I've been running regularly for over a year now. 15k per week. Tuesday, Thursday and park run Saturday.
I seem to be putting a minute on to each run and don't seem to be able to run the full 5k. I just don't understand. I feel like I need to start again a bit, but just don't know is it the body or the mind. Surely it should be getting easier not harder. Urgh.
Hi Ania
When you say youre not able to run the full 5k, do you know what it is exactly that's making you stop ?
Is it your breathing or are you in any pain at all ? xxx
Summer heat???
Why don't you take an extra rest day or two, or have an easy week of 3k per run then try at Park run again. Sometimes we need a break - I usually come back with more vim and vigour.
I like this idea thank you.
Sounds like you are in a bit of a rut. As RWD says, take an couple of extra rest days, then mix it up a bit. A shorter run, 3k is perfect, or how about some intervals? Speed from the C25K+ podcast is perfect, just 16 minutes after the warm up, and might just give you the nudge you need. How about change your route? Redo some of the podcasts, but run a bit faster in the running bits and jog slowly in the walking bits? That's what I'd do anyway... best of luck xx
I have had a week and a bit break. I've mixed it up a bit by running up a hill which is local.. I ran the park run on Saturday and ran it in 37:05. I did have a couple of stops to walk. Tuesday run took longer. I'm going to try again today. My challenge on Tuesday was to run for a full 30 minute but I didn't quite manage it.
Some really good advice from Curlygurly there. Sounds like you are stale and setting up a mental block. If you try some different stuff it will shake things up a bit. There is, after all, nothing sacred about 5k!
Good luck!
Your right I do think that there is a mental block. I think I might just give myself challenges of just running for a length of time. Maybe a full 20 minute, which should be achievable then another 20 minute. I back on my home turf so feel a bit better. I actually like running the same place rather than going on lots of different runs.
it is recommended that you should take a total break from running every few months, so try a week or so off and then see if it makes a difference. Many of my PBs have come after a break.
That's interesting. I always thought I should keep going whatever. I have had a bit of a break. I won't beat myself up in future and just enjoy the days off. I started running a different route which had a bit of a break in it to cross a road or run around large water puddles. I wonder if you can train yourself to need to stop for breaks.
Agree with all above but would also check you are not anaemic. I had a similar thing last summer - was inexplicably losing time and had to take walk breaks - went to give blood and was quite severely anaemic. Iron tablets from the doc sorted me out.
Do you cross train? Mixing it up with different types of exercise keeps you fresh and makes you a stronger runner. Cycling, swimming, rowing, yoga, Pilates, weights are all great complements to running.
What about booking an event and training for it? There's nothing like a bit of bling to spur you on. Or is that just me...........?
No I don't but I'm thinking of having a cycle ride as a change. Swimming I'm not allowed to do. Could try other stuff. One of the girls who sometimes mess joins us does Pilates and aerobics.
I have just done a nearly full run, the tie was 36:12. Slower than I thought but glad to get one under the belt.
Motivational Phrases - what keeps you going?
Week 5 Run 3 - didn’t go so well. What next? 
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Look and you will find it - what is unsought will go undetected. (Sophocles)
What a difference going up hill makes!
