How can it be so hard?

[Razouski]

How can Running 10km be so hard?

After my epic run on Thursday when I somehow managed to cover 22km without intending to I assumed my run yesterday morning would be a doddle.

I had taken plenty of extra rest days to give my legs plenty of recovery and even decided to explore a new route.

I set off full of enthusiasm but the first incline I encountered 1/2 km in felt like I was running up a downward moving escalator. However far I ran it seemed as if I was never going to get to the top. Fortunately the road did eventually flatten out and I plodded on to where I was sure there was a turning for a footpath.

It was in fact a road leading to a footpath through a couple of wheat fields and then onto Caddington Golf Course. The public footpaths criss-crossed the greens and were well signposted. And despite the lovely view of the surrounding countryside, a quaint wooden bridge across a little brook, lots of fresh air and sunshine I really found it an effort to keep running to the 5km turn around, and the 5km running back just went on and on.

Now normally I would blame the running gremlins for the challenges on a run, but I don’t even think they could be bothered to get in my way. So I just had to grit my teeth until mapmyrun told me I’d run 10km, when I instantly stopped running and walked sluggishly home. I wasn’t going to run a single metre further than I had to.

I guess it was just one of those meh runs we have from time to time, but I felt so utterly deflated after the fabulous feeling of completing my first half marathon last week.

(I did manage to buck myself up in the afternoon and have a more positive workout at the gym.)

[orangeguy Graduate10]

This running is really strange, one day you feel you could keep on forever the next you feel even getting to the end of the street requires major effort . . . by the way, congrats on the 22k though, well done

[Razouski in reply to orangeguy]

That’s exactly how I felt Orangeguy. It was just so much effort.

[Tbae]

Inspiritational as ever, Mrs Raz, or should I say the running woman that has no boundaries.

Probably 10K more than very many following your 22k plus and at a quick pace too.

Gym in the afternoon too.Guess that was an easy session also. LOL.😂😂

Keep posting, no slacking for me when you are around.🌟👏👏🙈

[Razouski in reply to Tbae]

The gym session was much more enjoyable, and I managed to do it with greater ease, so I was much happier afterwards.

[Tbae in reply to Razouski]

Just amazing you are.💫🏃‍♀️💫

[Marvo69 in reply to Razouski]

You’re a machine! X

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

well done... and as you say some runs are just a bit meh..... but better done than not done.

[Razouski in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks ju-ju. It was better than staying in bed a little longer and at least I have a new route to add to my repertoire.

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I often find the short ones hard after a longer run, and it can often be because my pace has increased a smidge and subconsciously i'm in a higher gear because I know i'm not going as far.

[Razouski in reply to pinkaardvark]

Oh, I wasn’t fast at all. Just not feeling it. Hopefully will be back to my usual self next time.

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

Maybe you were going to slow

[Razouski in reply to pinkaardvark]

I think it was just a 😏kinda run. And maybe I needed a new playlist perchance. 🎶

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10]

Sounds like hard work. Kudos for getting to the gym after that 😍

[Razouski in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thanks Maddee, it really did feel like a bit of a mission.

[Hidden]

My guess is you’re in transition between stages. You’ve done that stupendous half marathon and were up for it, but now the body wants to gear up to the new level - maybe? Worth a thought. We’re all different, but I find a breakthrough is often followed by a slight step back, and then the next run is absolutely fine.

[Razouski in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I’m sure the next run will be fine, and I’m hoping to run in Copenhagen at the weekend so I’m sure that will sort me out. I’m looking forward to it. 😀

[Hidden in reply to Razouski]

Wow running in Copenhagen sounds amazing!

[Razouski in reply to Hidden]

I’ve already started planning my route around the harbour and to see the Little Mermaid. Can’t wait. 😁

[aliboo70 Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

I wonder how PippiRuns is doing she is a Copenhagen girl? She was injured still the last I heard ....

Have a great time sounds like fun.

Someone from our club posted last night about tiredness after the Needles HM and running shop owner said as general indicator rule it can take 1 day per mile raced for total recovery after a hard run so you did well with you 10k few days after 22km, don't be too hard on yourself xxx

[Razouski in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks aliboo70 that makes a lot of sense. I'm wondering if PippiRuns might be around at the weekend for a run in her hometown...

[PippiRuns in reply to Razouski]

I'm not in Copenhagen this weekend - I'm visiting the island of Bornholm I hope you will enjoy your stay and run in beautiful Copenhagen.

[Razouski in reply to PippiRuns]

Sorry to hear you're still injured, it sounds grim. I'm looking forward to visiting friends in Copenhagen and visiting St Albans Church where my friend is taking up a post of Chaplain. It's not far from the Little Mermaid I believe. I'm also looking forward to a run there.

I do hope you get some relief from your hip pain.

[PippiRuns in reply to Razouski]

Ah, yes - that church is Route 1 in the link I gave you

[PippiRuns in reply to Razouski]

I would recommend any of these scandinaviastandard.com/sca... routes. No. 4 (Frederiksberg Garden and Søndermarken) is my local route. I have run there hundreds of times. Very beautiful.

[Razouski in reply to PippiRuns]

Thank you so much for these, they look great and one goes right past my friend's church.

[PippiRuns in reply to aliboo70]

aliboo70 , I'm still injured (sigh). I seem to have some kind of hip impingement and will probably need surgery (even more sigh). I am not running at all and feel an almost constant pain in my right hip I am still here at HealthUnlocked but mainly in the weightloss forum because I am trying to control my weight. Difficult without all the running.

[aliboo70 Graduate10 in reply to PippiRuns]

Oh no iben that's really tough on you, hope you can get it sorted and be on the road to recovery really soon. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Sounds like you have given Razouski some good routes for exploring !

Take care love Ali xxx

[PippiRuns in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you Ali

[mrrun Graduate10]

For me it’s about pacing, mostly. I’ll start slower and wait until I settle down, then it’s easy, you just go. I’ve tried to figure out the differences and factors that influence my runs so if l get the basics right, all is right.

Experiment is the mother of fun!

[Razouski in reply to mrrun]

I just found it so strange that I could run 22km without thinking about it on the previous run yet found this short run such an effort. It’s just a temporary blip I’m sure.

[mrrun Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

A lot of that business comes from your head. Ask sportsmen and musicians!

The fine details are hydration, rest, diet, stretches, to name just a few. Those are the ones that l tweak.