Bum - Wk3 7k went a bit pear shaped

[Hated2Run]

After a shift to squash last week to keep my spot in the local ladder and a resulting near decapitation by my opponent everything seems to have slipped a bit on the running front - legs not strong, breathing like a heffer from the word go (though usually better after about 3k for some reason) and today just couldn't do the 7k without a couple of run-walk-run breaks in the middle i.e at 5.5. Came round a bit and did another 2 but very disappointed that I couldn't make it all the way through today : ( Annoying too as I had hoped that the variation from squash being more kinetic would actually help things but seems to have had the opposite and the chance of managing 8k next week now look v slim : (

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Oh dear, hope it was really just one of those runs and not a trend. You must be pretty fit to be playing squash so fingers crossed for you.

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks grannytoe - I suppose I need to follow the slow down mantra more too as I don't tend to stick very well too that one despite supporting it for everyone else! : )

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Hated2Run]

I think you're perhaps not the only one, every run I go out thinking slow down, keep reminding myself but the thought - go a bit faster keep taking over. I'm so competitive with myself. I have 9k run this week so really really must slow down for it. I'm telling you so that I'm accountable. Good luck

[Debston Graduate10]

Have just replied on the other thread but I don't think there's anything wrong with a bit of walk run walk running at these longer distances. I had to slow to a walk a few times today, to negotiate "muddy corner", to go under barriers (because the footpath at the side was really boggy, and once just cos I wanted to stretch. I think as the runs get longer, it's less important to keep them all non stop running, if that makes sense!

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to Debston]

Yep I guess you're right - I normally have to open/close a couple of gates and don't really consider them stop/walks as such but today was a bit different - still hopefully a blip : )

[trogdelight Graduate10]

Next week's another week. Next run's another run. Sometimes when you least expect a good run, you run better than you've ever run before. Sometimes when you expect everything to go smoothly, it does the opposite. Having a little walk in a 7K run still sounds pretty impressive compared to not running at all. Give yourself a break.

[marmalademonster Graduate10]

I feel your pain. I've had a couple of really difficult runs too for various reasons, so I'm not even going for my 7k until next Tuesday (my day off). I just ran 5k today and it was absolutely fine but felt tough (I hate running after work; I don't know if it's dehydration or tiredness or what, but it always feels tough). The roads were muddy and I had to run up a quite main road with constant traffic where the fumes got the back of my throat. Oh the joys. So hang on in there is what I'm saying! I'm planning for a 3.5 again on Friday back in my favourite woods, then hoping for my 7k on Tuesday and then back on the plan, just a few days behind where I'd originally set out to be. No loss; just the ups and downs of life and running I think (that and the grim November weather!).

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to marmalademonster]

Thanks, nice to know I am not alone on that one and totally understand the route thing - would be nice to get some un-seasonal sunshine for a bit to dry things out as my routes are all totally waterlogged and like you I hate doing busy roads. I think maybe I will do a 3.5/4 next as well and see how that goes before hitting the big numbers again : )

[FatterPenguin Graduate10]

As someone who's time on a squash ladder was brief and never moved far from the bottom rung I am really impressed! As for the run don't give up hope, we all have days like that.

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to FatterPenguin]

Yep that bottom of the ladder just attracts me more and more with every year that passes! Thanks and nope won't give up ope (though may have to revise expectations ; )

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

We all get runs that don’t go to plan, so please don’t beat yourself up H2R. I bet next time out you’ll feel different - and yes, slow yourself down! You’ll make that 8k. Believe me, slowing down is magic.

Enjoy your squash - you must be lovely and fit from that, so I don’t see that being your problem. 👍

[Hated2Run Graduate10]

Thanks cheeky - squash though not sure about that one - I read something the other day that summed it up well i.e. ' you don't play squash to get fit, you get fit to play squash' - anyway its out of the way for a bit now so I will put my feet up for another day then start the 8k week hopefully rejuvinated and ready to smash it!

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Haven't played for years but I remember squash can be exhausting. Sometimes it seemed to leave me low on energy for days, and in a state like that I doubt I could have faced running at all; so I say well done for getting out there, and don't judge yourself or your progress too harshly.

[Hated2Run Graduate10]

Thanks FB - as usual nice to know i'm not the only one. : )

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Sorry to hear you sounding so disappointed. I’m sure you’ll be fine for your 8k. Some runs are just like that sadly but a little walking doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Look how far you’ve come!!!

[Hated2Run Graduate10]

Thanks rainbow fingers crossed !