Why is it hard to finish the last 75yds?

[GrahamM1968]

Can anyone help with this one ? I did my first park run last week in 31:44 I was fine until the last 75yds which is up hill and you can see the finish ... I had to pull over with the urge to throw up it was like been hit in the stomach with a sledge hammer all energy gone I had nothing left but after 2 mins gasping I pulled myself together and struggled over the line. Today I got cramp in right calf after 2/3 way round I ran jogged shuffled through it until I could see the finish then again same thing I felt the urge to throw up at exactly the same place I didn't but if I had dug deep and run the finish I would have done! this week I was 4 seconds slower and the cramp pain in the calf is still there this evening , I only had an energy bar to eat this morning 1 hour before the race so its not a food issue , could it be nerves at finishing ? I can do 5k on the treadmill without an issue

[Madge50 Graduate]

Oh that must be so unpleasant, the only time I've seen people retch and throw up at parkrun is when they've really pushed themselves, are you really going for it? If so I'd suggest slowing down.

In addition running on a treadmill is quite different to running outside, especially off road, every stride you take your feet and legs are adjusting to the uneven surface you're running on, and this may put additional stretch and strain on your calves which may explain the cramp.

Do you eat and hydrate well before your run - including the day before?

Just some thoughts on a few things to think about, hope it improves for you.

Mx

[GrahamM1968]

Thanks M yes I am going for it and I haven't seen anyone else with the same problem I have been getting fit in the gym for 16 weeks and last weeks park run was my first official 5k and first run outside I did notice the difference running outside perhaps I need a bit more practice and time to adapt but I'm loving it I really caught the bug so bring on next Saturday it can't come soon enough

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to GrahamM1968]

So glad you like parkrun, I love it, best invention ever! Take it easy occasionally though, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of it, you're speedy already and doing fantastically, sometimes it's nice to have a parkchat.....with your fellow parkrunners on the way round 😎

Mx

[GrahamM1968 in reply to Madge50]

I have never met such a friendly bunch last week they spured me on this week when I had the cramp everyone who passed me asked if I was ok great people all of them , next week I should stop for a coffee and a chat after the run

G

[Fishypieface Graduate]

I'm no expert but sounds like you are pushing yourself too far perhaps. Your time is fast - do you feel like you are pushing it? You don't say what week you are on. Maybe try easing off a bit, as test for one week. Cramp usually means a need for magnesium (bananas). But cramp and nausea would definitely make me slow down (any excuse!). Hope you can get it sorted.

[GrahamM1968 in reply to Fishypieface]

Seems to be a theme here "pushing it too far " the cramp pain was incredible again another first but it's all a big learning curve this running but such good fun

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Are you doing the C25K programme or are you already a runner??? Not sure on the reply otherwise

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

PS

Treadmill is so different to outside anyway..If I am on my trainer I can run a 5K in 15 minutes... outside... no chance

[Nemota Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

5K in 15 mins bloody hell ,you can't be that old that's for sure. To do 5K in 15 mins I would need to be my car . Very impressive

[GrahamM1968]

15 mins omg still 30 for me I finished the c25k app a couple of weeks ago but on the treadmill I didn't run outside till my first par run last week

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to GrahamM1968]

Well then...

Usually...after Graduation we do recommend at least a couple of weeks consolidation of the 30 min runs...then maybe trying out the C25K + podcasts...so I would say..you have maybe tried too much too soon!

As Madge50 says..it it is so different running outside.Treadmill or trainer is a controlled environment..outdoors..not at all.

Why not, maybe over the next week or so, try some different outdoor routes..long and short..30 min consolidation ..theC25K+podcasts and then on the next Park Run.take it slow 🐌 and steady..and enjoy.

[Nemota Graduate in reply to GrahamM1968]

I have gone outside either , just treadmill . Will be really interested to see how you get on next week. Good luck

[misswobble Graduate]

I think you found your lactic acid threshold. its when you run very hard and over exert yourself

If you are new to running, and your running legs aren't fully built, then you could hurt yourself

Best to get stronger before trying to go faster, which is why slowly building up distances, while cross training, is a good idea

It is good fun! So,in order to keep running and not get benched through injury, take it slow. Rome wasn't built in a day. Running legs take time to develop. Rest days are crucial to this 🙂💪👍🏃✔️

[Hidden]

I find any incline a real killer, out of all proportion to how it looks!! If you have a competitive streak (I have) perhaps you're making yourself really go for it, and if you're used to a treadmill you may be being harder on yourself than you realise. I moved from treadmill to outside, and outside is harder.

[GrahamM1968 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I agree and this week I am going to fit in a few shorter runs outside before the next park run I need to learn to gauge how quick I am going from the off so I don't over do it too soon , it's easy to keep track of speed when it's on the treadmill screen and I noticed it was really hard outside

[Hidden in reply to GrahamM1968]

Yes that sounds like a good plan. Good luck next run!!

[GrahamM1968]

Thank you it looks like your doing pretty good yourself too good luck with yours