Wk6 and I'm struggling

[Pennyj66]

I found wk5r3 and wk6r1 a real struggle. I'm not sure wether it's just getting used to my new shoes and now wearing compression socks but my legs seem really heavy. I really haven't enjoyed these runs. Any advice as I'm now heading into the longer runs.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Morning

Looking at your past post...you may still have a virus or similar hanging onto your running shoes ! It could be as simple as that.

If you do feel back on form, and ready to run....there may be other reasons; are you upping your rest day exercise/ strength and stamina wise. As the runs get longer, that rest day exercise becomes even more important. Exercises specifically to strengthen your legs maybe...real solid warming up too and stretching afterwards. E.g.

womensrunninguk.co.uk/uncat...

womensrunninguk.co.uk/train...

Not sure why you are wearing compression socks... I may have missed that in a post...but, really try to land very lightly.. you may have noticed I use the phrase, kissing the ground with your feet... it does help. Try with the longer runs to relax, and start slow...then stay slow... breathe gently and think how you are moving..let the running legs carry you lightly. The longer runs are great for taking your time, realising how far you have come and enjoyment.

I hope this may help a bit...keep us posted please

[Pennyj66 in reply to Oldfloss]

I really suffered with shin splints in the first couple of runs so I thought I'd give the socks a go. I'll leave them off for the next run to see if it makes a difference. The run itself is not causing any problems, I'm not breathing hard and my recovery time is so much better. Maybe it's partly physiological...i don't listen to anything while I run so perhaps I need stimulus for the longer 'empty' periods. I now have 5 days until my next run so I'm going to rethink my route, and download some tunes. I'll leave the socks at home and I'll report back and let you know how I get on.

Many many thanks for the advice. I'm determined to keep going!

[gingergirl07]

I find that listening to some good tunes really makes a difference on the longer runs - distracts me from aching legs and my brain telling me I’m tired! Keep going - you can do this!

[Razouski]

Hi Penny, it sounds like your Mojo may have gone awol. Try not to get too anxious as 50% of this running is in your head. Some people love running without headphones do that they can enjoy the sounds of nature along the way. I find it hard without something to listen to, and have to change my playlist every now and again so that I don't get bored. I also have different routes to run to keep my interest. I hope you can find something to make it feel less of a struggle. 🤞🏽

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Would definitely ditch the compression socks and download some motivating music. slow and steady and mental preparation essential from now on you can do this you have got this far so well done. 👍🏃‍♀️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Heavy legs can be a sign of poor hydration.

The NHS recommend that you drink a minimum of 1.2 litres per day. If you are exercising you need to drink well in excess of this amount. I drink more than twice that amount, whether I am running or not. Your fluid intake needs to be little and often throughout the day and what you drink the day before a run is as important as what you drink on run day.

[Pennyj66 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I drink between 1.5 and 2 litres everyday. I realised about 4 months ago that I needed to up my game with hydration so I started carrying a 2l bottle around at work and stopped drinking coffee. At home on days off I have a bottle in the kitchen.

[misswobble Graduate]

I think you can expect them to require more effort. Hang in there. Slow running is fine just keep going

Ditch the socks if needs be 🙂🏃‍♀️😃

[Pennyj66]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I'm on the right track. I'm going to get daughter to show me how to download, ditching the socks, and slightly changing route. I'll report back next week with good news.