Struggling...mentally

[JJ-1962]

Hi, I’m back. I completed the programme Dec 18 and even started training for 10k. I then had an issue with my foot in Feb 19 that stopped me running (turns out 12months later it’s arthritis!) I also had an injury October (fell off bike), so my fitness disappeared.

I keep telling myself I can do this, especially as I’ve done it before, but I’m struggling more? I’ve just attempted the run 3 wk6 but had a blocker, I really struggled with the 20mins last week so the thought of 25 just killed my energy. I stopped my treadmill after 8mins

I don’t remember struggling quite like this last time. I know I’m a year older and about a stone heavier!

Anyway, unless you have any great ideas, I think I’ll take myself back a week and restart week 5.

Thanks for reading

(57yr old lady on a treadmill)

[Uphill-downhill Graduate]

Hi JJ you are not alone! I completed for the 1st time in December 17 and then again in 2019 when I was stopped by severe heel pain/ foot trouble for a number of months. I rejoined recently with W3 and am now on W8 and running for 30mins again, there is hope! I’ve found ‘muscle memory’ is very helpful and a comfort when my lungs were screaming, along with the knowledge that I’ve done it twice before..... so can do it again. The test for me will be keeping it going so pleased to see the consolidation threads this time. Keep going, I’ve also lost a stone + since New Year ~ a hard task for sure. Take care and keep going, 5-10 mins into a run always the worst then it does settle, thankfully 😀

[JJ-1962 Graduate in reply to Uphill-downhill]

Thank you, yes the first 5 mins are the worst, I’m going to go back to day 1 wk5 tomorrow, have the weekend and back Monday.

I won’t worry about my weight at the moment as no work even though “working from home”, I’m not gaining so that’s a positive. 👍🏻

[happysouls Graduate]

I've had long term hip pain that has restricted running for months. I've had physio and now back to normal. I think for me there was a barrier mentally because I felt I couldn't trust my body to be up to it. I had been taking it slowly and carefully for such a long time just so I could carry on running. I hadn't been pushing myself as I didn't dare and it had all felt like a bit of a slog. The physio exercises made a massive difference to my body strength and being checked over and discussing my concerns helped me get back to pushing myself more. I think this has given me the boost I needed and I've not been struggling quite as much.

It may not be like that for you, I just wondered if after your injuries it might be having an effect like it did for me. I hope you can get back the love of running that you had before! Good luck!

[JJ-1962 Graduate in reply to happysouls]

This sounds familiar, it’s definitely mentally affecting me, as my breathing is ok, and so far no pains...I also have hip pain (bursitis), hence treadmill as it’s a steady surface.

I need to feel ‘comfortable’ and last weeks 20 mins was tough, I’m sure tougher than last time?

So restart week 5 and take my time.

Thanks for replying

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All any of us can do after a break is to see what we can comfortably manage, then build from there.

After an injury it is wise to build up very gently.

I am sure I would be capable of running 5k tomorrow but I am redoing the plan from W1R1 after a knee injury to recondition my body to the impact and stresses of running.

We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.

What's the hurry?

[JJ-1962 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

What’s the hurry ...perfect answer. I think I just want to be able to just get in and jog for 30 mins.

Definitely restarting week 5 and hopefully in 6 days the 20 min run won’t be so tough. I know I can do it, but it needs to be a little more comfortable to progress further. Thanks