Stamina evades me..

[Jmiss]

Where has my stamina gone struggled today to run 22 mins and then felt exhausted afterwards I know I took nearly 2 weeks off and have only done one 20 min run earlier this week but can that have made such a difference. I planned to drop down to 2 runs per week and I am wondering if that is going to have an effect on me. Should I go back to running every 3 days rather than 2 per week? I am so proud of my graduation badge I don't want to fail it and go backwards, all ideas welcome.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Maybe just a bad run? Don't despair, your stamina does just fade so quickly - you may even be sickening for something.

You ran for 22 minutes! Something you would have believed impossible before starting C25K.

[Jmiss Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks and yes 22 mins is still an achievement.

[1welshgirl Graduate]

Hi Jmiss, i went out last night and did absolutely awful - and i haven't had 2 weeks off lol - i think we all just feel different each day, i knew there was other stuff i should have been doing instead and time was short. The adrenalin push and psych up to fulfill Laura's weekly challenges especially the final run is high, i'm not going to worry about it yet although its a bit of a come down but i'm sure we'll both get back up there!! i think i was trying to go a bit faster too soon so i'm just going to relax, make sure i've got plenty of time and plod the next few runs. Chin up girl you've done the hardest parts! I am going to try and keep to 3 times a week for a bit though but with the weather changing its certainly going get tougher, as an evening runner my beautiful country path is going to be a no go and on the road it always seems so much harder - keep going whatever feels right for you x

[Jmiss Graduate in reply to 1welshgirl]

Thank you....

[AncientMum Graduate]

Don't worry about it, it happens. If you're feeling really worried about your stamina, why not do a few runs from the early podcasts, maybe one each from w2,3 and 4. There's nothing like completing a run easily to boost your confidence. If you end up finding the runs too easy then a) brilliant! And b) just speed up a bit until you start finding it a bit more demanding.

[Jmiss Graduate]

Sounds like a good idea, might try that. Thanks

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Oh Jmiss we seem to be feeling the same at the moment ☹️. I think there is a lot to be said for 1welshgirl 's comments about finishing C25K. It's certainly been tough for me since I've finished and graduated. We work so hard with a goal in mind and then suddenly we have reached it and are not sure where to go next. And as we now know our mental outlook affects our runs 😀. I am back listening to Laura and although I only did a run a bit longer than you yesterday, it is helping me so maybe try that? I have to keep reminding myself that I am only a novice and just because I got to graduate doesn't mean I am an experienced runner or anywhere as fit as I could be so maybe it's about setting expectations a bit high post graduation as well?

I'm out tomorrow and am going to go tortoise-like listening to Laura and am determined to do my 30 minutes. After all we did that a few times on C25K didn't we, so we can do it again!

Whatever it is and it might just have been a blip, you got out today and ran for 22 minutes so be really proud - you wouldn't have dreamt of that a couple of months ago 😀 Come on, we can do this!! We are runners after all!! 😀🏃

[Jmiss Graduate]

Thanks lightweightkate...your right too, we have come a long way since that first W1R1. I did run with my podcast and was planning on 25 mins but I told Sarah Millican to shut up more than once and stopped at 22 mins from exhaustion and yet I then danced around a tree with the dog to Megan Trainer all about that Bass (love that song) as there was no one else in the park I must be just having an off day and maybe I am coming down with something...been stressed at work this week too... I will brush myself off and get back out there Monday and succeed.. My husband has suggested I do 2 x 20-30 min and 1 x 10-15 min runs over the 7 days so I might do that but......i am NOT giving up.

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Jmiss]

Sounds like a great idea I love that song too! Have a good run Monday

[Polly2723 Graduate]

Hi Jmiss , trust me, you are not alone in your struggles! I graduated 3 weeks ago, and haven't been able to manage a decent run since 😧 I've completed 2 x Parkrun (32:49 & 32:19) but needed 4 or 5 walk breaks in each. Solitary runs have been either broken by walks or cut short (20 min or under). After having a chat with a keen runner at work, he suggested all I needed to do was slow down (he was shocked I'd managed 5k in 32 mins!). Since I already feel like I run at a snails pace, I didn't have a clue how to slow down further, so I cleared off our treadmill & set the speed to 6.8km/hr (slightly above comfortable walk). Managed to run for a solid 35 mins, & restored my faith in my running. Might try slowing it down a bit more to build up my stamina & increase the length of my runs. Found the treadmill easier than running outside (no wind to battle, dogs & owners to dodge, & dog poop to watch for) although it was incredibly boring! Maybe you just need to have a few more 'practice' runs until it all clicks into place again. Good luck ☺

[Jmiss Graduate]

Thanks and well done you, those 2 park run times are amazing....I would be over the moon if I could run that far in that time. keep it up.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Jmiss,

After graduating I did 30 mins runs two or three times a week outside for around 5 months but couldn't go any longer than the 30 mins. In order to do this I always began the run REALLY slowly (you feel a bit silly but no-one knows how long you have been running). Once you get the first five mins done you begin to feel looser and breathing easier. This helps a lot and once the 20 min mark is reached I was always quite relaxed and in a rythmn. It makes a huge difference running on the flat and I prefer proper pavement (grass somehow deadens my footfall).

In a bit why not try c25k+ stepping stones. Laura gets you doing a short stride which is good. Speed is also an option, its quite short, a good workout but definately doable.

Hope this helps a bit. I know what you mean, you don't want to just lose it, having worked so hard to graduate.

Don't worry about trying to run faster or for longer just take a nice slow run with Laura and appreciate your ability.

Keep on running.😊

[Jmiss Graduate]

Will have to research this stepping stones as others have mentioned it before. Thanks

[nhs2015 Graduate]

I have the same issue now and again. My advice is not to worry about it. It will come back. Just enjoy. It will come back when you are ready.