First run after graduation

[Jalapenolover101]

Wow!!!! Why was that so hard?🙄🤔

I think (know) I didn't really want to go out but felt guilty not doing it😏 I'm glad I did, I ran for 30 minutes, but it wasn't the post grad run I'd had imagined 😕

I was slower than last time, 3k😩, and very nearly stopped at 10 minutes ( all I could think about was I could be at home with a coffee☕️)

I'm wondering if hydration could have been an issue, kids are off school so I haven't really thought about myself. Water? what water? I don't think I've even had a bottle yet! Coffee a plenty but no food either 🤔 ..... hhhmmmm ... running at 5pm, no food, probably dehydrated and I'm wondering why I struggled 😉🙄😳😱

Do you think this could be the problem or is it just post grad nerves? I honestly really nearly stopped!😱 I've always stubbornly trotted on, however slowly, today I didn't have that ' I will do this' attitude ☹️

Please tell me this is a blip 🙄 I want to improve 🏃❤🌶

[indigogogo Graduate]

It's a blip! Hydration and no fuel in the tank are big factors. Get yourself geared up, well watered and fed (well, maybe just snacked) and I'll bet your next run will be fab!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I feel... ( like you are thinking)... too much Mum, not enough me... Not enough fuel and definitely not enough water

I still have odd days like that now.. when I have been whizzing around with Little Mum and small granddaughter... and end up head-achey and sluggish. Fortunately I always run early morning, so it does not affect performance. My daughter really gets cross with me, as she thrusts a bottle of water into my hand!!!

So.. whilst your offspring, are off.. make sure you have a sip bottle on the go throughout the day; when they stop to graze, join in with healthy snacks, as well as your meals, and make sure you get the water level where it should be. Maybe substitute the coffee with other healthy drinks? I make up a home made lemon and lime cooler and a totally refreshing cucumber one

The run will as you know, help to keep you fit and stress free, and you will be glad you are doing it

Put this one behind you. Think of it as a ... "and this is why i need to make myself a bit of a priority" run. Start making sure you are kind to yourself over the Easter Hols..you need the energy!

Get out there again and just run. Relaxed, no pressure, no sense of time and distance; properly fed and watered, just enjoy a Post Grad run for pure joy :).

Keep us posted x

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks oldfloss, those drinks sound delicious 😋, any chance of recipes? I normally keep a couple of bottles of water in the fridge, toppy up tap water😂 And make sure I drink them through the day but kids have a terrible habit of scuppering well laid plans😉

I will get out again, tomorrow hopefully, I've not come this far to give in now🏃💪👍🌶

[wez70 Graduate]

Gotta smile as that's exactly what happened on my first run post graduation! Felt like I'd never run before, wanted to stop, so please don't worry ... it really is just a blip or 'one of those days' as I now call them.

Everyone has days where for some reason, it just doesn't feel right, come together or go as planned but one of the nice things about continuing your running from this point is that you will learn what works for you

What times of day, what days, what to eat (or not eat!) etc that maximises your physical and mental preparation ... not in a sports science boffin way, just in an individual understanding of YOUR running and YOUR body ... next one will be better and the hardest thing is putting your trainers on in the first place I find ... good luck

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to wez70]

You're so right, thank you 😊 this is the start and it's up to me to find what works best.

Your dead right about the hardest part😂 Once they're on, and faffed about with 😉, ooh are those laces tight enough? No.... they're to loose.... I think I might have a stone in one.....wow that left one feels a bit tight, now my foot feels numb, I'll loosen it..... the right one doesn't feel right....maybe it's my sock.... etc😉😂😉

[Elissy]

Sorry Jalapenolover101 , but this made me smile 😊

That was me 2 1/2 weeks ago - after the graduation 'high' came the post graduation 'low' 😉

Like the others have already said, lack of water and fuel definitely didn't help.

I found the first 2 runs after graduation a real struggle for the brain - which then also affects your body. I changed from running with Laura to running with music, set myself a target of around 25 minutes, but always manage 30 or a little more 😊

Don't worry, it is a pre graduation blip, once you push through it it will feel great 😊

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to Elissy]

Thanks, good to know it isn't just me😉 I thought a run with Laura w7 might be nice, fed up of Julie😱😉😂, it wasn't 🙄

[pollyp1 Graduate]

It's a blip. 5pm and no food??? Or Water??

Also I think lots of people have dodgy first post grad runs. I know mine wasn't the blaze of glory and euphoria I'd expected. Stick at it...

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Thanks, I fully intend too. And not be a silly billy next time 🙄 I always have water but kids and forgetting about myself has taught me a lesson 🤓 I can't be good for them if I'm not looking after myself 👍

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Jalapenolover101]

Indeed you can't. But Mum the runner will be a great role model

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Thanks 😊 I'm hoping so🏃❤🌶

[first_mate Graduate]

Like everyone has said it sounds like a blip. The body trying to let you know it needs food and water x I'd been struggling since graduation and it's taken me a few runs to try and sort out what's different to when I was doing the c25k without too much problem. This post grad period is a bit of a learning curve. Things seem to be settling down for me now, last 2 runs were fab. You will no doubt find the same. Just remember to think of yourself and what your body needs especially when you want to go for a run. Good luck, keep going xx

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to first_mate]

Thanks👍 The pesky kids aren't going to stop me.

I really need to find what time of the day suits me, food wise, and time wise🤔

I'll do it though, I'm not stopping now💪🏃❤🌶

[Elissy in reply to Jalapenolover101]

It's not easy to juggle it all 😀

I used to run after dinner first - having had a tiny portion. Now I try and have a snack after work, prepare dinner and either run while it is in the oven or before it needs cooking!

It takes a bit of planning with the meals, but a pasta bake is usually on the menu one day, and if I prepare the chicken, my eldest assembles enchilada etc.

Depends on how old the kids are 😀 I could never find the time before work, but find before dinner works really well for me and it gives me time to drink plenty, too 😊

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to Elissy]

Good idea👍 I love how organised you are😁 My kids are spread about from 9 to 18, 5 in total 😳😂 I'm lucky in that I've not gone back to work, yet, since I had the last. So apart from holidays my days are easy to plan😊 The eldest 2 pretty much see to themselves, the younger 3 are in and out with friends to the point a revolving door could be an option 🤔

Of course on top of that..... why would everyone want to eat the same thing?🙄😏🤔

Ho hum, it'll all be fine, 😉😁🌶

[MrsPsycho Graduate]

dehydration could be a factor, I went for a run on sunday and wound up with an almighty stitch and lead-legs after 10 minutes. I find that a glass or two of water before I go helps.

But yes, it was a blip! We all have them

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate in reply to MrsPsycho]

Thanks, I'm sure it was 😀 Just a side affect of not looking after myself 😱 I'm sure you'll understand, 🤦🏻‍♀️😊 wedding planning doesn't sort itself out😳😩❤🌶

[MrsPsycho Graduate in reply to Jalapenolover101]

no, sadly wedding planning doesn't do itself (would be nice if it did though!)