Disappointed with myself.

[p1M2l3]

Since graduating I have continued to run 3 times a week but I have been unable to run anywhere near 30 minutes. I don't know if I'm not pushing myself hard enough because I finished the programme or I didn't do the programme properly or there's something the matter with me. Should I go back to the programme somewhere and repeat it ? I definitely am missing the improved self esteem let alone fitness. Help!

[SlowLoris]

Hmm

How long are you running for? What is your pace like? And I don't mean how many minutes per km or mile because that's individual and not really important. I mean are you going slow enough! Are you running like a Loris??

I am still running slower than my graduation pace. I only came vaguely close to it today because I did a much shorter run. The fact is I pushed myself on the program because it motivates one very well. I have now heeded the advice of those that know better and lowered my pace. Having built up some mileage at a slow pace I am now going to start to build on it.

Most importantly, don't be disappointed. You are still running three times a week and still reaping the rewards.

[p1M2l3 in reply to SlowLoris]

Gosh. Running is a lot more complicated than I used to think!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Do not feel disheartened you have Graduated so you know you are capable of running for 30 minutes at a time. You are still out running regularly ( three times a week is great) and all running is good running.

Maybe you need to change your route for variety or to try the C25k + podcasts for some structure...

There are no rules that say you have to run for 30 minutes, although it sounds like you would like to. You may be a bit tired or trying to run too quickly. Slow is best. You may be setting off too quickly, and finding the first 10 minutes so hard it puts you off.

Here are links to the C25k + podcasts and to a post about the 'toxic ten'

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You are keen to run and want to enjoy it, remember how far you have come and you are still building stamina and your running legs every time you go out.😊x

[p1M2l3 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Many thanks for your ideas and support. I think I do need new routes, so I won't stop where I'm used to stopping !

[Whatsapp Graduate]

The first question is WHY do you stop before 30mins is up?

Assuming no injury, the next question would be WHEN do you stop - how long are you running for?

One of the first things I stopped doing when I graduated was to run to time. Now I run to a specific distance. I think that running down the clock is hard. Some days you want to do 5k, some you may only want to run 2k, or even 10k.

My guess is the first time you stopped short, you created a mental block. You were having a bad day and couldn't go on, and now you are in the rut of stopping at the same point. If you rwant to carry on running for time but you always stop at say 19mins, then next time you go out try and puch yourself when you get to that norml 19min stopping point for another minute. Maybe a minute more, and so on. It may not get you much further, but it you keep doing it...

[Foxes1961 Graduate]

Don't be disappointed in yourself you are AMAZING! Look how far you have come already. I finished the programme a year ago and also felt like you for a while, you do miss the structure of the programme but anything you are doing is great don't get so hung up on running for 30 mins. Try running shorter burst of say 5 mins at a slightly faster pace then 5-10 mins recovery and repeat as many times as you feel comfortable. It isn't always about the distance or the time spent running. If you can improve you fitness by running shorter but faster that will improve your fitness and then the time/distance will increase. Keep it up you are doing great!

[Trying2run Graduate]

When I graduated I tended to run less than 30 if I set off too fast, I just had no breath left after 25 and it was too hard. If I run slowly I can run for 45 minutes or more. I also agree with the above, don’t run to time pick a distance to get to. It was only when I was so determined to get to 5k that I ran for 43 minutes (see what I mean about slow).

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

I don’t remember writing this...oh hang on, it’s not me...but it sounds JUST LIKE ME!!! After graduation I felt so lost...I missed the structure, I missed the programme and every time I went out I came back disappointed with myself...I graduated in October & I only ran 5k a couple of weeks ago...I also found myself stopping every 5 flipping minutes as I felt like I couldn’t run anymore...but I still went out, I still tried, I still ran...I couldn’t get my head round what was going on though...so I stopped over thinking it...I also had a ‘light-bulb moment’ & instead of just warming up for 5 mins I warmed up for between 7 & 10 minutes...5 minutes doesn’t work for everyone...& it worked...for a bit....even now some days I run for 20 mins, some times I run for 30 but then other times I run for 10/5 Walk a bit, repeat....but most of all, I enjoy every single run because I am doing my own thing...I am running my own run...and that’s what you should do...just go out & run as far as you can for as long as you can, then walk for a coupla mins then start again...it’s all building up your stamina...then, when you feel ready, I can highly recommend the C25k+ podcasts...don’t be too hard on yourself..start slowly & gradually build up if you can...it’s not a race & you definitely can run...you’re not a graduate for nothing...chin up 😉😉😉

[p1M2l3]

Thank you so much. This forum is so great at making you realise you're not alone and lots of people have done the same. I do run and then walk a bit and then run a bit more. I'll feel much more optimistic next run. At least the weather's getting better. Not as much of that snow and wind!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

There’s so much support on here.....I don’t know what I’d do without my running family 😍..we all know how you feel & we will all be here when you need us 😉....you’re doing fine & yes, the weather will make a difference

[SamBaker]

I am the same..I graduated last June, was really proud of myself. I also missed the structure, had a few (what I thought) bad runs and gave up. I have now started again back at the beginning and cursing myself for wasting all that hard work.

I will do it again and this time I won't give up. My advice is don't stop getting it there. Any run is a good run, it's getting out there and doing it that's important. Think of how far you have come and all that hard work sweat and tears wasted if you give up xx

[p1M2l3 in reply to SamBaker]

oh yes. That's the one thing I'm sure of!