Frustrated and tired

[MelsieJay]

Hi I’ve been keeping up my three times a week runs but I seem to have lost energy. I’m averaging 3k only and only managing 20-25 mins. I am actually almost enjoying it now and nearly even looking forward to my outings - but it’s frustrating to be lacking energy and it’s still a struggle 3 weeks after graduating. Any tips? I’ve downloaded Rock my run and loving the Poptastic playlist 😂 but it think the trial expires Saturday so will have to go back to Laura

[Karenlouise66]

I'm on week 8 just done r2. Omg I can't believe the difference that extra 3 mins has made from last week. Almost feel like giving up. I only manage about 3.6km but you have to think how far you have come !!! Just keep it up

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Karenlouise66]

Thanks Karen and fantastic what you are doing. Not long to go to the podium now x

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate in reply to Karenlouise66]

I have to agree....those 3 minutes seem so long...I have just finished W8R3 so here's to hoping 2 more mins doesn't kill me next week. We have done so well...I have downloaded the Michael McIntyre audio book....which has taken my mind off the boredom that I was experiencing at the beginning of W8.

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Imnotarunner43]

Oh I love Michael McIntyre. What an excellent idea. I have listened to the Fortunately podcasts but they do make me laugh a bit too much I don’t want to get caught out!!!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

You really sound like you need to slow down. Sorry! Try to build one a week back up to 30 mins even if the other two don’t quite make it. Also make sure you are getting good rest and plenty of water.

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

That made me smile cos I don’t think I could go any slower!! But I get what you mean. It’s just that the podcasts said to keep doing 3x a week and I’ve been pushing myself to do it but struggling. I think you’re right. Maybe two runs a week. I can only do 20-25 mins but need to see that as ok not push for further again till it feels right. Then one nearer to 30 and one shorter?

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to MelsieJay]

All I can say is do what you can. The worst thing you can do is totally stop running. The next worse is get an injury. Aim for 3x30 but hold that aim lightly. Do whatever you can for now. It’s not a contractual obligation!

[Sybilw Graduate in reply to MelsieJay]

Does it really matter if you’re enjoying it? Disconnect your tracker and have fun. My tracker is very flakey so I’m fact I can just make up how far I go (it seems to)! Quality over quantity (yes I know that’s not s good analogy but you know what I mean). It’s a bit like how much you weigh - if you don’t check but feel ok then all is right with the world.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have a break for a week and come back revitalised.

There is no point running yourself into the ground.

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Three runs a week is a massive achievement, so well done you! ~ what a commitment! If you are lacking energy your body might be telling you it needs a bit more rest? I graduated a month ago and have to remind myself that prior to this programme I hadn't exercised for many years! So I need to be patient at progressing slowly 🐌 I'm going back to 2 rest days even though I'm itching to get out there again after 1 🙄 Be kind to yourself, 3 weeks in is still early days ~ slow 'n' steady still applies 😊 You'll get there 💪

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thank you that’s very encouraging x

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

"When you focus on the practice instead of the performance, you can enjoy the present moment and improve at the same time." ~ Not my words but just read it in an article, so thought I'd share with you MelsieJay 😊 Spooky!

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thank you yes that makes sense. Very profound too. I like it.

[Tbae]

Take Mentor’s advice.

Week off, and revitalise.

You will benefit from this.

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Ok it’s a plan. 😊 I’m off to the lakes next week so some walking in the mountains and a few swims instead - and let’s hope the running gets a bit more natural after a rest.

[Tbae in reply to MelsieJay]

That’s lovely.Walking and swimming and the lakes great.

Even seriously good amateur runners practise a lower mileage week periodically.

The elite take several weeks away from their specialities.

Take care of you and enjoy this gift you have given to yourself.

Keep smiling.

Atb.

[Lydia-jg Graduate]

Hi, I’m in similar position to you I think, going q slowly and finding the longer runs hard every time still tho getting through 30 mins just , but I am v busy at work and know I’m tired. Think the rest between my runs is really important so taking extra days where I feel I need them. You’re doing well just keep it up, we can do it!!

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Lydia-jg]

We can!! Sorry you’re struggling too. A week of sleep would be nice wouldn’t it!!

[Wildswimmer]

Have you tried Spotify to run to? You can get it for free and there are loads of playlists...you can find something you like with some not too bothersome ads. I agree with everyone else, be proud that your off the couch 3 x a week, weall remember when running for 5 mins non stop was a challenge!! 🙂

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Wildswimmer]

I’m a dinasour and haven’t tried Spotify. Thanks for the heads up! And encouragement too.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

Interval training can be helpful? I am no expert but might be worth looking into.

