Failure W7R3

[Lizzisforliving]

Feeling really disappointed as I didn't manage to complete W7R3 this morning. I was feeling okay, decided to choose a different route and only made it halfway (I was struggling and went down a country track which ended in a fence; when I turned round I just stopped running). So I need a bit of advice and encouragement, please. Was the change of route a big factor? It was a beautiful day, (maybe 10 degrees) so I actually got hot very quickly and had to tie my top round my waist which is not ideal. I haven't yet got to the stage where I find running easy (my legs always feel really heavy) although I can happily walk for 10 - 15km day after day. I have several pairs of trainers and today I was wearing the same ones as for W7R2 so that shouldn't be a factor. I did some research online about gait analysis and came across a blog with photos which showed the runner lifting his feet much higher than I can, and I did start off trying to do that, but only for about 20m. I may also have started a bit faster, but I just couldn't keep going after 12.5 minutes. I know that's more than I could do a few weeks ago, but I'm still fed up.

After I stopped, I felt a twinge in my right ankle which dissuaded me from starting again (but I think that was mostly an excuse).

Help! I got home to hear You and Yours discussing fitness and interviewing Laura. I do want to do this...

Bad start to a new year.

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

I’m no expert by any means but if it helps I would say don’t worry about it. I had the exact same experience just 2 days before my first park run last Saturday. I could only manage 1km before stopping and I was going at a snails pace. I then walked for 15 minutes thinking I’ll just head home and put it down as a bad run but just as I was turning for home thought I’d have another go and again I failed miserably after 1km. I sat on a bench after that one as I was unable to go any further. Anyway, to cut a long story short I not only completed the park run but finished without stopping but did it in just over 30 minutes. I guess these things just happen from time to time. Maybe get a gait analysis done though. That made a massive difference once I got the pronation sorted with a good pair of shoes. Good luck and keep going but I’d rest up first though before heading out again to give that injury time to sort it itself out. You’ll get loads of great advice and support here from people far more experienced than me and I’m sure you’ll be bouncing back before long. Take care.

[Lizzisforliving Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks BrianUK - I thought I must be the first person ever to fail

[RunBrianRun Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

You haven’t failed! Not at all. It’s a learning curve for all of us. You’ll be fine just give it time.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

You are not the first and will not be the last to experience a less than perfect run

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

Thanks.

[rolysmate Graduate]

Well you've run that distance before so you know you can do it so this was nothing more than a trial run on a new route that just didn't work out, so take a restday and get yourself back out there on your known route and lets get this run in the bag

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

You're not a failure it's was just a practice run.

It may be worth going for a gait analysis to check your trainers are right. Also try setting out slower as you increase your time.

Good luck with your next run 😊

[Vish-runs Graduate]

Oh no. I’m so sorry to hear this. Maybe you are putting too much pressure on yourself. At least you went out and gave it a shot. I didn’t go today and actually will leave run 3 until Wednesday as still feeling a bit achy from last run (on sat)

Why not take a few days rest and then try it again. But then I’m a novice at this myself so probably not the best one to give advice.

Really rooting for you and I know you’ll do it sooner or later.

Good luck

Xxx

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

Thank you all - I knew I'd get some support from the lovely people on here. I really appreciate it.

Happy New Year to you all. xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Nope...no 'f' words here please... a practice run for the New Year's running adventures..

Take it slow and take it steady... and just run. ! Make sure you work on some strength and stamina exercises and please stretch well after each run!

Just relax and enjoy

[Hidden]

Ive come to the conclusion that somewhere between weeks 6 and 8 are failed runs lurking. Ive had two. They make you lose confidence, but the following run tends to be a success, so I think sometimes the body is gearing up for the next big push. Also I do wonder if you expended too much energy starting faster and trying to lift your legs higher. Dont be demoralised. Next time will be fine, Im sure.

[SlowLoris]

Starting a bit faster has often scuppered me. I end up about 12-13 minutes in absolutely knackered. However, I've realised that I can slow down again and after another 5 minutes or so it's a lot easier again. Also, don't forget there is nothing wrong with going into a brisk walk for a couple of minutes then running again. You are in control of your body, not the other way around.