Struggling...

[AllyS]

Just completed W4R2 and I’m finding the first half of the runs a real struggle and on Monday night I was so close to stopping but I didn’t. I feel that I’m literally dragging my legs when I’m running as they feel so heavy and I’ve been getting cramps in my feet too. I do seem to improve though towards the end of the session which seems odd 🤔

[Hidden]

If it’s a real struggle are you going too fast? Slow is good on this programme, we all improve at our own pace. It’s also normal for the run to get easier as you go along, I run a lot slower during the first part of any run and always think it’s going to be dreadful. Then it’s fine. Keep going, you can do it 👍🏼

[AllyS Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I’m running on a treadmill in the gym and i don’t think I’m going too fast but I did up the speed slightly as I felt that i was going so slowly which made me feel I was having to put in more of an effort. Think I might repeat week 4 to try and improve my stamina 😬

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Slow down is the only advice we can give. You can run much slower than you think.

[AllyS Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you. I may slow it down and repeat week 4 to see if I can improve. I’m not sure if I maybe need to warm up for longer than 5 mins as I feel I’m just getting into the run when it’s time to stop! 😩

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to AllyS]

I would do the opposite. Press on. You may find the long run at the end of W5 suits you better.

[AllyS Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I may just do that and if I find that I’m struggling too much I’ll revert back to week 4. Many thanks ☺️👍🏻

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to AllyS]

Always try to move forward x

[AllyS Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I will. Thank you ☺️ x

[Wanna-Be Graduate]

Ah the toxic 10 where your body has a temper tantrum a toddler would be proud of! As you have found your body does eventually cave and accept this run is actually happening.

It's apparently something all runners deal with but (good news) also doesn't happen every run

[AllyS Graduate in reply to Wanna-Be]

Yup it was a tantrum alright lol. The only reason I didn’t give in was because my determination kicked in and I just kept inwardly repeating to myself “I CAN DO THIS” which got me through ☺️

[Wanna-Be Graduate in reply to AllyS]

You might find an extra warm up helps. Things like high knees, butt kickers, walking lunges, side steps and alternating step backs are all a bit more effort than walking and may ease your body into the run.

[AllyS Graduate in reply to Wanna-Be]

Great! Will give those a go thanks 👍🏻