I have no idea what happened this week. W8D1 run went well but had to switch to the treadmill for D2 due to the rain and slippery roads and whatnots. It felt weird running on a treadmill as I missed the open air and concrete challenge.
However, D3 was so anti-climatic. I found myself running out of breath (last I experienced this was Weeks 1 and 2). Here are my theories:
- Anxiety associated with W9 and it dawning on me that I am about to complete the program. I needed something to look ahead to so I can still keep running after I am done with C25K. Any pointers? I am not ready for the 10K, BTW. I want something not as strenuous but quite as challenging.
- State of my mind: I have been stressed lately and my mind has been such a henhouse with several thoughts circulating around me.
- Shoes: I am still using my old running shoes. Did not get a recent fitting from W4. I know, I know, but I think this is still negligible. My shoes have worked quite fine before W8D3.
- Terrain: I switched terrains. My feet rejoice over hard, concrete floors over tarred roads. And W8D3 had more of the latter than the former.
Because I didn't want to have a repeat of this for my W9 runs, I have taken four days off and hope to resume later tonight. Quitting is not an option - I never considered it. However, I want to finish strong!
Thanks in advance!
Written by
Mosibyl
Graduate
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Dare I say you might be analysing it all too much 😯
We all have ups and downs along the way.
We all have little things that seem to work for or work against us.
Hydration/fuel, sleep, kit, route, music, start time, number of rest days, mind they all play a part.
What works one day may not work on the next, but will be fine on the next.
It may help to keep a log of your runs to see what works for you. Focus on positives, not negatives 😉
I distantly recall a sports personality who confessed he really struggled when the pair of knickers he always had on under his kit finally fell apart. Others who will, or will not wear certain colours.
It can all get a little bit serious at the top!
Just put in a good tune, use a route you like and chill 👍
It is possible it was just a bad run, we get them from time to time no rhyme or reason, try not to fret about it, I’m sure your runs leading up to graduation will be great. Have a look here and see if any of these might be what you are looking for after graduation
You were right; It was a bad run! I have yet to have it happen again and I have had two runs and going on to my final one in the series. Thank you for the link!
Each run will always be different. It could be your mood, the amount of water you have consumed, the amount of food you have consumed, or simply the run you take, if it has changed! I have just downloaded an app for when I finish the programme, that will talk me through a 5k run, whilst I build up my strength and stamina!
Good luck! Hope you find your stride
I just run week 8 Day 2 and it was awful. I hated it! Felt like I was running through treacle. Day 1 was amazing, I felt so good.
Out Friday for Day 3... hope the love returns. Run 🏃♀️
Thank you all! I took a week break and have now completed my W9D2 run. I cannot wait to finish D3 tomorrow and move on to free runs. You have all been very helpful. I now know that some days, like runs, are holy and some are rough. The key is to keep moving.
My plan after graduating is to start again from the beginning but with the treadmill set to uphill. (It only has one hill setting). Also interested in increasing speed and distance gradually. Hoping gradient running might help with that.
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