Second run syndrome?

[Aofa]

It’s something a running friend of mine mentioned to me a few weeks ago. You have a fantastic run/jog one day (for me, completing W5 D2 on Friday), but then the next one is rubbish. Just doesn’t happen. I don’t think this is a scientific phenomenon, but it certainly happens to me occasionally. Like this morning for example! I like my routine of Monday, Wednesday and Friday when I get up at 5:30am (no one around to watch me thump around like a hefalump 😉), but obviously some days are better than others. Today was awful. I gave up after 10 minutes as it just wasn’t going to happen. I’m just interested if anyone else experiences something similar?

[purplewalker Graduate]

Sure people do! I definitely had an awful one yesterday but that was first one back after trying to rest an injury and I’d had two glasses on wine night before! I had the same Mon, Wed, Fri routine at 5:30 too and two rest days at weekend which was going a dream until I hurt myself. Keep at it- next one bound to be better!😄

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I’ve heard that too, and I know it happened to me as W8R2 was hideous. I made it through, but it was such a slog. Not sure about the other weeks specifically, but I’ve definitely read other people’s posts about hard runs and they’re often R2. Weird! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃

[Tartancat Graduate]

I get this! I think I'm so elated at achieving the first run that the second time is a bit of an anti-climax

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I had an epic run last Wednesday, it was the best run in ages. I pushed for a PB. Then I have been on the couch ever since with a chest infection and a temperature. Unfortunately I think they are connected, a great run can sometimes knock the immune system especially if you are pushing outside your current limits, which I was. I should of know better but it was an epic run 😀.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There are always (well, nearly always) good reasons why a run is "bad" and if you can identify those things, then you can avoid repetition in future, or at least lower expectations and demands.

Restedness, fuelling, hydration, general mental attitude etc. are the major personal variables, to which you can add the external ones, such as weather, time of day, environment etc.

As a poor sleeper, I will often abandon plans to run if I have not slept well the night before. I never run after work and avoid running streets and avoid alcohol the day before a run. Over the years I have found that working within these parameters makes for good running and I always find it incredible that so many people seem to imagine that they can expect their body to respond consistently, when so many variables are impacting on them and their lives.

Everything in your life can affect your running, so identify them and work round them.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Aofa in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Sometimes, it’s having someone point out something obvious before you go ‘ah ha!, that explains a lot!’ Yes, I’d had a big day yesterday, which may have included some alcohol and more food than usual.

[Bonsaiboy]

I am on week 11 tonight. I've never missed a run and about to try 35mins tonight for the first time. I must admit that's its a regular thing with me that one run is brilliant and the next one not so. My worst one yet was Sunday. I was on what was supposed to be 3 week 10 consolidation runs when I told myself that I would run 32 mins each time. After the second run of 32 mins the next day my knees felt a bit tender or 'worn' a bit. Never had any issues before. I had to give myself 2 days rest as it didn't shift. On Sunday I ran knees were ok but didn't enjoy it from minute one. My legs felt dead. I wanted to stop and say well at least I did half of it but I just carried on and did 30 mins. I didn't do the extra two. Felt bad and worried now about trying to do 35 tonight after work. Looking at these posts though it is a common thing to experience the bad runs so don't be too worried. The mental demons are the worst for me telling me I cant or wont do it.