Help!

[JenRun2018]

I graduated about a month ago and steadily increased my distance to 5km running non-stop. The last couple of runs though I have struggled and not been able to run the whole distance. I feel like I’m going backwards! What’s going on? Am I doing something wrong?!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

No - it’s hot, humid and bleurgh! Try slowing down and like me, do a rain dance 😂

Have you tried ParkRun?

[JenRun2018 in reply to Tasha99]

I’m wondering if maybe I haven’t had enough water. It is pretty hot!

Haven’t done park run yet but have signed up. I haven’t plucked up the courage to do it yet. I know they say anyone can take part but I really don’t want to be last and most people are a lot quicker than me!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to JenRun2018]

Go on to your local ParkRun page, click on results and you’ll see the times for everyone. Your best bet is a super busy one as there are more slow people 👌🏽

[JenRun2018 in reply to Tasha99]

Yes that’s what I was thinking. Although it will be even worse then if I’m last!! Ha ha

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to JenRun2018]

Honestly no one cares about who’s last and there are tail walkers anyway - they’re last 👌🏽 I was last on my first one as I walked the whole way in week 1 - 48 minutes 👍🏽

[JenRun2018 in reply to Tasha99]

Ah I didn’t know that. Maybe I will be brave then and try it next week 🙉

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to JenRun2018]

Where in the world are you?

[JenRun2018 in reply to Tasha99]

Just outside Chester. There’s a run at the country park but a lot of my colleagues do that so that put me off a bit. Or there’s one in delamere forest that looks good. How about you?

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to JenRun2018]

Middlesbrough. A bit far to Chester but if you ever fancy meeting half way, say near Leeds, I do like a bit of ParkRun tourism 😂

[Elfe5 Graduate]

No you definitely aren’t going backwards! I think you just had a couple of “off” runs - everyone has them. 🤨

Were you well hydrated? Might you be going down with something and be a bit under the weather? We’re you tired/ short of sleep? The warm weather could well be a factor. - Lots of possible reasons. Take a couple of rest days and go out gently next time. 😄

PS I have seen iannodatruffe say that it is a good idea for runners to take a week off occasionally- ( I think he said every few months- not sure). Maybe now is the moment for some extra rest days to recharge your batteries.

[JenRun2018 in reply to Elfe5]

I think you might have a point with the hydration! I’ll make sure I get more water next time and maybe take a little break. Thanks for the advice!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Are you hydrated enough? Are you having enough rest days? Are you bored with your route? Is there anyone you can run with so it's more sociable? Do you need C25K Laura in your ear giving you encouragement?

Try using Runkeeper on Drill Sargent voice for a laugh!

Good luck!

[TSword]

Me too - a little disheartening I agree

[TSword]

I have been considering returning to week 7 and trying to get back that way