Consolidation Collywobbles

[Greysixty]

I graduated last week without having to repeat too many runs but now I’m consolidating (3 runs so far) I seem to be having trouble even reaching 30 mins. Is it because I’m still running with the app and psycologically, when Laura tells me I only have 5 mins to go, I start winding down ? Or maybe I’m making it harder by running ‘cross country’ type runs in country parks etc and having to jump the odd fallen tree or do a lot of puddle avoidance? I’m not massively bothered about distance although I’m doing around the 4.4k mark but would like to break the 30 minute barrier without feeling that I’m dying. Any advice welcome.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Grass does sap energy a little more that road and trail... especially when it’s muddy... so if you’ve just switched over it will be tougher. Back off the pace a smidge and you should feel much better at the finish line. It will come, this is the exact point of consolidation... and your body is having a rest from the constant extending of the runs.

[Greysixty Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. That’s made me feel a little better. I was trudging through some quite long grass towards the end and that did really sap my energy.

[Cuig1975]

Definitely wet grass ain’t nice ..... slow a little and maybe music instead of Laura ....... I’m on my 11th parkrun since graduating and it’s the last few weeks I’ve felt like I wouldn’t need to stop ...... enjoying it now and remember a run is a run slow it and you’ll break that 30 mins

[Greysixty Graduate in reply to Cuig1975]

Thank you. That helps. Am thinking of doing my first park run this weekend. I know I won’t make it without stopping but hoping the group thing will be encouraging.

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Greysixty]

Don’t get carried away by the speedsters at parkrun Greysixty, so start near the back and keep to your own pace. No problem with doing the 5 min walk from the start. Enjoy. It’s my favourite run of the week. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

[Greysixty Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you. Don’t worry, I shall be RIGHT at the back.