Feeling disheartened that i'm not as good at running anymore

[slothycoffee]

I am a 20 year old female and have been running for nearly 2 years. Over winter this year, I haven't been running as often (once a week if i'm lucky) and on top of that, have been struggling with an eating disorder. However, in January I was still able to run 8.5km. But now I struggle to complete 5km and at the end I am incredibly lightheaded, feeling like i'm going to collapse. Today I had to lie down on the floor after my run because everything was spinning. I barely managed 4km.

I am definitely eating enough now but feeling disheartened at how crap I am at running . I can easily do 30 mins on the bike, 30 mins on the cross trainer and 30 mins on the rowing machine back-to-back at the gym yet I can barely do a 30 minutes run outdoors. It makes no sense.

P.s. I'm not going to the gym anymore during the virus outbreak.

[Womangolfer Graduate10]

That sounds totally weird! Are you going too fast? Perhaps try starting with short runs and building back up. Hope you feel better soon.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

You know the saying - slow right down. My advice when hitting a wall like this is to do a run just for the joy of it. Forget speed, distance, time. If you can find somewhere nice that’s people free go for a short jog. Have a banana and water either just before you go or ready instantly you finish. Good luck 🤗

[slothycoffee]

Womangolfer Grannyhugs Thank you for your replies! According to my phone, my running speed is around 9km/h. There are quite a few inclines on my running route as well. I will try to go slower next time, thank you.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to slothycoffee]

Go out and enjoy your run, it’s free and really good for you. 🤗

[Annieapple]

🤔Perhaps you are doing too much too soon & your body is still recovering after not eating. No one is bad at running!! Some runs just make us feel that way but a run is a run. If you have stopped the training at the gym then it’s essential to get out 3x a week for a fun run. Whether you do 3k 5k or 10 is immaterial. The secret is to slow down & enjoy them. Look around you & watch Spring evolve, enjoy some music that makes you feel good...

Drink plenty of water, & ensure you are eating 3 healthy meals to give you the energy to run.

(If you need help at any stage with the eating disorder get it. Your life is very precious & so is your body. There are reasons why we sometimes lapse into disorders. However we need to be honest with ourselves & seek help.)

You have been brave to share with us & please let us know how you progress with your running. We care and encourage each other through all sorts on this forum. Big hugs 🤗 🏃‍♀️💕

[grumpyoldgirl]

Running outside is harder on the body, so will take more out of you. My instinct is that you need to run more regularly, but for shorter runs, until your body adjusts. At least twice, preferably 3 times a week. Sounds like you're pushing yourself too hard, because you think you "should" be able to run for 30 minutes nonstop. Be kinder to yourself, listen to your body. You've been through a lot 💕

[Leosmit Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Good posts. Focus on healthy eating habits and make sure you’ve got a handle on this. Also, check with yourself that you are running and exercising for the right reasons and not as a further control of any eating disorder. And don’t be disheartened, if you’re regaining control of your choices and eating, then that is to be celebrated!