My worst run

[reluctantrunner76]

I have been feeing so confident, getting though every run relatively ok, ticking off the weeks even planning on why to do after graduation then BANG! Week 9 run 1.

It started off surprisingly fine, normally my legs feel heavy for a while but they didn't today. My pace was up straight away. It was cold but great. Then going down a little hill just above my left knee I got a right twinge and then it all started going wrong. It only seamed to hurt going downhill so I changed route and missed the next hill. The back of my other leg then started hurting - then just to top it off I got a stitch for the first time ever.

I kept going for the full 30 minutes but feel right downhearted now. A hot shower, a few stretches and a cuppa might sort me out.

[unlikelyrunner Graduate]

I'm only a week ahead of you, but in my experience so far we just have to expect the occasional bad run. Sometimes the moons align in some strange way and it just doesn't go well. I tell myself that battling through those runs is 'worth' more than steaming through the good ones. Even though you might not feel great you battled on through and you ARE stronger than you were before you did it. Keep going - you're so close!

[Beatlesforever Graduate]

It sounds like one of those runs... but you pushed through the whole thing and completed it! Try to leave this one behind and look forward to your next one. I had a bad run in w7 (run3), the closest I've come to not completing a run. I felt quite deflated but the next run was really good! Just one of those things, I guess. Maybe try a flatter route and take it a bit slower next time?

Hope your shower and cuppa have worked their magic! ☺

[ejvcruns Graduate]

First run of the week - always hard. Drink tea, and know it will get better.

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate in reply to ejvcruns]

The tea went down a treat, thanks:)!!!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Are you stretching after each run? Also, invest in a foam roller to get rid of any tight spots around your knees. But well done on the run, you're nearly there!

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I do stretch, I have been having a few more baths recently too. It's still hurting tonight. I've seen the rollers but never had one. Are they a good investment?

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to reluctantrunner76]

Yes, essential for a runner I think. I use mine every day and have got rid of aches and niggles with them. Just check on YouTube on the proper way to use and be prepared for it to hurt the first few times but this eases and just proves how tight your muscles are 😩

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Don't be down, you did it, as ejvcruns said, relax, drink tea, and prepare to graduate. 😁

[Wizziewood]

Oh dear, don't let it get you down.

Wk 9 r1, wow, nearly there!

Do your stretches thoroughly, do them again tomorrow and perhaps take an extra rest day.

These things happen to us runners from time to time so look after yourself and you'll soon be on the graduation podium.

Good luck!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

A bad run. It happens. But the important thing to remember is: YOU... DIDN'T... QUIT.

It may not seem like it now, but this is the run you should be most proud of. The mental strength you have shown is to carry on is admirable.

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks, never really thought of it as mental strength. Just stubbornness not to fail!

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to reluctantrunner76]

Whatever you call it, keep doing it! 💪💪

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It's pretty much de rigueur to have a disagreeable run somewhere in weeks 7-9. Bravo on getting it out of the way.

[Hidden]

WHEN (not if) you graduate, you will continue to have some runs where things are tough, or don't go as you hope. However, you will have loads more that are good, enjoyable and rewarding. So don't be disheartened

[Gchurchlow]

I wonder why they don't tell you to stretch after the 5 minute cool down walk? 🤔🤔

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Gchurchlow]

So as not to put off people like me. The absence of stretching was a big factor in me deciding to give the programme a go.

I do stretches (yoga) now, but not in conjunction with my run. The walks are powerful things... I have very occasionally felt a need to stretch after a run and it has always been when the walk has been skipped or severely truncated for some reason.