Yeah fair mate. But 400 miles is coming up to the end maybe but does depend on the shoes. Mine get very worn on the sole but the cushioning remains ok, appreciate in soles really help with that. 

 

What trainers have you bought? Want to get some new ones too 😂  just costly! 

 

Don't get on with gels at all! I hate the taste and the texture of them. Been taking sweets with me instead which seems to help me out. Usually Tangfastics but took regular cola bottles on Sunday as didn't want sugar all in my pocket 😂

I’ve just bought the ASICS Megablasts. I’ve currently got the superblasts which a few say are the best all round shoes around and the same people are saying these are better.

 

Just been made redundant after nearly 20 years in a company so I’ve treated myself 😂

 

Re physical food, I used to take out dried mango but I get to a point where chewing food while running ends up being a pain so the gels are just convenient. 

[SecretPro]

Came home to see my Leicester Half race number has been delivered. Depressing. 

[CosbehFox]

4 hours ago, CosbehFox said:

 

Common thing called Runners Flu. By stretching yourself hard in training, your immune system gets weaker. 
 

As it stands now I’d get the rest, shake off at the weekend. You’d be on a natural taper anyway. 

As if by magic I can feel my throat drying out today which after 439 trains at the weekend, 18k run and 18k bike ride was bound to happen