First fail to finish..

[Runfati]

I graduated a couple of weeks ago and have been doing three 30 min runs a week. Today was the first time I’ve failed to keep going. I’ve stop-started for around fifteen minutes before finally giving up. I felt absolutely knackered within minutes - sweat pouring down my face and had no energy. I feel like I’ve taken a huge step backwards 😞

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Everyone has "Bad" runs and there is normally a reason. It doesn't mean you are going backwards.

Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

Do you intake 2.5-3 litres of fluids in the 24 hours before your run?

You might benefit from looking in on the Consolidation Club, for new graduates healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Absolutely not! You can't have lost any underlying fitness unless you last run was at least two weeks ago. Some runs are good, some not so much, it happens to all of us. Try to think what may have been different today to see if there are any lessons to be learned. Other than that, chalk it up to experience and move on.

Best of luck 👍

[Hidden]

We all have these runs and as disappointed as you'll feel, you always have the chance of another. Keep hydrated and keep steady. You've come so far already. I'd recommend mixing the runs up a bit.

[Runfati Graduate]

Thanks for the words of advice and encouragement guys! I will rest and see what happens with the next run 😊

[Roxdog Graduate]

You are not going backwards, you just weren't feeling it today. If it helps, I found some of my consolidation runs tough and felt like stopping after about 20 minutes a couple of times. It doesn't matter - perhaps vary your route, do something different, listen to something different or don't listen to anything. Mix it up a bit. You will be fine, it will all come together.

[Runfati Graduate]

Thanks Roxdog. I’ve always been able to get over the wanting to stop stage, but today I felt like a dog who didn’t want to walk! Fingers crossed for the next run!

[Frilly57 Graduate]

Dear fellow runner - have you tried creating a different route? I have one for my ‘bad’ days which is mostly downhill at first, then a hill in the middle, downhill almost all the way to the end, then a bit a climb to finish. I find it psychologically much easier to keep going with these breaks built in.