Consider this post the 'Sunday papers'. It is rather long my friends ...

[Onewomanscrusade]

My 'bigger picture' plan when I started 5k, was to graduate the programme, do some Parkruns and join a running club. So 6 weeks ago today on my birthday, I very proudly graduated. With that goal achieved, I did my first Parkrun (which took me 50 mins, and I was the last of the runners, but I did it). Then at the end of September I joined a running club, at week 2 of their 9 week programme, which helped people run to 5k by the end of the programme. To my disappointment, I came last at that too, with people who had only started running the week before trotting quite happily (and quickly!) past me. Although everyone was really lovely at the club, by that point my confidence was very low, and I haven't been back since (I appreciate this is a bit about 'ego' but knowing that doesn't make it any less frustrating). Things were not turning out as my 'bigger picture' had predicted.

So this is where I am now. Thankfully, my fellow Runettes Jazzyrunner and ChoosingHappy have helped me keep sane and reading posts on this site have meant I haven't given up. I am back up to 3 runs a week and have dropped back down to week 7 of the c25k, running for 25 mins to keep me moving. But I really don't know where to go from here. I don't seem to get the joy from running that many others do although I'm happy that it's such a habit now, it would almost be weird not to do something (this have never happened before with anything exercise related, though with that said I do quite like walking). The things I am asking myself mostly are:

1. Why do I still find running sooo hard? Even after doing the programme for months, going super slow and graduating c25k?

2. Where my shin hits the front of my ankle, it can get very painful after around 10 mins, though sometimes I can (if i go even more slowly) get through it, but the pain isn't there when I don't run - what's going on?

3. Is it time to do things differently? e.g. run for bursts, followed by brisk walking, etc as it seems I'm not a fan of long runs?

If you have any words of wisdom, knowledge or ideas I am more than grateful to hear them. Many thanks Runners

[Lizzisforliving Graduate]

Dear Onewomancrusade

I don't have the answers to your 2nd and 3rd questions, but I do know that you're still a very new runner, and you're being terribly hard on yourself.

I've just posted about my C25K journey which I started around 2 years ago. It took me about 6 months to get to 5k, I too was last at my first parkrun, and for 18 months I was never sure I'd complete a distance when I went out. I often failed, or had to stop and start again. Very gradually I discovered that I could run a bit further (but never much faster), but I am still very slow.

Perhaps the running club was a step too far because they will tend to attract what I think of as 'real runners'. Can you go running with friends, or just go regularly to parkrun? Please don't be discouraged because you have already done incredibly well. And keep posting on here because there are some amazing folk here who will really help you.

Love Lizz xxx

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Lizzisforliving]

Hi Lizz. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know I can run slowly and get to the 30 mins, it just puts me off when I'm running, thinking 'when can I stop??' I don't go fast enough to get out of breath lol. Will have a read of your post. Tbf, If Iwasn't part of this forum I would have very likely given up by now x

[Sook2 Graduate]

When I first did c25k about 15 years ago I found that it took years to build a solid base to get faster. For now what you are doing is exactly right. Now you can begin to support the running habit by building enjoyable routines surrounding it. Finding likeminded people to have a regular trot and a natter with followed by a coffee is one great strategy. Also, I bet the run club people are a great and supportive crowd once you get to know them. Can you have a chat to whoever you contacted in the club?

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Sook2]

Building positive routines around the running sounds like a good idea. I hate doing the stretches after running but find if I make myself a cup of tea to have when I've finished the stretches, I don't mind doing it half as much lol. I was hoping to meet someone who ran at my pace at the running club but tbf I gave up before I had much of a chance to meet anyone! I'll have a think what I can do to make it more enjoyable. Thanks Sook2

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Do you like running by yourself I know I do and always have done except when I go to parkrun.

So some ideas.....

Go back to parkrun when you can and just enjoy the fact you can run.

Download a new music playlist and change it often .

What about some new routes, this is my favourite.

I used this .

plotaroute.com/routeplanner

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I do like running by myself, as I enjoy looking at what is going on around me and I'm not under pressure to go any faster lol. Jazzyrunner has introduced me to the 'lonely goats' runners so maybe I need to look at that in more depth. Perhaps I need to be a bit more patient too. Thanks Buddy34

[Elfe5 Graduate]

First ... you are doing brilliantly- please don’t lose sight of that. 😄

Second... could you think about what makes you enjoy a run the most? - Then do those things. 🤗 Sometimes our running journey does not take the path we originally anticipated, ( mine certainly hasn’t).

(To make sure I enjoy my running, I vary my routes, listen to favourite music or spoken word - bbc Radio 4 podcasts are great- & I mostly go alone because I can suit myself without any pressure).

Third- could you give yourself a break from thinking about how fast you are going for a few months?

(I suspect that I will always be slow and I am determined to be happy in my running and not let my pace spoil it - because the benefits are SO great! )

Good luck! Don’t forget that we are here to cheer you on! 😄

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thanks Elfe5. 'Second... could you think about what makes you enjoy a run the most?' - now that's an interesting idea. I don't think I've actually ever considered that before! Just, 'I'm doing a running programme to get healthier'. I'll certainly be spending time working that out lol.

I do vary my listening ranging from a playlist, podcasts and the radio. Sometimes I just run with the occasional chip-ins from Laura telling me how long I've gone for, which can also be quite nice.

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

That’s great, 😄 Enjoy your running adventure! 😄

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

You’ve had some brilliant answers on here. I really feel you are so hard on yourself! We’re SUCH new runners. I think it seems like you get down on yourself for being slow - but speed matters NOT AT ALL! I think you need to focus on the fact that you are getting out there, you’re a runner, you are doing JUST BRILLIANT. As well as being a constant source of encouragement for me 😘

As far as the pain goes, I’m no expert. But my foot pain sometimes is around there, and I was told tight foot tendons, which you can ease by applying heat ten minutes twice a day, then gently stretching - I’m sure you can find exercises on the internet - too hard to explain in words! But be gentle if you do this, and stop if it hurts.

