Post Graduation...

[selenityshiroi]

Well, this wasn't how I imagined my running, post graduation!

I had to shift my running days for this week, thanks to my work's Christmas Meal, and my run on Sunday was a bit of a disaster. I only managed 17 minutes in my first post-graduation run before a combination of stitch, shoulder pain and thigh aches caused me to stop. Which was actually my first aborted run since week 3.

It was a bit disheartening but I figured that 17 minutes is still 17 minutes more than I was running before the programme. As long as I'm still getting out there and running, that's the important thing.

Then I went running last night and I found it very difficult to get into it, probably a little leftover panic from Sunday. But as I got past the point where I stopped previously I relaxed a little and thought I would get back into my 30 minute groove. Unfortunately, I started to get some pains in my right calf around the 22 minute mark that felt sharper than the general twinges I've had throughout the programme. I forced myself to run to the next logical checkpoint on my route but stopped just after 25 minutes. My right leg was quite tender, even after my stretches and a shower, and I don't regret stopping when I did. I will have to be gentle and not push myself further than I can handle-as much as I want to continue improving, hurting myself is only going to hinder progress!

I feel fine today, so I'll be out there again tomorrow, after work. I'll just have to make sure I don't put my pride ahead of my muscles! If I need to stop earlier than planned then I shall do so. But I really don't want to avoid a run because I know me and know that is the path to giving up!

[Natalie01 Graduate]

Thank you for this post, having just graduated i'm really nervous about keeping up the motivation and ability to progress. I found the 30 minute runs harder each time so it is encouraging to know i'm not alone and that i need to manage my own expectations! Keep going and keep posting, the encouragement on here is fantastic, we can all help each other along the way.

[selenityshiroi Graduate in reply to Natalie01]

I think there is probably a fine balance between keeping yourself motivated and continuing to challenge yourself. If you don't push yourself a little you won't continue to improve but if you push too hard then you will either hurt yourself or make it so unpleasant that you quit.

With it being a strange week with my schedule messed up I'm cutting myself a little slack and hoping it's the reason for the backwards slide...but if I keep at it I should be back up to speed again!

This forum is so helpful for motivation and morale. I can only be proud to add to it!