So I’ve been doing 6 km one day, rest, then 7.5 km, rest then I just decided to keep running cause everything felt good and knocked out 9.25 km. I definitely felt more tired the next day and stopped cause I was worried about overdoing it. I’m not using a plan just trying to gauge my own capabilities feel my body more and hopefully it works. Just sitting here now looking at the rain and wind and wondering should I go out there? I’m thinking a quick 5 km would give me a sense of something done but I don’t know if I’ll want to stay out there much longer!
So glad running has become part of my life - but days like these are harder!
Aha! But it’s the days we’re not running when the real magic happens! Try some strength exercises or foam rolling to wile away the hours 🙂
Your enthusiasm is obvious but just a wee word of caution. If you’re not following a plan then make sure you’re not increasing your weekly mileage by more than 10%, even less is better.
And although our bodies can feel absolutely fine on the run it doesn’t mean to say everything is ok. It’s usually a few days later when any aches or niggles make themselves known.
Now you’ve got the bug you don’t want to end up injured!
I can only echo the caution from Irishprincess. Be gradual in the increase in distance/time.
Avoid doing more than 10% over what you did the previous week, either in total distance/time across the week or in any individual run.
Always give yourself extra rest time after a run that pushes the boundaries, and don't follow a hard run with another hard run.
Just as with Couch to 5K you need to allow your body time to adapt. Muscles develop quicker than bones and sinews.
Always have a rest day after a run. Don't even think of running on consecutive days until you've been running regularly for a minimum of six months (after graduation).
Going too far, too soon is the top reason why runners get hurt. And you are increasing your mileage way too soon. All seems fine, you feel great and then, that little tendon goes 'pop' and you're off running for months. Been there done that, the injury champion myself. Don't rush, take your time, cross train, get stronger and gradually tackle distances.
Wise advice from everyone. Think of the elastic band scenario. It’s lovely and stretchy and pliable time and time again, then one stretch too far, and with no warning - snap, it’s broken.
That’s why you need to be mindful of your increase in time and distance. Let your body strengthen gradually by following the 10% rule. It’s no hardship, time will fly by and you’ll still be running. Go too fast/long too soon and you’ll be twiddling your thumbs on the IC. No one enjoys that!
Enjoy your runs, you’re obviously hooked! 👊👏
I have to join the others here, it seems as if you're increasing too fast. I myself kept my week runs the same length and increased my weekend runs with 5 minutes every other week until I reached 60 minutes. Then I might have increased a bit faster, sometimes skipping 1K. So I am not a good example either. But increasing your runs every other day is even in my eyes too much. If you do 3 runs a week, keep 2 runs at eg. 5K and increase 1 run gradually. Success!
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