Why was it so hard?

[Jem54671]

First time posting but have been quietly getting through the weeks and (almost) starting to believe I can do it - up to week 8 run 2 with no problems and a growing sense of achievement- I never though I could run for 28 minutes ! And then tonight, w8r3 and I couldn’t get beyond 18 minutes. I had to walk/run (mostly walk) the rest of the way - so disappointed. It was very hot and my route was a little hillier than usual - but why was it so hard? Is that normal? No amount of mind over matter worked. Any advice?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Don’t underestimate what the heat will do to a run. Even the most seasoned runner can come to blows on a hot day. It is easy to get dehydrated and just the heat all make a run harder. Well done for getting out there in the heat and doing 18 mins. Just do the run again in a couple of days and make sure you drink well 24 hours before, I am sure you will be fine.

[Jem54671 in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks for the pep talk! - hopefully it was a one off.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

“It was very hot and my route was hillier than usual...” Two strong reasons.

You’ve not mentioned how much rest you’ve been taking between runs/series of runs. I found if I did 4 runs in 7 days I was exhausted.

You’ve not mentioned anything about food/drink/rest over the weekend. If you have had troubled sleep due to heat or been hitting the barbecue/alcohol or out in the sun and not hydrating well, all will affect you.

Take it as a practice run. Have at least one clear day off. Have another go.

[Jem54671 in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks Jay, all likely reasons. Will try again on Weds - maybe early morning this time!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jem54671]

Good plan. Remember what happens in one run only carries forward to the next run if you decide to bring it. Start each one afresh. Enjoy it. Go early, go slow.