Why so tough?!

[CallyL]

I graduated back in April and have regularly been running 3 times a week since. However the distance/time that I am managing is just getting less and less. I truly don't know why it's suddenly so tough, my legs are like lead weights that I am just dragging along. I have absolutely loved running but getting really despondent now 😢

[Hidden]

Are you just doing the same run over and over? That will sap your energy. My brother has been running for years but he's lost his enthusiasm and now I can run faster than him. Gave him a runners MOT with a running coach for his birthday, he's setting some new goals and getting back into it. People further past graduation will be able to give you ideas for this.

I only just graduated but I know keeping the runs interesting will be key to me keeping it up. That and doing Park run.

Hope you get your love of running back.

[CallyL in reply to Hidden]

Yep, to be honest I am pretty much doing the same route over and over, so that certainly something to think about. Thanks

[MichaelH070862 Graduate]

I had a similar experience this morning went for 5k run just over 3 and walked the rest however the air was quite thick this morning and the humidity did not help. I find it strange that if I was in a pool my times would be quite quick but with same sort of humidity outside it slows you down I am also thinking maybe I need someone to run with as I am getting bored with my own company and parkrun is a nonstarter as there are no close to me.

[CallyL in reply to MichaelH070862]

I hate giving in to walking but am increasingly doing that. It's true that if I run with someone else (usually my daughter) I tend to keep going longer, its just that she is a much more experienced runner and I don't want to hold her back. I have a parkrun quite close so I might consider that next week. Thanks for your support.

[MichaelH070862 Graduate in reply to CallyL]

I am live in Steeple Bumpstead are you near Great Notley if so we could try and meet up and hopefully gee each other on

[CallyL in reply to MichaelH070862]

Yep I am only a couple of miles from Great Notley (and that dreaded hill!). Sounds like a plan - just give it a couple of weeks for me to get some mojo back or you will be sitting in the cafe with a full breakfast waiting for me to finish! 😄

[MichaelH070862 Graduate in reply to CallyL]

Same here got to get the car off the wife but if it works should be fun

[mixindave Graduate in reply to CallyL]

yes swap one of your usual runs for the parkrun, do a slow long run one day and a tempo run the other day maybe? also mix up your locations

[Valcart Graduate]

I seem to have had a similar feeling this last week so have psyched myself up to do my first park run today. Thought the variety might help me get over the lull. I love running and want to keep on improving even in tiny little ways.Have yyou tried different park runs?

[CallyL in reply to Valcart]

I have only ever done one park run because I prefer to run really early but I'm thinking it might be worth a try next week. Thanks.

[CallyL in reply to Valcart]

By the way - good luck this morning!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Have you varied your routes... ? reverse a route, find a different one... do half at a fast speed and then really a,be along the last half! Try different things.. shorter, but faster.. consolidate the 30 minute runs yes, but try other stuff...

Have you looked at the C25K+ podcasts. they are great for all sorts of disciplines and many of us have used and still use them !

I use them on their own or in other runs... try Intervals.. walk/run. Strides etc...take some time to experiment, this is your journey... and the podcasts do give you focus again..I had all sorts of fun after Graduation and tried all sorts of stuff!! Some quite silly

Check this old post of mine out..it may make you giggle!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5............

Just shake it up, and maybe head out on your own, you may just find what will get you going again, and don't worry.. it will come!

Here is the C25K+ link

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Let us know how you go...and do not stop posting

[CallyL in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much. That post is fab! I think it's true that I have forgotten how enjoyable it is and I have started to see it as a bit of a competition with myself. It's a shame I have already run today - you have inspired me to canter! 😉

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Brilliant, that old post xx

[SuzyKK Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Just read your 'silly' post, Oldfloss, & LOVED it! Thank you for the big smile on my face now

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SuzyKK]

You are welcome

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I'd say you need to mix things up a bit, change your route, do some intervals, do some short fast runs, do some long slow runs... there's nothing wrong with walk breaks, I used to feel like you, like I was giving in, then I got injured again - these days I mostly use the Galloway method, run for 2 mins walk for 1. Generally I'm about the same speed overall, but I can go further, and don't get tired.

I think it is particularly humid this year, it certainly is where I am, and I find it almost impossible to run in, like trying to run through treacle. Can't wait the Autumn!

Let us know what works, best of luck.

[CallyL in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thank you. That's what I love about this forum - the support is amazing! I will try some of the suggestions- I already feel more motivated- maybe I just needed a moan 😊

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I'm sure all the mix it up suggestions are the right things to try first but worth bearing in mind that a fall off in performance can sometimes be a sign of some medical issue. We've had a few people who have had cause to be thankful for running because it has shown up that they were struggling with some underlying condition that is then treated. So, if you don't see an improvement from all the great suggestions, might be worth seeing the GP...

