Hi folks, started running 2 years ago with a race 4 life run & then stepped up to doing my first 10k last year.     Got my 4th 10k coming up this sunday.   I am 56 yoa and very slow despite trying desparately to get faster, from the races I have done am finishing in the last few runners & running 2 1/3rds of the race on my own because of this.   How do I stop becoming dispirited being at the back, when I know I am trying really hard.  Dont want to stop entering the races but find myself feeling more & more stressed before race day, I guess worrying about other people laughing at me being at the back.

Thanks for the advice Alison.   There are a few bigger races in Liverpool in the summer which I may consider and it gives me a couple of months to push myself hard before then.

At least you do run, unlike 95% of the population and those that mock are probably just jealous that do not have the mental fortitude and willpower to be able to do it. If there is a parkrun around where you live then I suggest that you have a go at one of them as absolutely no one there cares if you come in last as you are treated all the same whether you are a racing snake or just walking round the course.

I couldn't agree more. I've just taken part in the second ever Northampton Parkrun and thee were all abilities and shapes and sizes taking part. I didn't see anyone laughing at anyone else's efforts and the last arrivals got at least as big a cheer as the earlier ones. I'm 65 next month and only took up running eighteen months ago so know how you feel. Keep at it

Dennis

Hi im 59 did race for life ;ast year having had a close escape from cancer. Im not a runner and it was a struggle but a feel good factor. Got myself apersonal trainer to try and help my fitness and in January he told me about parkrun which was starting in Harrogate where i live. I try and go as much as I can and as long as im not last im happy. Have run in all sorts of weather and its nicer now the weather is getting better and its about beating your personal best and my aim was to get to 35mins and when i did that i was so pleased. I would love to run faster but we are all there for our own reasons and now look forward to each Saturday. For my 60 birthday in August would love to be able to run parkrun in 30 mins a bit too ambitious maybe but im trying. I seem to be finding it a bit hard at the moment too and feel its an effort but often the wind is against us when we are running. Please try and do parkrun regularly it will give you a lift. Im supposed to be doing a 10k on Sunday but my motivation is not quite there just now but sure its this rainy weather. if I can do it so can you. Plot out routes on here and just run a bit further ( or run and walk as I do) and you will soon realise you can enjoy running and feel good about it all. Good luck have fun Brenda

Thanks people-parkrun is good advice I know- there is one in Liverpool that I keep thinking about and now I am thinking about it even more.  For my 10k last sunday I wasnt in the right frame of mind and sometimes it is a mental battle more than a physical one, but I did get finished albeit 2nd to last, and there were people that didnt finish at all and I had great support from my team mates.    Brenda u will do fine on sunday Im sure, just picture your face when u cross the line & everyone is clapping & the goodie bag at the end.   And Dennis keep up the good work.   Thanks for all your comments, they have helped.

Jean Having read your reply the other night I was in two minds about doing my 10k today but you made me do it so thank you. Im glad I did it route had to be changed to recent weather so down some rutted farm track which was a challenge and the sheep joining in was scarey but let them ahead of me and didnt get too closeand eventually they went off the track again. As you said great feeling getting over the finish line and so worthwhile and this is why we have to keep running and hopefully improving our time next time.

Well done Brenda- thats excellent & what fun with the sheep

Have you thought about doing the trail type runs?  It's a very different culture when you're off road.  Suddenly you don't need to worry about the time, only about completing the challenge. There are loads out there (EnduranceLife is one really good example but the Trail running magazine has loads of the things) and the atmosphere is very different.  Yes, the winners are very, very good but there are plenty there who just enjoy the routes and the (great) company you find at these events. Personal bests are academic when you're knee deep in mud - or, who cares aobut times when you're running across a sandy beach in spring sunshine? I've made some great friends through trail running and a good gossip is an amazing way to pass those miles by.

I'm probably going to get a reputation on this site for being a mad person who preaches all the time about avoiding the roads but you might find it gives you the motivation that you're currently lacking. And you'll be surprised how the ability to keep going often ends up being faster than outright speed.

Thanks Bratto, funny u should say this as Ive set myself up to do a 10 mile trail race later in the year and I am not going to worry about speed.  Just want to enjoy the challenge,  get round and give myself a big pat on the back for my own personal achievement.  Will be running with a group and know they will give great support and we will help each other thru it.   So although I hope to enter a couple more 10ks before then, am gonna base my training on getting stamina to run further not faster.