What the heck is wrong with me?: So frustrated... - Couch to 5K

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What the heck is wrong with me?

Perygl profile image
PeryglGraduate
10 Replies

So frustrated! I had finished Week 8, was enjoying my 28-minute runs; then I took a week off to move, and now I can't quite hit even 20 minutes. I did W6R1 and W6R2, and am fighting to pull off W6R3, but just failed for the third time.

Differences: I'm on a home treadmill instead of a gym treadmill, and it's warmer in my apartment than it was in my old office gym. I can't think of anything else, though.

Why can't I do this anymore? Help! Advice gratefully accepted!

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Perygl profile image
Perygl
Graduate
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10 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Why are you stopping at 20 minutes?

Perygl profile image
PeryglGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

I can't even get to 20 minutes. I get too out of breath and tired. Tried going more slowly, but I'm already at my body's slowest comfortable jog. :(

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply toPerygl

Slow down more............yes, you can!!

Maybe there is more resistance on your dreadmill than the gym.

Maybe you have a different mindset in the gym with others around you.

Why not try outdoors...............I could never run for 28 minutes on a dreadmill...........I would die of boredom.

Runip profile image
RunipGraduate

Moving is tough, so you're probably tired both physically and mentally. I'm not an expert on treadmills and don't know accurate their speeds are, but could it be that you're unintentionally going a bit faster than you're used to? The heat definitely won't be helping, either.

Try to give yourself a break, and maybe just run at a slower speed without putting any time pressure on yourself.

You'll get there - if you can do 28 minutes, you can definitely do 30. Good luck!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Would you consider getting outside? Might be a nice way to get to know you're new neighborhood? Maybe it'll take that pressure off of watching the numbers tick over on the treadmill.

You're more than likely worn out too. Moving is the second most stressful thing you can do (only preceeded by divorce).

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Would you try running outside it so much more enjoyable . 😊

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

All of the above. Treadmills aren’t 100% accurate, so unless you’ve calibrated the one in the gym and the one at home there could be quite a discrepancy in terms of distance, and thus pace.

Perygl profile image
PeryglGraduate

Thanks, everyone! I'll slow it down as much as I possibly can... but there's no way I'm running outside until the heat and humidity fade into autumn. It's disgustingly moist out there. Ew. :)

So... frustrated... Okay, beer time then. :) Back on the horse tomorrow.

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

Just read a few of your back posts to see where you’ve moved. Sure enough, DC weather can be a stinker on the heat & humidity - I grew up there. The humidity especially will affect you for quite a while and might well explain your body’s complaints about running. Also, allow for the time zone shift. And the fatigue of moving. And adjusting to a completely new area & probably rhythm of life. And new food patterns. And ... etc. Cut yourself some slack and let things settle. Why not just do your 15 minutes on alternate days for a bit and then see if one day you feel like doing more? Things will adjust, and meanwhile you’ll maintain enough fitness not to worry. Good luck. And enjoy DC - aside from summer heat waves, it’s a fascinating city. 😄👍

Bello543 profile image
Bello543

In all fairness I've been running over 14km now.....for a whilst...however I did 7.5 km and 5k when it was hot and it was the hardest run I ever did. The climate will take a part to play. Try deep breathing whilst running through your nose if you feel stitches or out of breath. Treadmills will be hard because you will really struggle to control your pace pressing a button.

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