[CallyL in reply to GoogleMe]

I feel fine other than my lead weight legs but I will bear that in mind if things don't improve- thanks.

[davelinks Graduate]

You need something fresh! Have you tried Parkrun Cally? some great motivation there..😊

[CallyL in reply to davelinks]

I think that's the way I may have to go. Great suggestions from everyone.- lots to consider. Thanks for your support.

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to CallyL]

Parkruns are amazing - you'll never look back!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Mix it up as others have suggested. But also mix up time of day etc. If you are a morning runner it is easy to think 'ohhh missed my run today' when infact there is the whole day you can work around. This is easier for some than for others but worth thinking about.

Also sign up to something, a fun 5k or a virtual run. Have a goal at all times.

Enjoy!

[CallyL in reply to Millsie-J]

I had forgotten to enjoy! Loads of ideas from you guys to try out. Thank you.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you had a break since you started running? Everyone should programme in a run free week every few months. You will come back stronger.

Go and run somewhere beautiful. I see people slogging round urban streets and am amazed at their dedication......I know that I could not do that. I have run the same routes for four years, but they are in the beautiful Devon countryside and change with the weather and seasons, but my most memorable runs have all been away from home turf, exploring new areas........beaches, cliff paths, moorland, forest tracks, all truly life affirming.

Set some targets. Join parkrun (that should be at the top of the list). Run with other people. Sign up for a race. Try it all until you find what works for you.

[CallyL]

Thank you so much. Lots to think about there. This is exactly why I belong to this group - amazing support.

[davidhwynn Graduate]

All great suggestions. I'm a recent graduate and still a pretty poor runner, so not really in a position to offer too much advice ... what I wanted to do was to reinforce the idea of you joining Parkrun - it's wonderful, friendly. I'd be surprised if you didn't enjoy it. Parkrun and a local running club have been the encouragement I needed so far. I've also found a few local routes that are beautiful - I even bought myself a large scale local map and found footpaths and bridle paths near me that I hadn't been on. It's fun looking and planning a new route. I still haven't been on most of those paths, so still have much more to explore.

[CallyL in reply to davidhwynn]

I am inspired to experiment now - I am so thankful for all the support in here.

[CallyL in reply to davidhwynn]

Thank you - I had also thought about joining a local running club for support - I just want to get back to enjoying it.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Might be worth signing up for a 5 or 10k so you have something to work on. If there's nothing locally the virtual runs can be quite good - you get bling. Good luck.

[CallyL in reply to ancientrunner]

Great ideas - I will take a look at the virtual runs too - I do like a reward 😆

[Steved110 Graduate]

I have found that I do need to have eaten something before a run - a small bowl of raw oats does me fine - a couple of tablespoons with milk and in an hour or two I'm good to go. If I don't eat I run out of go at about 20 minutes and find the rest a huge effort of will.

I'm still consolidating - only done three post grad runs in 14 days due to issues at home - so at this point am desperate to run for the full 30 minutes and it is getting easier I think

In addition I am sticking to the same route for now because I appreciate the familiarity and it's good to know without checking how far I have come and how much is left - I uses a sort of loose figure 8 and it's interesting to see I'm getting further with each run!

I've downloaded the next lot of pod dpcasts but haven't tried them yet as I'm still enjoying the ability to do 30 minutes, it's still a great novelty

[CallyL in reply to Steved110]

It sounds like you are doing great and enjoying it! Reading through all of these posts I am now convinced that I had just forgotten how much fun it is - I need to stop stressing and just enjoy. Thank you.

[Steved110 Graduate in reply to CallyL]

To be honest the real enjoyment comes after the run .... but yesterday once the toxic 10 was over I did feel comfortable I. The run so I hope that means I am getting somewhere!

[Mazzyc25k]

did you have a goal for doing the C25k ie: a race coming up or was it just to start you off .. maybe look into a race if not & just do it for yourself to start & get your mojo back xx

[CallyL in reply to Mazzyc25k]

I really started it just to prove to myself I could. I thought it was about time I got off my backside and did some exercise - and I loved it pretty much from the beginning. So much support on here over the past 24hrs that I am truely touched and motivated. Thank you.

[Mazzyc25k in reply to CallyL]

glad its helped .. Ive just set up Wunderun 10k to keep me going & it helps change up your runs again! but im starting from week 10 as its a couch to 10k app xx

[CallyL]

I'll take a look at that - thanks x