Also.....are you eating and drinking enough to fuel your run? The longer we run the more we need to think about what foods will help you. Again I am not an expert but worth looking into.

Having said all of that you are doing great by running 3 times a week anyway. Give yourself a pat on the back xx

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

Thank you. Ok I will. x

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to MelsieJay]

Good luck, let us know how you get on. I have recently graduated so hoping to stay motivated myself 😁

[ANaylor]

What will you have eaten before you run? And how long a gap?

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to ANaylor]

Either first thing so just a cup of tea and water or midday so a few hours after porridge and tea (and a coffee )

[ANaylor in reply to MelsieJay]

Maybe you could try experimenting with this, eg a mid-morning banana, or running in the evening a few hours after you’ve eaten, just to see whether the tiredness is due to not having enough glycogen available when you need it.

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to ANaylor]

Yes that makes sense. It’s been so hot that I’m wiped out by evening but after drinking much more water today I feel more lively so maybe that’s the answer. After my rest week/few days I will try an evening one. Thank you

[Running59]

I’ve just finished week 6 and I completed 3K in 25 minutes. It’s a run forget the kilometres just enjoy your running

[EmmaRunning Graduate]

Don't be disheartened - its got to be enjoyable even if you are pushing yourself to achieve something. I usually have a banana an hour/45 mins before a run as I am not v good without a bit of food, this may help. Also, the slow down mantra does seem to make sense, something I find v hard to do, but have had some of my best 5K times by running behind someone who has a slower but steadier pace than me. Definitely get some good tracks on Spotify and use them to help - it's surprising what can motivate you.

[skeenie Graduate]

After face planting on a normal walk the other day am finding it hard to run with an achy body so leaving 2 days between runs seemed best move but still feel am not going to achieve 5k in 30 mins ever. however 3 runs a week after doing nothing for years is an achievement we have to be proud of if its 20, 25 or 30 its so much more than zilch . well done and enjoy the lakes you may even feel like a run in that beautiful scenery

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to skeenie]

Not much is flat tho and I’m allergic to running uphill!! 😄 I’m so sorry about your fall. It’s scary to fall as an adult. Always shocks us so much more. I hope you recover fully and quickly xx

[LookNannyruns Graduate]

Lots of wise advice here as usual. Post graduation is a another journey for me as I work out what I want from this new found skill I have achieved. I have tried the faster, longer, more miles routes and it is slowly dawning on me that I can do what I choose to do, there are no ‘run police’ watching me 😎

I empathised with your post as this week , with the heat, running has been harder. So thank you for your timely words, I shall go out today with a different mind set. If I do 10, 20, 30 or more minutes it’s my choice, if I do 1k,2k,3k or more it is up to me.

I maintain an air of smugness when people ask me about what exercise I do, I list off badminton, pilates, yoga , zumba etc and the slip on the end - oh and I run.

The mentors advice struck home with me too. I want to be posting on here way into the future so if an occasional easing off ensures the habit continues the so be it.

Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to LookNannyruns]

Thank you. You are all so kind. And wise. And generous with support. It means a lot. X

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

MelsieJay, I’m in awe of everyone that has completed this programme and you are one of them! You’re onto the next chapter and getting out there. The good and not so great moments says we’re human and that is an inspiration to us all, when we too have those not so great days. So thank you and keep going! ❤️❤️

[Hidden]

I’m having exactly the same problem. Maybe the warm weather hasn’t helped. Try to drink lots of water the day before...that can make a huge difference. You’re getting out there and doing it, that’s the main thing.

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Good tip about the water. I’m being amazing today at drinking water. And will do tomorrow so I’ve had a two day rest. Then I might either continue to rest and hydrate or sneak a short run and be proud!

[Ajay99 Graduate]

Hi, I graduated about 8 weeks ago and since then my running has been quite erratic - sometimes twice per week, sometimes once sometimes not at all! I run very slowly for a bit over 30 minutes - 32 or 33, sometimes 35, but I have also done a 20 min run when I was feeling tired. Someone said there are no run police out there and its true! Instead, Imagine a crowd clapping as you run, because we have all progressed so much! Enjoy your week off running and banish any guilt.

[KoKo30 Graduate]

I think you are doing just fine. Any run is a good run. I am similar as I mostly do 20 minute runs, sometimes 25 but seldom 30. With the warm up and cool down its hard to fit 40 minutes in 3 times a week, I did it to graduate but cut myself some slack now. I need to enjoy it or I would stop altogether which would be disastrous as I find it so good for mental health as well as physical health. You have lots of good advice from others if you want to get back to 30 mins 2/3 times a week but just relax and do what you can - think back to when you did nothing and be proud of your achievements. Good luck!

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to KoKo30]

Thanks I know. I need to remember and have perspective!! You’re right thank you