Why are some runs easier than others?

[Pinkpig20]

I’m trying to consolidate my 5k runs, but sometimes it feels ok & other times harder. I did Park run yesterday which was ok. I went out this afternoon & it was hard!!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

So is that two consecutive runs?? Ooooo, your muscles! Ooooo, your learning running legs! They need to recover...you’re park run was obvs 5k..in how many minutes?? Are you enjoying your runs? Once you’ve graduated just enjoy your new found ability...embrace the weather, embrace the slippy leaves...enjoy the fresh air...all while you’re doing 5k, 3k...there’s no pressure on distance or doing 5k in 30 mins...that can often end up in disappointment & is something that will happen, in time...congratulations on finishing the programme, now go & enjoy your running 😉

[Pinkpig20 Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you. 😀 Yes I enjoy the runs, just not the ones that are harder as much! My park run time was 34 mins. I’m

aiming for 5 miles at the end of Jan. I know I probably shouldn’t have gone out two days in a row, but hadn’t been out since last Sat.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Pinkpig20]

We all have hard runs...I think that’s all part of our running journey, 34 mins is a fantastic time so be happy with that! It’s good to have a goal but you know what you are capable of so as long as you’re not putting too much pressure on yourself that’s fine....have you a reason for 5 miles before end of jan? You will easily get there if you do it properly...practice makes perfect don’t forget. Your legs need to recover after a run so a days rest in between runs is advisable...I know it’s tempting to go out the day after, I’m tempted all the time, but muscles need to recover for at least a day to get the best out of a run....chill & enjoy the build up to your 5 mile goal

[Pinkpig20 Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

I have signed up for a 5 mile race at the end of Jan. I shall try not to be so hard on myself!😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Restedness, hydration, fuelling etc. will all make a difference to how you feel on a run, but you can't run consecutive days without feeling the effects, nor without hugely increasing your injury risk.

Have you read the guide to post C25K running? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which contains advice about running on consecutive days.............an absolute minimum of six months regular running with plenty of aerobic exercise on rest days is cited, but frankly you are better off waiting longer. It sounds like you are not running regularly, so you are not building the base you need to safely consider running on consecutive days.

Take care.