slower than slow..

[Sinouche]

Not doing too well since November... I've managed a few runs a week between November and January but then lucky if I went once a week for a 30 minutes run.

Trying to motivate myself back to how I felt in September and trying to go at least 3 times a week.

But I'm so slow!!!! Still hitting 4.8k in 40 minutes ( 5 walk + 30 run + 5 walk) on the treadmills, it feels I was faster outside!

Any tips on how to get my stamina back? (perhaps a giant case of vitamin D!!!)

Happy running everyone, your posts keep me willing to do this

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Stick with it. That was - and pretty much still is - my pattern over winter. I've only had one week when I've not run at all but many when it was only once. My goal eventually became to just get through the winter with out stopping altogether. So far I've usually got to about 6 days without running when I start feeling that I just have to go, and start making it happen! I'm not a winter person generally although I've found bad weather more tolerable since I started running. Can't say anything about treadmills but if you run outside (however slowly!!) you'll get some vitamin D!

[davelinks Graduate]

Truth be known a lot ease off during the winter, I for one have, maybe only getting a run in just once a week! but I Cross-Train on my stat bike, does get boring though! don't beat yourself up over it, being determined you'll get back..😊

Fwiw.. there's not much VitD to be had outside at the moment with the lack of sunshine, I have to have a vitD supplement in the winter as my level dips really low..

[misswobble Graduate]

To be faster you have to be stronger, which means regular running. Mixup your distances. Include some 3k's too. 1k's are good too. Run a km as quick as you can, or just the distance between lamp posts etc. Mixing things up is good for your body, which gets used to doing the same thing all the time and gets stuck in a rut. Also are you eating/drinking healthily, getting enough sleep,etc? It all counts in the scheme of things

Don't be downhearted. If you stick with it you will crack it

I try and walk everywhere, when not running, and just being more mobile in general helps our overall fitness

Good luck 🙂

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Spring is coming, perhaps the lighter days and spring flowers will get you pout there again. Running is a bit like that, up and down, and you need to take rest breaks regularly. This is your break time xx

[Irish-John Graduate]

I would be bloody ecstatic if I could run "fast" - but I also know that for me there would also be the feeling "but I m not as fast as -----'

I started feeling the danger signs of boredom, frustration and stagnation a while back. Like you, getting slower not "better" and going from 38 minute 5K to over 40.

So, figure the hell with it. Running is running, right?

I didn't start this lark to be "fast", it was more a case of the amusing lunacy of thinking I might someday be able to run for a bus or something without making a holy show of myself..

So, motivation was a goal. See if I could EVER get through maybe as far as week three???

And that identified my problem. I think in my head "I wish I could run 5K so fast I am overall winner in charity runs etc" and then sensibly realise it will never happen - so why even bother trying?

And I don't.

So - something I CAN aim at that isn't "unrealistic" and is challenge enough so it's not boring or too overwhelming is the 10k.

And once again I am interested in running and have the nice edgy feeling that I am competing with my evil twin "Slobby John"

Five k is a rut for me now. Bloody wonders never cease!!!! I have to laugh when I see the lack of appreciation for how far I've come from where I STARTED!!

Hoping all this maundering is of some help to you and sincerely hoping you continue to run with us....

[Sinouche Graduate]

Many thanks for your kind comments everyone, it cheered me up and made me realise that I'm not only human but I've also come quite far if you look how unfit I was when I started...

Here's to spring!