I am supposed to be training for a 10k but the weather here in Scotland has been so blooming COLD and miserable that my runs have become fewer and I was beginning to get a bit worried. Raining and VERY windy yesterday but dry today and quite mild - still windy though. I had a Zoom physio call this morning so couldn't go out first thing so decided I'd do my week 4 30 minute run at lunch time. I changed my mind about my route when I was 15 minutes in. I took the more pleasant route along the river instead of running back through the village. Much better scenery but I was running into the wind - phew! It was hard. This has made me realise that I need to run more regularly. Last year I wasn't struggling as much. I'm worried that my fitness will slide and I won't reach that level again. ANY TIPS ANYONE? I have time to get hold of this training without panicking but I do need to take more rest days in between my runs otherwise I just feel exhausted. Hopefully the sun will come out soon and make me more eager to run. The days are longer so we're halfway there!
Happy running!
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59er
Graduate10
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If you can train on 3 or 4 days a week that means that you will have some rest days from running, perhaps you could do Ju Ju's Magic 10 plan if you want to run a 10K again or if it's your first 10K, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially if the weather is warm.
I am now in week 3 of Ju-ju's Magic 10 plan - the time version - but the weather has made my efforts somewhat erratic! I shall take your advice and try to incorporate 3 runs a week. After all, I should be able to do that when one of the runs is for just 15 minutes! The water advice is good too as I'm not great at remembering to hydrate. Thanks AlMorr! 👍
Not sure whereabouts you are but apart from the snowy start to February, we've been quite lucky in East Lothian. That said, I don't mind the cold (it's rain I don't like) , so I've been able to carry on with my three runs/week.
First evening run tonight since the clock changed and it was lovely not to have to worry about getting back before it got dark (and ironically, set a 10k PB - so much for taking it easy).
I think as AlMorr says, stay hydrated and maybe just try and get a bit slower if possible.
Sadly, we're in the wrong country to be able to do much about the wind... 💨💨🤣
I'm in South Lanarkshire. We've had snow and frost too and due to an ankle injury I daren't risk going out in that. I'm tired but glad I got out today and like you enjoy seeing the lighter nights. I think now Spring is finally here my mind set will change - hallelujah! 👏😁
Yes, I'm in South Lanarkshire too. It's only now that I feel as if things are starting to come back to normal, since we've had so much crappy weather here including a lot of ice during the winter. I'm hoping to go out for a little one tonight (the first post-work run since the clocks changed, so yay daylight!). Good luck!
I run less in winter - just because it's less fun to be cold and wet and it's dangerous in ice. But somehow when the sun comes out I seem to get back to a more regular pattern and the fitness returns.My advice, for what it's worth, is keep going when you can. If you push too hard you risk the IC.
Have faith that, so long as you're just ticking along, when spring finally arrives in Scotland you'll be ready to move up a gear and feel more like it.
Hi 59er, I am in a similar position to you. I was running well at the beginning of March and (perhaps rashly) got a place in a virtual 10k in early June. So, methinks, 3 months to train and do JuJu's magic plan.
However, I got my first covid jab and that made me unwell for a week. The extreme tiredness meant no running. I was just getting back into it when I tripped over a tree root while out for a walk and fell full length. Another week off!
I made myself go for a run yesterday and planned a 30 minute one but with a pain in my ribs I decided to do Laura's C25k+ Speed run, as it's shorter with intervals. Well it went ok but I tried to run my fastest interval and am suffering a bit today!
I am best with two days rest between runs so at my current rate I should be able to run for 60 minutes by 19 May, giving me a couple of weeks to push on for the 10k.
It's so irritating isn't it when you make the plans and something happens to throw a cog in the wheel. I'm glad that even with your setbacks you'll reach your goal with time to spare. Good luck!
I did see my running routine change to fewer runs through the winter, but my Strength and Flexibility workouts increased.
So that was a good option for me, and might be one to consider?
You probably are aware that there is a sister forum called Strength and Flex on Health Unlocked. There is a whole group of runners doing Yoga every day. I also do indoor rowing, and did a distance challenge (with a medal, Wohoo 🥳!) during the winter.
So for me the solution was to up my S&F while my running had to be dialled down due to snow and ice.
Thank you CBDB. I have forgotten that I have actually been doing 30 Days of Yoga almost every morning so perhaps I shouldn't be too hard on myself. I actually found the Strength and Flex yesterday so that's something else for me to try!
Hi 59er, I’ve run less over this Winter, weather, low energy, bug, vaccine all getting in the way and I’m down on my miles, runs, speed, distance and did start to worry my motivation would go too 😱 so you’re not alone. Like you though I’ve done lots of yoga and although I’ve missed a few days here and there am doing far more than I’ve ever done which is brilliant. I too often need 2 rest days between runs these days especially if I go more than 5 k but by running slowly and taking walking breaks I did manage to run 10k again on Sunday...I think the key for me is to enjoy what I do and be happy with what I do, sometimes I just expect too much of my ageing body. Good luck with your training, you’ll be so chuffed when you get there 😊
Hello jorgeRuns,I think I forget that my body isn't what it used to be and just expect it to keep up with what I throw at it and then I wonder why I'm feeling tired! Reading your reply makes me realise that I'm actually doing ok and that others are in the same boat as me - it's always good to sail with company!
Hello 59er. As you may know I'm also in Scotland. What worked for me from the very start was designated days for running , no matter what the weather and I've stuck to it.( well apart from those times we had think ice ) Great you got out today and good luck with your 10k. 😊😊
Hello Buddy34, this isn't a bad idea! I think I may have to sit down and work out which days would be best. I like to run first thing but I think to be able to leave 2 days in between my runs I may also have to get used to running at different times of the day. I'll have a sit down right now and give it some thought!! 😀
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