Seem to be stuck at 20 mins mark

[ScottJB]

Seem to be stuck at 20 mins mark and not sure if it’s physical or mind over matter.

After completing 20 mins continuous running in week 5 run 3 and actually enjoying it, I thought the only way is up.

Then the week 6 interval runs were fine.

But I was unable to complete the 25 mins continuous running in week 6 run 3. Had to walk around the 15 min mark, started running again but then had to walk the rest. Probably ran about 20 out of the 25.

Decided to move on to week 7 anyway as it’s all 25 mins runs and happy to stick to this week until I’m comfortable. But I’ve not managed the 25 after a further 2 attempts. Had to stop at 20 both times, first due to shin pain and then last night a stitch.

I think I pace myself pretty well so not sure slowing down is the answer. Pace is pretty consistent across each KM, around 6:30 which is conversational pace for me.

I’m still enjoying the runs, but it’s nagging me that seem to be stuck at the 20 mark. Is it in my prep or is slowing down the answer?

[Run_for_life Graduate]

That sounds like a fast pace, so slowing down would be the answer I imagine.

[ScottJB Graduate in reply to Run_for_life]

Yes possibly. But one thing I find is, during the run I’ll be thinking ‘let’s see how I feel at 20 mins’, so maybe I’m in the mindset of finding an excuse to stop. I’ll try slowing down tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks.

[Run_for_life Graduate in reply to ScottJB]

I find it’s better to focus on a distance to run, rather than time. Also, it’s better to set out with the intention of finishing. I mentally break runs down into sections, and aim just for the next point. I found when I first started running outside after a treadmill, that I often ran too fast. Pacing is important.

[Bookbizlady Graduate]

Maybe you need to drink more as stitch can indicate dehydration? I always work to as long as I don't stop it's fine, so rather than go from run to walk see if you can just slow right down but keep running. There will be a point you can achieve that. I also alway find the first 10-15 minutes the hardest. Have a strong talk with yourself when you feel you're going to stop. Tell yourself you can do it, it's only an extra few minutes, you will not stop etc and keep pushing. Suddenly you're over the hurdle ,into a good rhythm and you forget about the time altogether! Regards leg pain, do you have properly fitted running shoes!

[ScottJB Graduate in reply to Bookbizlady]

Thanks, I definitely need to tell myself I can do it, as find I’ll be telling myself let’s see how I feel at X point, so probably have that nagging doubt already about completing the run. Yes I have running shoes, I did that gait analysis on a treadmill. The pain is bearable but I don’t want to risk pushing it.

[Bookbizlady Graduate in reply to ScottJB]

Sounds like you're on the way to changing your mindset! By this point in the course you are definitely physically able to progress! Good luck!

[Beccym Graduate]

Slow your pace, at this stage it is about stamina. It does not matter if your not much faster than walking. If you can run 20 of course you can run 25.

Pace comes with time you will naturally speed up. I still have slower runs where I don't get round very fast.

[ScottJB Graduate in reply to Beccym]

Thanks. With my pace I don’t feel like I’m over doing it as feel I have more in the tank, it’s other niggly things getting in the way. But will definitely try slowing down to see the difference.

[Beccym Graduate in reply to ScottJB]

Don't listen to the gremlins. Maybe also mix up your route that may help.

[Sarigne Graduate]

I've had the onset of stitch a couple of times, and found that slowing down a bit as soon as I felt even the slightest twinge of stitch sorted it right out. At the time I was breathing fine, my legs were fine. I've also had to slow down as the runs got longer in order to finish them without wanting to collapse. At first I was a little disappointed that I had to do so (despite all the advice on the forums, I know), it seemed like I should be able to keep up the same pace... but so much of this is about building mental fitness and stamina, not just physical; perhaps it's better to slow down so your body finds it easier, and you can focus on finding the mental stamina for running for so long. If I find myself feeling, 'I don't know if I'm going to be able to finish this, the way I'm feeling', I slow down, long before I think I need to walk. Sometimes quite a lot. And lo and behold, I can finish. Way better to finish the run at a slower pace than to have to break into a walk. Part of the trick for me as well is to try to forget about the time and think about other things, and I had to slow down in order to not be concentrating on the running (and the way my legs feel, how much I'm sweating, etc).

Prep wise, make sure you're drinking enough the day before and the day of (and every day!) This has made a massive difference to me, the last couple of runs.

Are you clock watching, or just waiting for the trainer to tell you you've only got 5 minutes left on your run? Just wondering, since you said you tell yourself you'll see how you feel at 20 minutes.

[ScottJB Graduate in reply to Sarigne]

Thanks some great advice. Yes I am guilty of clock watching, I hold my phone in my hand so checking often rather than waiting for audio cues. Thinking of a getting a running belt to put the phone away.

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Sarigne]

hi Sarigne thats a useful post with some good advice that answers a few of my own run issues with similar issues I had today with week7run3, thanks😊

[mindscratch]

Just quit and buy a cake instead

[ArthurJG Graduate]

6:30 is faster than most people at that stage. I found I slowed down a lot around weeks 6/7, not by choice but just because it was the only way to finish. Be aware too that it’s possible to recover while still running if you slow down enough. Obviously better to do that BEFORE it starts to hurt

[ScottJB Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Thanks. Pace wise I feel like I’m going steady even though it appears fast. Consensus seems to be to slow down, so I’ll be giving that a go.

[notquiteretired Graduate]

hi ScottJB, I had similar problems running today and have found some of the advice you have had on here helpful so hope you get sorted aswell , thanks for posting , take care👍