Any run run is better than no run...

[Plinth]

... but slower this week than last. I just felt knackered all the way round today. Only added a minute to the time but it's funny how that feels like a step back. I dunno, talk about change - a year ago I couldn't run at all, now I'm disappointed if I don't do 5k "fast enough" (ie as good as last time). It's not really surprising though, we're both not feeling our best right now, and stress is going to effect things. Hay ho.

[crox Graduate]

Don't fixate on the bad runs. You'll bounce back on the next one.

[dottiemay Graduate]

The fact that you got out there and actually ran is fantastic considering everything. That shows real determination and strength of character. I was feeling a bit down the last two weeks, no real reason just the change in the weather I think, but I went into hibernation mode and barely set foot outside the door!

I understand what you mean about always looking for improvement - I'm guilty of that - but I also know that it's the running that counts, and it doesn't really matter if this one's a bit slower or tougher or shorter than the last one. There are plenty of great ones to come!

[Plinth Graduate in reply to dottiemay]

I know, and thank you x

[nomoresloth Graduate]

I feel the exactly the same about slow or "bad" runs. I always try to convince myself that it's great that I ran at all... Most of the time I fail with that :/

Just an example to show you you're not alone with this feeling: I had two days of coughing due to house dust mite allergy combined with the beginnings of a cold on Wednesday and Thursday and went to the gym on Thursday evening anyway. I tried to run on the treadmill. On Tuesday I did 5k in 32:53 (also on the treadmill). On Thursday I could hardly finish the 30 minutes and had to stop soon after the 30 minute mark due to weakness and problems of getting enough oxygen. I know it's stupid to feel bad about a run I did when I wasn't feeling good. But I do. I also feel guilty now as I haven't run today. I decided that it might be best to stay on the couch with a blanket and some hot tea to avoid a more serious cold. I will try to run at the gym tomorrow and I won't try to do it fast. And I already know that I will feel bad about my time afterwards...

We shouldn't be to hard to ourselves. Not every run can be a fast run. And every run, no matter how slow it is, is better than no run. We only need to switch off that stupid voice in our heads that tells us that we should have gone faster as we already did it last time. I don't know how, though. I hope you'll find the switch soon