Just remember, you’re doing great. Forget speed. It’s irrelevant. Even top runners do the main part of their training at a slooow pace 👍🏻

Keep posting, we have lots of people on here who can help us!

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Thanks JR. It seems a couple of posters think I'm being too hard on myself - I didn't actually think I was but maybe that's why I don't realise I'm being hard on myself lol. It's useful to have this pointed out to me, by people being kind and making the effort to post. I'll consider this in my next meditation. Will also try and help my poor, achy ankle out!

[Sp81 Graduate]

I have joined the lonely goats group on Strava as I like to run on my own or with my dog, I have tried running with friends or a group but it’s just not my thing ( took a while to realise). Being a lonely goat means I’m still part of a club a little like the lovely supportive vrb’s here. I do parkrun but agree with friends we’ll meet at the end. Sometimes I’m ahead sometimes I’m way way way behind. I run for me, for my mental health and to fit in the smaller end of my wardrobe. Not forgetting cake 🧁 I run for cake 🍰 and I love that I can exercise my dog which helps greatly with her behaviour.

You are winning every time you leave your house, do it for you and only you. Try music, podcasts or metronome.

Also I’ve found compression socks have helped when ankles feel a little weak .

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Sp81]

Glad to know I'm in good company enjoying running on my own lol. I've got the Strava app I just don't know how it works. And exercising for cake sounds like an excellent idea! Thanks for replying Sp81

[Sp81 Graduate in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

Who doesn’t love cake. Guilt free cake just tastes better in my opinion.

Happy to help with Strava questions anytime, although still learning new things each run myself x

Go out there for your next run at whatever speed, whatever distance, whatever time. Run for you and maybe a teeny tiny cake at the end 🤪

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Sp81]

Is there such a thing as a teeny, tiny cake?? haha

[Sp81 Graduate in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

🤪🤩

[Smelliepoo Graduate in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

There is! Have you ever tried nakd bars? They have banoffee pie and blueberry muffin bars that actually taste like them with the added benefit that they are only made out of fruit, nuts and natural flavourings! Not only that but they can also help with your... Umm... Movements! (see my name!!)

Cake is great, I do love cake, but it is even better when it is actually good for you too!

[ChoosingHappy Graduate]

So great to see so many helpful suggestions for you here OWC, I hope they help. And I concur, you are doing amazingly well and also why does it matter what speed we are running? I certainly don't feel like I run anywhere close to "fast", I'm sure my brisk walk is still faster than my "running"! 😂 but my goal is to keep running for at least 30 mins. That's it. A few months ago none of us thought we'd be here and look, graduate badges and everything!!

Baby we were boooorn to ruuuuuunn 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😃

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to ChoosingHappy]

🙌🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🎸🎶

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to ChoosingHappy]

Haha very true CH! I've possibly become a bit fixated on the speed part of things. I'm going to put everyone's suggestions in one place and work things out. I mean, I did my run along a beach today and even that didn't cause me that much trouble! Maybe less 'Road to Hell' and more 'Keep on Running'

[Getfitok Graduate]

No matter how fast we run, there will be someone who runs faster 😂👣👣👣

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Getfitok]

Haha that is true! Just as there will always be someone slower (hopefully lol)

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Hey Onewomancrusade! 👋🏽👋🏽! You know you have posted what so many of us feel from time to time, even after graduation. I know I certainly have.

I think too often we add layers of expectations to what we’re doing. Whether we’re running the right way or improving on distance and time. I can assure you it really doesn’t matter. Whenever we get out there and however we do when we are out there, we are so much better than the day before. Run non stop or run..stop...run. It all counts and it’s all good. Run free, I say. Experiment while you run and check in with yourself. Just go with how YOU feel. Allowing yourself to be a running rebel is very liberating and most of all fun! 😉 Just be wonderfully you!😁 ❤️

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks for that lovely reply Fabulous450 . Running rebel sounds very appealing lol.

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

Go for it! 😉! You’re out running and that’s already more than enough!! ✅ ❤️

[Runningmummyy Graduate]

I ran before I had children and I enjoyed the fact I ran but I actually hated running and I even did a marathon and hated most of it but I kept running for fitness and the sense of achievement.

Then I had my girls and didn’t go back to running until now (they are 5 months and 2 years old) and I’ve just finished the couch to 5k and now I actually love running! And I think the reason is that my whole attitude to running has changed. Instead of running to achieve something I run for me. I spend all day with my girls which I love but it’s of course very noisy and hectic and my runs are now my ‘me’ time. When my husband comes home I put my trainers on and I go out and listen to a podcast or music and just enjoy the alone time.

It’s such a great time to think without distractions! So I would say try to forget the actual running and just enjoy the time to yourself, your thoughts or music/podcast, forget about your pace and your time and just plod along. You have done so well to get out there and do it so don’t give up!!

Oh and with regards to the shin pain, make sure you have some good cushioned running shoes. And yes I would try mix up the running a bit, go for one slower run and then do some intervals or hill runs maybe shorter total duration but it will be more effort. Anything that gets you enjoying it really!

Good luck!

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Runningmummyy]

Thanks for finding the time to answer Runningmummyy ! Hopefully your little ones are tucked up in bed snoozing peacefully. Yours and other kind posters keep pointing to why running is good or important to them. It seems a lot bigger than simply putting 1 foot in front of the other. Hope you continue to enjoy your this-time-round running experience. Maybe your girls will be your running partners one day!