What to do after a bad run....

[runswithdogs]

I had a bad run recently. We all do. This particular one was a planned ~14 km. It was going to be a one-way run, my partner dropped me off on his way to the movies. Unfortunately after I got started I realized I had to make major detours to get around busy roads. So it turned into a run-walk, mostly walk with me looking at maps on my phone. After about 10k of this starting and stopping, I gave up running as I was feeling twingy in the knees and hips and walked the other 5 k home. Not what I was hoping for, and it felt like a waste of a long-run day.

So how do you follow that up? With a guaranteed success. Again, I had my partner drop me off as he was going to the gym and grocery shopping. This time I picked a nice 5k one-way route. ENTIRELY flat or downhill on the way to my house. Had a lovely run-walk back to my place. Ran the fast bits fast, and walked whenever I felt like it. Finished with a fantastic sprint finish once I had a nice straightaway. Didn't quite hit 5k and didn't care. The point was to go have a good time running and feel good about myself. Mission accomplished. So if life hands you a rotten run, follow it up with the sort of easy run that makes you happy. Long and slow? Short and fast? Whatever gets you back in a positive running space and reminds you of how far you've come.

The antidote for a bad run is more running. Sounds crazy doesn't it?

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Exactly what I was going to say! Get out and do another!!! Well done for doing it!!

[mfamilias Graduate]

That's the spirit! Sound advice, RWD. When life hands you lemons, make a G&T

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great advice RWD, confidence is everything in running x

[Sharonb9999 Graduate]

That is so true! If i've had a bad run I make sure the next one is an easier/flatter route - always gets my running mojo back☺

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Great post - I heartily agree!

[SoSurprised Graduate]

Thank you for sharing this experience. I had the worst run since graduating yesterday and was wondering what to do. I had started to feel really tired early on and even resorted to walking part of the way, something I'd never done before! I felt rubbish when I got home. Thanks to your positive attitude I am ready for tomorrow! 👍👍

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Great advice RWD, glad you had a good run x

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Not crazy at all. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and set yourself up to succeed!

[Hidden]

Definitely another run...but only after the great British cure-all...a mug of hot tea and a bacon and egg sarnie...

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Thanks RWD. I haven't had a 'stinker' yet but will take this to heart when it does happen.

[misswobble Graduate]

They don't bother me. It's just one run and I can make it right next time out ☺

[Pollynorris Graduate]

I convince myself the next will be fantastic if I go a little easier on myself!

On the positive side of the 'bad' run, you now have a new route that you worked out with your maps while having a good walk 😁

[runner56 Graduate]

I agree. Get back on that horse as soon as possible.