Post Grad run 5 ... it’s not going well, I need MJ back in my life.

[Ex-NonRunner19]

My last run was the first for 22 days which, together with Christmas & new year excesses, I blamed for my dismal 20 minute jog. Today’s run was similarly dismal, I managed 21 minutes and it was a 21 minute battle.

The only thing I can think of is that I’ve ditched the earphones for the last 2 sessions, reason being I thought it’d help if I had no concept of time or distance.

My conclusion is that I need music and Michael Johnson in my life, so they’ll be back with me next time.

Struggling so much after graduating and continuing to over 40 minutes of jogging is soul destroying 😰

[staceypek Graduate]

Chin up, don't be so hard on yourself - I've found it challenging after graduating as well! Plus it's a funny old time of year. As you say, mix it up a bit - try different distances/durations, bring back the music/MJ, set yourself smaller goals/targets or try a podcast maybe? I'm sure once you get back in the swing of it you'll feel better. I'm hoping that's the case for me too...! Fingers crossed.

[Ex-NonRunner19 Graduate in reply to staceypek]

Thanks for your positivity, I need it! I know I can do it and that it’ll come back but it’s so hard battling through the bad sessions. Good luck to us both! 🤞🏼

[staceypek Graduate in reply to Ex-NonRunner19]

I hear you on that, it can be really tough. Someone said to me once on this forum "even a bad run is a good run" though and that has really stuck with me. If you're powering through even when it's torturous, that's when you're becoming mentally and physically stronger, and your fitness is really reaping the benefits. You've got this!

[ktsok Graduate]

I have read on here that you are good for 2 weeks, then lose condition rapidly after that 😬 So 22 days of no running is going to have an impact. Quite frankly, I’m amazed you did 20 minutes cold turkey! Or should that be Christmas turkey?! It will get easier again I’m sure 🙂

[Ex-NonRunner19 Graduate in reply to ktsok]

That makes me feel better, thank you! 👍🏻