Struggling to make 10k a reality again!

[Hated2Run]

Was about there pre-christmas and to be honest it had been a pretty easy journey from the couch....but then, then after 5 weeks off due to a holiday sandwiched between two sets of man flu I started again in Jan only to find myself consistently running not just slower but shorter distances 2/4k max.

Mentally its been tough the last month as for some reason it just hasn't got much better bar a slight ray of light yesterday when I ran a PB of 5k in 28mins as a which is good but I just cant seem to go any further even if I slow it down as suggested + slowing down seems to make injuries more common for me - knee/hip.

Anyone else been here as it is beginning to grate literally and if anything I seem to be going backwards.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Poor you, hard when you feel you are doing everything you can to fight back. How about forgetting a target distance and time. Choose a scenic route and run just for the joy. Ie give yourself a break and find that love of running again before pushing on. Happy running

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thats the problem - before christmas I was really in to it and now it seems a chore - probably part of it as certainly at points in the run a good song would pop up, I'd get an adrenaline boost and be away whilst now it is something to get through. I've doe it before though so should be able to do it again!

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Like you say a new 5k PB is a bright spot, and 28 minutes is a time I think many would very pleased at - including me. Judging by other posters many are finding this time of year difficult. I was out for a run this morning and the general greyness was really making me wish for a ray of sunshine. But we've got through the worst and spring is just around the corner.

I also find running more slowly awkward. I get twinges in my knees that just aren't there when I run at my normal pace. In my case I put this down to me still being a novice runner, and my gait is still awkward at times, and my legs are still not as strong as they could be. In my case, with a heavier build and BMI 29, I expect it may take a year for my legs to get used to running.

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

Thanks for that - knees yes know that one soon as I feel anything there I stop as an old injury means agony if I go over the top with that and weather again - not a Brit at heart I dont think - others seem happy plonking about in their wellies and kagools but personally hate it - so generally find it pretty deflating - looking forward to snow or sun - happy either way!

[Jazzyrunner Graduate10]

How frustrating. You know though that you have a love of running deep inside you, it’s just been buried a bit. Your 5k time is amazing! Maybe if you entered a race or two, you could do yourself a training plan week by week, then you’d be ticking them off and know how far you needed to run any day?

[Raspberrypink Graduate10]

I totally get this. I did the 10k distance end of August but have not managed it since. I’m also struggling with 5k distance and to run 5k in under 30 minutes even though I’ve done that many times. At least you’re still getting out there, running and doing something positive. No one says you have to run fast or a certain distance. Maybe try what others have suggested in the past, different routes, interval training maybe try listening to a podcast. Also remember where you were this time last year and what you’ve achieved . Hope you keep getting out there 😊

[Hated2Run Graduate10 in reply to Raspberrypink]

Thanks for that - we just have to stick with it - it happened before and will again!

[Raspberrypink Graduate10 in reply to Hated2Run]

Yep that’s right. All runs are good no matter how slow. I managed park run this morning in just under 30 minutes 29.57, better than the last 2 weeks! 👍🏼

[Run46 Graduate10]

It will be the weather, the dark mornings and evenings, the residual effects of 5 weeks off and various bouts of ill health I'm sure.

You'll get back to where you were, though it's really frustrating in the mean time especially if the added difficulties means you're not enjoying your runs much.

Almost as impossible as it is for us runners, try to ignore pace and distance and get back the fun, it will come.

Also: 5K in 28 minutes, boy you're fast.

One of my New Years resolutions is to try for under 30 minutes, I did 30:40 before Christmas and haven't managed under 31 since! This running lark is certainly a challenge 🤨