2 steps forward, 1 step back (at least!)

[Zedelle]

I am on W6R1 and some days I love how the run goes and can push myself even when it feels super hard. But, then I have days, like today, where I can barely run for a minute. I don't want to say its demotivating as I am determined to carry on but I just don't understand it. I spend the run wondering if its the time of day, wind, sun, heat, what I've eaten etc etc but surely it shouldn't matter having built up my stamina and fitness in line with the programme. I am sure some days should be harder than others but why on some days can I barely run at all?!

[Julia187 Graduate]

We all have good runs and bad runs, I wonder if perhaps you’re overthinking it? Do you have enough to distract you while you’re running? Music, podcasts etc? A change of route perhaps to give you new things to look at? Personally W6R1 was my worst run, I hated it but I persevered, got through it and moved on, it was definitely a mental thing as I knew I could do it.

[BBBeginner]

I feel exactly the same as you. I find when I have been at work all day then come home and run it’s a struggle. In comparison to a weekend where I have caught up on sleep and feeling more relaxed I can go for miles. I’ve just completed W6R1 after not exercising for 2 weeks and it seemed easier then all the other runs I’ve done before - it just doesn’t make sense! Good luck your doing so well don’t give up now x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

All the things you mentioned there do have an effect on the run, regardless of fitness. Are you tracking your runs? This could be a pacing issue, if you’ve run 20 minutes and then struggle with 1, I’d guess you’re running it too fast. Are you running at the recommended conversational pace... is there any difference in your hydration levels on the different runs?

Is it physically hard, with the legs complaining or is it difficult to breathe?

[Zedelle in reply to UnfitNoMore]

It is physically hard - an effort to take another step which then impacts on the breathing. Possibly because psychologically it feels like such an effort so I then struggle with the breathing. Its very frustrating and happens every now and again. Thinking about it, it is when I try and do my run in the morning. Is it possible then to overcome that to be able to run anytime of day as my goal is the park run which is at 9am!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Zedelle]

I run evenings by preference and afternoons until it’s light at 9pm, and I did struggle more on the morning runs when I tried them. I think that while I’m good on hydration I wasn’t used to taking on water after my normal run time and I was running just after the only time in a day that I’m thirsty... some adjustments to how late I stop the water seems to have helped, I had a great run on Saturday and again today. It’s a balance between great hydration and lack of sleep with toilet trips, but now they are less frequent.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Everything else going on in your life can impact your running. The top of my list of variables that need attention are restedness, hydration and nutrition...........if any of those are below par, then so will be your performance.

Sometimes it is possible to identify these things and either avoid them or alter expectations.

Sometimes it is just a mystery.

Enjoy your journey.

[Nannyto2 Graduate]

Totally understand this! I had runs where i felt i could just run and run and others where it just didn't feel right. My husband is an experienced runner and assures me it happens to everyone so don't worry. Just keep following the programme and take each run as a new run.

Just getting out is an achievement in itself so be proud of yourself 👍